Dermatitis is a chronic disease that has several types of reactions. Allergic reactions are one of the possible manifestations of eczema.
Dermatitis (AD) is a disease caused by inflammation of the skin. Unfortunately, the lesion is chronic and can cause itching, redness, and sometimes blisters or even peeling.
These symptoms can appear anywhere on the body, so it’s good to be aware. All of this occurs because there is an imbalance in the patient’s immune system. There is no exact age for its appearance and, in addition, it can be a consequence of an allergic reaction, or even poor circulation.
What is dermatitis?
Dermatitis, or eczema, is a chronic skin lesion. Furthermore, it is common for skin irritation to appear, for example, in babies due to contact with the diaper.
This disease is not contagious. Above all, its appearance may generate some rejection in other people, or in the patient himself, but there is no risk of contamination. This type of revulsion is a simple matter of misinformation.
Other common characteristics of dermatitis are peeling of the skin, and exudation or fluid that appears in the wound. In some cases, due to the friction generated by itching, there may be swelling. As incredible as it may seem, the disease is more common in children than in adults.
Types of dermatitis
At first, the disease presents variations, depending on the stage of inflammation. The types of dermatitis are:
Contact dermatitis
Contact eczema, as we can say, appears when we come into contact with some type of reagent that can cause allergic irritation. Surface substances that come into contact with the skin cause all the standard symptoms mentioned above. The two types are:
Irritative
It is caused by contact with an acid, such as soaps, detergents or any substance that fits these alkaline characteristics. This type can present instantaneous symptoms, but they can also take some time to appear.
Allergic
The allergic type is more related to how the patient’s body reacts to daily contact with some type of product. And, unlike irritation, it can appear in other places on the skin where contact has occurred.
A curiosity regarding this subitem is that, sometimes, the reaction only occurs with exposure to sunlight. Some substances manifest after these conditions.
Atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis has a grayish color as its distinguishing characteristic. Itching comes from bacteria that settle on the skin and this can even cause peeling. The most common places for it to appear are in the folds of the knees, elbows and on the face, especially in children.
Important information regarding this eczema is that, although the origin is not known, it may be associated with heredity. In other words, genetics is a crucial factor in the onset of the disease.
Seborrheic dermatitis
The scalp is the main region to be affected by seborrhea. The irritation is associated with oiliness, therefore, despite the predominance on the scalp, it can appear in the corners of the nose, or on the eyelids.
Peeling is also part of this dermatitis. In men, it can even show signs of appearing in the beard. The factors that enhance it are: stress, anxiety, nervousness.
Dermatite ocre
When vein valves don’t work as they should, chronic dermatitis usually shows signs. The first symptom is purple in the region and is very common in people with varicose veins. Ultimately, this problem is called venous insufficiency.
Dermatitis herpetiformis
In principle, gluten is the main enemy of hypertiforme eczema. The allergic reaction arises due to intolerance, because it is an autoimmune case. In other words, the body understands that, with the threat, it must attack before being attacked. This is just one of the 80 types of diseases that exist with this principle.
Exfoliative dermatitis
In principle, this is one of the most serious dermatitis, as it affects a wide part of the body. Therefore, scaling and redness predominate in parts such as the arms, legs, chest, among other places. However, do not underestimate it, its reaction is strong and may require hospitalization.
Treatments
Unfortunately, the treatments offered are only to alleviate symptoms and bring a little more quality of life to the patient. In principle, the first step is to see a doctor, because this disease requires monitoring.
It is good, for example, to work with a professional to try to map, above all, the things that cause allergic reactions. Once identified, it will be easier to avoid a crisis. When controlled, it is therefore possible to research and try products that will prevent their appearance.
In specific cases, such as ocher dermatitis, the best way is to use compression stockings. The pressure formed in the legs helps the veins to carry blood back to the heart. This movement relieves, above all, the symptoms of dermatitis.
Finally, for more information, read What does that itchy palm really mean?
Sources: Secad, Drauzio Varella, Cruz Azul, Tua Saúde, Find it on SBD, MSD Manual, Vuelo Pharma, Pharmacy Guide,
Image sources: Pharmacy Guide, Pharmacy Guide 2, Secad, Panorama Farmacêutico, Nicolle de Luca, Drauzio Varella, MSD Manual, Veja, Air Care, Mota Dermatologia
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