One skin disease that knows no age is dermatitis. This skin disease can occur in infants, children, adults and the elderly. In addition, this skin disease can attack many areas of our body’s skin. Of course it can make it uncomfortable in daily activities! That’s the reason why we should prevent and overcome it immediately. Let’s get to know the conditions, symptoms, and types of dermatitis, Sereni-Trees!
Why do we get dermatitis?
This skin disease is generally an allergic reaction with symptoms such as dry, itchy, swollen skin and a rash. It’s not too dangerous, but it can definitely make us uncomfortable! This can happen due to several factors, including genetics. A person will be more prone to dermatitis if they have sensitive skin and their family members have the same condition.
Not only genetic, dermatitis can occur when there is an immune response to certain substances or materials (allergies). If our body is exposed to allergens (each person has different allergens), then our immune system will overreact. This is what can cause atopic dermatitis.
The last and most common is exposure to free radicals and environmental conditions. Dermatitis can occur when we are exposed to extreme weather, pollution, animal hair, cigarette smoke, or harsh chemicals such as detergents. Therefore, it is important that we protect ourselves from such exposure. For example, we can use hand protection when we are exposed to harsh chemicals.
Sereni-Trees must first understand what can cause this disease condition and then we can overcome it with the right solution. To be more effective, we recommend consulting a doctor!
4 Types of Dermatitis and Their Symptoms
There are many types of dermatitis skin conditions, but we will discuss the 4 most common types. Here are the types and their symptoms:
- Atopic dermatitis or eczema
You must have heard of eczema! This condition is characterised by symptoms such as persistent itching and red rashes on the skin. Areas that are usually affected can be skin folds, such as the elbows, back of the knees, and the front of the neck. If this happens, we must treat it immediately because if rubbed or scratched, the rash can ooze and harden!
Contributing factors: Use of unsuitable soap/hard chemicals, exposure to detergents, stress, extreme cold and humid air.
- Contact dermatitis
Symptoms of this type can include a red, itchy rash after exposure to an allergen. This rash is also usually accompanied by a warm/hot feeling until it blisters.
Contributing factors: Contact with allergens such as soaps, detergents, jewellery, plants, perfumes, etc.
- Seborrhoeic dermatitis
This dermatitis is particularly susceptible to people with oily skin types. Symptoms include peeling, scaling, redness and persistent dandruff. The main target skin areas are usually those with large oil glands, such as the scalp, face, around the ears and chest.
When it occurs in infants, we know it as cradle cap (yellowish crusts on the scalp), while in adults, it is often dandruff and yellowish crusts that can spread to the face (especially worse when stressed).
Contributing factors: Excess oil production, stress, hormonal changes, genetics, fungal infections, and environmental factors.
- Stasis dermatitis
This disease will generally affect people who are older or with blood circulation problems. Poor blood flow often occurs in the legs, which is why this dermatitis condition is more common in the legs. Symptoms may include rash, swelling, dry/scaly skin, ulceration, itching, skin discolouration, and heaviness in the legs.
Contributing factors: Blood circulation problems (especially veins), weakened venous valves (medical conditions or old age), and fluid build-up in the legs.
It’s very different even though it’s the same dermatitis. This is why Serenitree recommends professional diagnosis in order to find the most efficient solution. Let’s read more about how to prevent and treat it as early as possible!
Serenitree’s Prevention and Coping Tips
Dermatitis is not contagious! So, no need to worry, the right way to deal with it is to look at the causative factors. For example:
- Avoid exposure to allergens
If you are allergic to a substance, keep away from it. That way, we can avoid and manage the condition of contact dermatitis. As the name implies, avoid “contact” with the allergen.
- Use Serenitree body lotion (natural, no harsh chemicals)
One way to reduce the inflammation, irritation and itchiness from the effects of dermatitis is to use Serenitree’s calming body lotion. Essentially, we should choose a moisturising product that is free of harsh chemicals and full of natural moisturising ingredients such as shea butter and olive oil.
- Choose Serenitree body wash
Just like moisturiser, you need to choose a soap product that doesn’t irritate your skin and is gentle. This way, you can effectively keep your skin clean while nourishing it. Remember, skin hygiene is essential for the prevention and healing process of all diseases!
- Consumption or use of medication (on doctor’s instructions)
If the symptoms of dermatitis are severe, you should immediately see a doctor, Sereni-Trees! Usually, depending on the symptoms, the drugs given are: corticosteroid ointments (such as betamethasone or hydrocortisone), anti-inflammatory drugs (to be applied topically, such as pimecrolimus or tacrolimus), antibiotics (consumption), antihistamine tablets (consumption), and immunosuppressants (such as methotrexate or azathioprine).
- Not scratching when itching symptoms occur
Last but not least, avoid scratching even if it feels very itchy! Scratching the rash can lead to various complications such as infection, skin damage and further inflammation.
Actually, we can prevent and treat dermatitis in other ways as well such as managing stress levels, avoiding hot baths/showers for too long, and a balanced diet. However, for faster resolution, you should consult a doctor! Again, each skin has different conditions, different allergens. Automatically, the treatment will also be different!