Most of us have heard of dermatitis. What is dermatitis? The word dermatitis means inflammation of the skin. Contact Dermatitis just means that the dermatitis is a reaction to something, some irritant that comes in direct contact with the skin. There are many different types of dermatitis. Eczema is a form of dermatitis. Dermatitis is a form of allergy or allergic reaction that occurs on the skin. Contact dermatitis is usually found on the face, neck, backs of hands, forearms, male genetalia and lower legs. Symptoms of dermatitis include:

-redness

-swelling of the skin

-skin rash

-itching, or burning of the skin

-tiny blisters that leak clear fluid

-the skin may leak fluid, itch, crust up and become scaly.

Dermatitis occurs when an allergic reaction occurs on the skin itself, caused by some irritant. The rash caused by poison ivy or poison oak is an example of an allergic reaction of the skin, or dermatitis, reaction to the poison oils in those plants. Other examples of allergic contact dermatitis include nickel, a metal used in jewelry, perfumes, soaps, detergents, shampoos, cosmetics.

It can take up to 48 hours after you have been exposed for dermatitis to develop. Over the counter antihistamines or hydrocortisone creams can be used to treat dermatitis. Follow the directions carefully. If the rash is not better within the specified time, see a doctor.

There is a distinct difference between allergic contact dermatitis (which was discussed above), and irritant contact dermatitis. Irritant contact dermatitis causes an itcy, red rash that results from direct contact with certain chemicals or other such substances. Irritant contact dermatitis is NOT caused by an allergy. Allergic contact dermatitis IS caused by an allergy. The two types of dermatitis are distinguishable in looks and characteristics. Irritant contact dermatitis has indistinct borders and scaly looking rash. It often occurs on the hands because the hands are what most often comes in contact with the chemical or substance. Allergic contact dermatitis usually has a distinct border and oozing blisters. Irritant contact dermatitis usually occurs after prolonged and repeated exposure to the irritant chemical. Chemical and industrial solutions are often the culprit. For some people the problem gets so bad that they have to change jobs.

Treatment includes:

-No scratching! Scratching, of course will only make the dermatitis worse.

-Keep the skin moist.

-over-the-counter or prescription corticosteroid creams (use as directed, see a doctor if rash gets worse or doesn't get better)

-oral antihistamines as prescribed, which helps the itching.

-cool compresses applied for one hour, three times a day will help relieve itching.

Complications of dermatitis include secondary bacterial infections. If blisters, rash and redness get worse or a fever develops, see your doctor. You may have a secondary bacterial infection which requires oral antibiotics.

Prevention includes common sense: avoiding contact with allergic and irritant causes and culprits. Some ways to help when you have a rash include:

-keep your fingernails short, and don't scratch!

Put mittens or socks on the hands of small children at night who may scratch.

-use gentle soaps and rinse well

-use warm water not hot water.

-use your hands not a washcloth to wash yourself.

-use a hypoallergenic skin moisturizer to keep skin moist.

-wear loose fitting clothing in cool, breathable fabrics like cotton.

-switch to mild or hypoallergenic everything.

-wash new clothing before wearing them

-rinse your body after swimming in pools with chlorine

-use sunscreen, avoid too much sun

-avoid sudden temperature changes