What is Dermatitis?

Dermatitis is a kind of blanket term meaning any “inflammation of the skin” (e.g. rashes, etc.). There are several different types of Dermatitis. The different kinds usually have in common an allergic reaction to specific allergens. The term may be used to refer to Eczema, which is also known as Dermatitis Eczema or Eczematous Dermatitis. A diagnosis of Eczema often implies Childhood or Atopic Dermatitis, but without proper context, it means nothing more than a “rash.”

Types of Dermatitis:

Spongiotic Dermatitis:

This pattern of skin reaction includes many other subtypes – irritant dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, thermal induced dermatitis, and drug induced dermatitis.

Childhood Eczema:

Also known as Atopic Dermatitis, or Atopic Eczema. This can be immunologic mediated dermatitis. In dogs, it is frequently associated with airborn allergen or food allergen. In humans, it can be associated with food allergy. However, most cases of human atopic dermatitis does not have an associated allergy. It is believed that the human skin is lacking in a protective lipid agent, making the skin itchy and prone to scratching.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis:

Contact dermatitis can be due to external compounds, preservatives, fragrances, or plants. A classical case is poison ivy dermatitis (Rhus dermatitis). Patch testing can be performed with a number of allergen (example, the TRUE TEST patch test, which has 29 allergens).

Seborrhoeic Dermatitis:

A known form of dandruff. A rash of the scalp, face, and occasionally chest and groin. It is associated with a common yeast, Pityrosporum. It is treated with either an antiinflammatory or an antifungal agent, or both.

Psoriasis:

Psoriasis or psoriatic dermatitis is a pattern of dermatitis with distinct relationship to a defined entity, psoriasis. It can be familial, and is associated with arthritis.

Dyshidrotic Dermatitis:

Also known as Pompholyx. It is a pattern of Spongiotic Dermatitis presenting as small fluid filled or pus filled bumps on the hands and feet. The cause is unknown, but it has been highly associated with contact dermatitis (see Allergic Contact Dermatitis). Some cases are due to a food intolerance to nickel.

Urticaria:

Also known as hives and is a pattern of allergic dermatitis characterized by transient wheals or welts. The definition require that the lesions shifts, moves, or changes within 24 hours. They should not remain static, or the diagnosis of urticaria cannot be rendered.

Vesicular or Bullous Dermatitis:

This can be caused by drug reaction, or auto immune diseases. Examples includes Steven Johnson Syndrome, bullous erythema multiforme, bullous pemphigoid, and pemphigus vulgaris. Athlete foot fungus can also cause bullous dermatitis of the foot.

Papular Urticaria:

A pattern of Dermatitis often presenting after insect bite reactions. Flea bite dermatitis are often grouped around the ankles in a walking adult. In a crawling infant, it can be anywhere on the body.

As with all health conditions, make sure to talk to your doctor or health care for professional help.