Dermatitis: what it is and different types (with photos)

Dermatitis is a skin reaction that can be caused by different factors, which can cause symptoms such as redness, itching, peeling and formation of small bubbles filled with transparent liquid, which can appear in different areas of the body.

Dermatitis can occur at any age, even in babies, mainly due to allergy or diaper contact with the skin, and can be caused by contact with any substance that causes allergy, side effects of any medication, poor blood circulation or very dry skin., for example.

Dermatitis is not contagious and its treatment depends on the type and cause, and can be done with medicines or creams prescribed by the dermatologist.

Main types of dermatitis

The main types of dermatitis can be identified according to their symptoms or causes, and can be divided into:

1. Atopic dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a type of chronic skin dermatitis characterized by the appearance of red and / or grayish lesions, which cause itching and sometimes flaking, especially in skin folds, such as behind the knees, groins and folds of the arms, being very common in children.

It is not yet known for sure what are the causes of atopic dermatitis, but it is known that it is a hereditary disease related to the immune response. See more about atopic dermatitis.

How to treat: Normally, the symptoms of atopic dermatitis can be controlled with creams or ointments with corticosteroids, after well hydrating the skin of the entire body. In some severe cases, your doctor may recommend taking oral corticosteroids.

2. Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a skin problem that mostly affects the scalp and oily areas of the skin, such as the sides of the nose, ears, beard, eyelids and chest, causing redness, blemishes and flaking. It is not known for sure what causes seborrheic dermatitis, but it seems to be related to the fungus Malassezia , which can be present in the oily secretion of the skin and with an exacerbated response of the immune system.

How to treat: the doctor can recommend the application of creams, shampoos or ointments containing corticosteroids, and products with antifungal in the composition. If treatment does not work or the symptoms return, it may be necessary to take antifungal pills. See more about treatment.

3. Herpetiform dermatitis

Herpetiform dermatitis is an autoimmune skin disease caused by gluten intolerance, which is characterized by the appearance of small blisters that cause an itchy and intense burning sensation.

How to treat: treatment should be done with a low-gluten diet, and wheat, barley and oats should be eliminated from the diet. In some cases, the doctor may prescribe a drug called dapsone, which has immunosuppressive effects, reducing itching and rash.

Learn more about herpetiform dermatitis.

4. Ocher dermatitis

Ocher dermatitis or stasis dermatitis, usually occurs in people with chronic venous insufficiency and is characterized by the appearance of a purple or brown color in the legs and ankles, due to the accumulation of blood, especially in the case of varicose veins.

How to treat: treatment is usually done with rest, use of elastic stockings and elevation of the legs. In addition, the doctor may recommend remedies with hesperidin and diosmin in the composition, indicated for the treatment of symptoms caused by venous insufficiency. Learn more about treatment.

5. Allergic dermatitis

Allergic dermatitis, also known as contact dermatitis, causes the appearance of blisters, itching and redness in places on the skin that have been in direct contact with an irritating substance, such as jewelry or cosmetic products. Learn how to identify an allergic dermatitis.

How to treat it: avoid contact between the skin and the allergenic substance, apply emollient creams that nourish and protect the skin and, in some cases, it may be necessary to apply corticosteroid ointments and / or to undergo treatment with antihistamines..

6. Exfoliative dermatitis

Exfoliative dermatitis is a severe inflammation of the skin that causes peeling and redness in large areas of the body, such as the chest, arms, feet or legs, for example. Generally, exfoliative dermatitis is caused by other chronic skin problems, such as psoriasis or eczema, but it can also be caused by the overuse of medicines such as penicillin, phenytoin or barbiturates, for example. Learn more about exfoliative dermatitis.

How to treat: hospitalization is usually necessary, where corticosteroid drugs are administered directly into the vein and oxygen.

Other types of dermatitis

In addition to the types of dermatitis described above, there are still other common types of dermatitis that include:

• Diaper dermatitis: can also be known as diaper rash and is characterized by irritation of the baby's skin in the area covered by the diaper due to skin contact with the diaper's plastic, and which can be treated with ointments for rash and proper cleaning of the area; Perioral dermatitis: it is characterized by the appearance of irregular pink or reddish spots on the skin around the mouth, more common in women between 20 and 45 years old; Nummular dermatitis: it consists of the appearance of round spots that itch and itch, that develop into blisters and crusts, due to dry skin and bacterial infections, and that can be treated with antibiotics, creams and corticosteroid injections.

In any type of dermatitis it is recommended to consult the dermatologist to make the correct diagnosis of the problem and start the appropriate treatment.