Allergy Dermatitis – Inflammation of the Skin

A common condition that is not contagious and life-threatening but makes you feel not comfortable and self-conscious, allergy dermatitis is a general term describing different disorders wherein the skin becomes inflamed due to an allergic reaction or direct contact with a substance that is irritating.

Allergy Dermatitis – Different Types

There are various types of allergy dermatitis. Some types affect only certain parts of the body, while others occur in any body parts. Some have known causes, while others do not. Generally, these types of allergy dermatitis have similar allergic reaction to certain allergens and are classified based to the cause of the condition. Included in these types are the following – contact dermatitis, caused by an irritating substance or allergen; atopic dermatitis, very common in various parts of the globe; dermatitis herpetiformis , occurs as a result of a gastrointestinal condition called celiac disease; and seborrheic dermatitis, very prevalent in infants and those with ages between 30 and 70 years old. Also included are nummular dermatitis, with unknown cause and less common type; stasis dermatitis, occurs in individuals with varicose; and perioral dermatitis, somewhat the same to rosacea.

Dermatitis Symptoms and Signs

With different forms of the condition, dermatitis symptoms also vary, ranging from rashes in the skin to bumpy rashes and blisters. Additionally, the area of the skin where the symptoms occur tends to be not similar with every type of dermatitis. Although dermatitis symptoms are different for each type, there are specific signs that are common for all. These include swelling, redness and itching of the skin as well as skin lesions and scarring and oozing. For contact dermatitis, symptoms occur at the specific part of the skin contacted with the allergen and are restricted to one area, usually the ankle, thigh, forearm, wrist or neck. For atopic, they appear at the hands, face, wrist, back of knees and fold of arms. Aside from itching, symptoms for dermatitis herpetiformis include a burning sensation and stinging and the presence of vesicles and papules. For seborrheic dermatitis, symptoms include dandruff to loss of hair.

Dermatitis Causes – Based on Particular Factors

Several irritants, genetic factors, allergies and health conditions can be responsible for dermatitis causes. There are a number of types of dermatitis that are recognized according to the specific factor that initiates the skin reaction. Cleaning products like bleach, laundry soap, detergents and skin soaps are claimed to cause contact dermatitis. This type of dermatitis is also claimed to be caused by prolonged exposure to following allergens: weeds, fragrances and perfume, cosmetics, jewelry, nickel and rubber. On one hand, psoriasis, eczema, chronic irritation and dry skin may cause neurodermatitis. While seborrheic dermatitis is caused by neurological conditions, travelling and physical stress; the cause of atopic dermatitis is unknown. Another type of dermatitis, the herpetiformis, is caused by celiac disease.