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What Is Dermatitis?
Dermatitis is a broad term that means inflammation of the skin. It shows in the skin as a red and itchy rash. In general, dermatitis is caused by an allergic reaction to something eaten or something touched. Dermatitis can be painful and can include blisters on the skin. The skin may be dry and flaky as well.
What Causes Dermatitis?
Dermatitis is usually caused by direct contact with an irritating substance or an allergic reaction to something eaten. Some people develop a rash when they eat strawberries, for example. Once the strawberries are “out of the system,” the rash goes away. Others may develop a rash when switching to a different laundry detergent when they wear clothes that were washed in that detergent, they break out in a rash. Likewise, many people react to animal dander, such as in cats or dogs.
How Do You Know If You Have Dermatitis?
A red, itchy rash, which may be dry and flaking, and may contain blisters, would be dermatitis. There are many types of dermatitis, and it could be eczema or any number of other possibilities, including a fungal infection. The only way to know for certain is to visit with a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis. Finding the underlying reason for the dermatitis is the most important step, as it leads to the choice of the right treatment.
If, at any time, a rash is accompanied by difficulty breathing and/or swelling of the lips or tongue, it’s important to get to an emergency room immediately, as this can be a life-threatening situation.
How Do We Treat Dermatitis?
Our Boca Raton dermatologists, Drs. De Araujo and Schwedelson will carefully evaluate your skin and make the best treatment recommendation based on the severity, extent and location of the dermatitis. Treatment options include various creams, oral medications, wet dressings, immunosuppressive treatments, light therapy or even hospitalization if the dermatitis is extreme. It may be necessary to take oral medications such as antihistamines to help with the itching and steroids to reduce the inflammation. Your doctor will also discuss cleansing and moisturizing with you to be certain you don’t exacerbate the problem with products that are not appropriate for dermatitis. If there is a suspicion that allergies may be either a cause or a contributing factor, your doctor will recommend an allergist for you, if you don’t already have one.
Is Dermatitis Contagious?
“Garden variety” dermatitis is generally not contagious if caused by poison ivy, poison sumac or other similar plant life. It can be contagious from a pet to a human if the cause of the dermatitis is a fungal infection. You can get poison ivy if your pet has been playing or rolling in it in the yard, and then you pet him.
It’s important to treat any skin condition as soon as possible, to prevent spreading onto other parts of your body and to avoid the need for more powerful medications once spreading has occurred. Please call our office immediately upon noticing a rash so that we can treat you and get you feeling better as soon as possible.
How Do You Know If You Have Dermatitis?