More information about Dermatitis

Dermatitis is a common skin condition that can occur in many different forms and levels of intensity. Anyone can get dermatitis skin irritations, regardless of age or race. While most dermatitis conditions are not a cause for concern and can be treated with topical ointments and creams, certain skin abnormalities and conditions should be examined by a dermatologist.

Dermatitis symptoms often involve: 

• Itchy skin
• Fluid-filled blisters
• Thickening or hardening of the skin
• Dry skin
• Rashes
• Swollen Skin
• Reddened Skin
  

Our team at Skincredible Dermatology can help identify and treat any type of dermatitis. We will determine the best course of action to correct and heal issues related to skin irritations. 

Dermatitis Treatment

Diagnosis

Dermatitis is a generic term indicating a rash on the skin. The cause can be difficult to diagnose because its symptoms are all similar even though the cause is not. If left undiagnosed and untreated, dermatitis can worsen. The earlier a diagnosis is confirmed, the sooner treatment can be started and the better the chances are of relieving symptoms and preventing further damage to the skin.

Our providers are experts at diagnosing the cause of your dermatitis. We analyze all the symptoms and may even remove small piece of the affected skin tissue (skin biopsy) for study in a lab.

Patch Testing

In some situations, specialists will administer patch testing to determine whether the skin irritation is an allergic reaction to something that may have been in contact with the skin. Patch testing consists of a small amount of the potential allergen placed on the skin. After two days, a provider will check the test site for any reactions such as swelling, dry skin, or rash. The goal of patch testing is to identify any allergens that can cause a rash when coming in contact with the skin.

Treatment

Depending on the cause and symptoms, dermatitis treatment may differ for every patient. Sometimes, treatment may be as simple as using a moisturizer, ointment, cream, or other tropical application. Other times, wet wrap therapy and other self-care measures might help. In severe cases, oral medication might be prescribed as the best treatment option. Often, multiple different treatments are combined to help alleviate symptoms.

Dermatitis treatment generally includes one or more of the following:

Topical Steroid

A topical steroid is a medicine that treats eczema and dermatitis, as well as other skin diseases. Topical steroids are also known as topical corticosteroids, glucocorticoids, and cortisone. They are available as creams, lotions, ointments, and gels.

Topical steroids are usually applied to the skin once or twice a day. They have immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and vasoconstrictive properties which make them helpful in treating eczema and allergic contact dermatitis.

Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors

Topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) are a type of immunomodulator that work by changing the immune system. They have been utilized to treat atopic eczema. Tacrolimus ointment (Protopic) and pimecrolimus cream (Elidel) are the two eczema medications available to treat moderate to severe eczema or atopic dermatitis.

The use of TCIs is indicated for the management of atopic dermatitis in adults and children aged 2 years or older who are not responding adequately to or cannot tolerate traditional therapy including topical steroids.

Oral Corticosteroids

Oral corticosteroids are frequently given in treating severe dermatitis since they are highly effective in soothing inflamed skin. Oral steroids, also known as immunosuppressants, are a class of drug that helps to reduce skin flare-ups and relieve your discomfort quickly.

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