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Dermatitis |
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RELATED PAGES Dermatitis literally means 'inflammation of the skin'. It is the final result of a complex series of internal reactions to exposure to allergens and irritants in susceptible individuals. It often accompanies other allergic diseases such as hay fever and asthma, but may also occur alone.
The rash is often very itchy, peeling, thickened, sometimes weepy area, typically noted in the creases of joints and about the trunk. It may fluctuate both seasonally and over the course of the day. Scratching may lead to bleeding and infection. Blood tests reveal increased levels of cells and chemicals associated with allergic reactions in general. A variation of dermatitis occurs on the palms of the hands, and sometimes on the soles of the feet. This type may be quite frustrating, since the common exposure to moisture, irritants, and injury of these locations leads to self-perpetuation of the disease. Furthermore the thickness of the skin in these regions makes topical therapy more difficult. Infants and children are often affected, though the disease often diminishes in intensity into adulthood. The rashes of poison ivy and other poisonous plants are similar to eczema, but of course are short lived and limited to the areas of contact. "Contact Dermatitis" refers to the eczema-like rash occurring from touching a substance to which the patient is allergic. Common items include industrial solvents, dyes, nickel and other metals, leather tanning chemicals, and some soaps. Some patients find that factors such as psychological stress, mechanical irritation, and heat worsen the rash. Dietary factors are known and accepted to be important especially in children (milk and dairy foods being the most common).
Once avoidance of the above factors is carried out, conventional medical treatment is aimed at alleviating the symptoms - reducing dryness, itching and inflammation. Steroid or cortisone creams are commonly prescribed but these can be absorbed into the blood through the abnormal skin, resulting in side effects to the internal organs. Oral anti-itching drugs such as hydroxyzine, diphenhydramine, and other antihistamines are also often used but these too have potential side effects.
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