All About Atopic Dermatitis

Sunday, May 18, 2008

There is no doubt about it, suffering from atopic dermatitis can be irritating and maybe even a little painful, but with proper care and treatment, it can be managed and controlled. A lot of people have atopic dermatitis as it is the most common form of dermatitis, but most people do not know this rash by its formal name and often refer to it as eczema. But no matter what one calls it, this non-contagious skin condition is hereditary and it is not life threatening in any way shape or form. Most often, this condition is irritated by irritants such as allergens or food.

A good thing though is that the symptoms can decrease or even completely disappear over time as a person ages. But then again, on the flip side, the symptoms of atopic dermatitis can increase and get worse as it varies case by case. When young children face the symptoms, doctors usually diagnose atopic dermatitis correctly. But often times, in older children or adults, doctors may mistakenly think that the atopic dermatitis is psoriasis. Also, this skin condition does not just affect the skin of humans because some domesticated dogs are prone to this as well.

Preventing It From Coming Back

Anyone who suffers from atopic dermatitis will tell you that it is not fun and it can be embarrassing so they will try just about anything to stop it from coming back. While there is no cure for this skin condition, there are a few things that can be done in order to help keep the number of outbreaks down. Learning what a particular patient's trigger is can be important in controlling the situation because what may cause one person to break out in a rash may not cause a rash in someone else. Although not yet proven, a lot of people see that there are certain foods that cause the rash to appear such as nuts, milk, and wheat.

Also, a person's environment can play a big role in the outbreaks of atopic dermatitis. Dust is an allergen that people with atopic dermatitis should avoid along with smoke. Also, it has been seen that the dander from cats and dogs can trigger an outbreak of a rash. Some people even find that if they get too stressed out or angered, they will breakout in a rash. Also, extreme heat or temperature changes can cause a reaction of the atopic dermatitis. Pretty much, when trying to determine what will work for a particular person, one must sort of go through a trial and error period to see exactly what it is that causes the outbreaks in order to control them.

Atopic Dermatitis Steroid Withdrawal: Dealing With Side Effects

Saturday, May 17, 2008

Steroids are commonly given to people who are suffering from dermatitis. The good thing about steroids is that they are fast acting so the swelling and the itching on the skin often subside within a short period of time. Unfortunately, like many types of drugs, steroids can have some serious side effects on the body. A lot of people suffer from atopic dermatitis steroid withdrawal when they are taken off the treatment. Atopic dermatitis steroid withdrawal can be quite debilitating especially among small children and old people. According to studies, about 10 to 12 percent of children who suffer from atopic dermatitis steroid withdrawal syndrome need to be hospitalized for several days to control their symptoms. Infants and very young children are especially susceptible to side effects.

The risk of atopic dermatitis steroid withdrawal is often exacerbated by many factors. Some of the factors that increase the risk of atopic dermatitis steroid withdrawal are potency of the steroid applied topically to the skin or taken in the form of oral medication, the amount of steroid used and the area of the skin where the steroid is topically applied. Studies show that steroids penetrate the skin faster when they are topically applied on the groin area and on the face. People who are suffering from dermatitis on the face and in their groin area should be very careful about using steroids to treat their skin if they are to avoid atopic dermatitis steroid withdrawal syndrome.

Alternative Treatment

The best way to avoid atopic dermatitis steroid withdrawal syndrome is to avoid using steroids as much as possible. Steroids should only be used to treat severe dermatitis. People should try to find alternative ways of treating dermatitis. There are plenty of ways to treat certain types of dermatitis. Some of these forms of treatments are very effective especially during the early stages of dermatitis.

Aside from seeking alternative treatment for dermatitis, a good diet can help fight skin diseases. Eating the right kind of food is very important to avoid skin inflammation and infections. Fresh fruits and vegetables can help build up the body's immune system. A strong and healthy immune system is very important to ward off diseases.

A person who is suffering from this type of disease should avoid food that may cause allergies and skin inflammation. Some of the foods that can cause allergies are eggs, seafood, fish, milk, chocolate and some types of fruits and nuts. To know more about alternative treatment for certain types of dermatitis, consult your doctor.

Knowing the Several Causes for Dermatitis

Friday, May 16, 2008

Before knowing the several causes for dermatitis it is important to realize what the term dermatitis really means. The term dermatitis usually refers to eczema, thus the term dermatitis eczema. It is a blanket term for the several kinds of skin inflammations. Simply put, dermatitis is a collective term for different types of skin ailments related to eczema. The knowledge of the several causes for dermatitis would not be sufficient without knowing the "sub-diseases" involved. Eczema and dermatitis encompass the atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic dermatitis, hand dermatitis, neurodermatitis, nummular dermatitis, occupational dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis and the stasis dermatitis.

The ultimate factors, which can be classified as the causes for dermatitis still baffle medical professionals. However, there are certain elements that can contribute to the causes for dermatitis. These factors can sometimes trigger or worsen dermatitis and its types. An instance of the immune system reacting to environmental and emotional triggers can cause dermatitis. This would eventually lead to the occurrence of the basic symptom of dermatitis, which is an itchy rash on the skin.

People with dermatitis may experience unique set of disturbances that might have led to the onset of the disease. The most common causes for dermatitis may include: changes in the temperature or the overall humidity, allergies, severe emotion of stress and other infections of any kind. There are irritants produced by chemicals that may also cause dermatitis. These irritants normally come from pesticides, paint strippers, alcohol, astringents, perfumes, detergents and other household cleaners. Cloth fabrics, i.e. wool, can also be classified as the causes for dermatitis. However, these irritants are categorized as physical irritants. Dermatitis and eczema occurs in both children and adults but usually exhibits during infancy. Through this fact, the causes for dermatitis are theorized to involve allergies that are passed through the family. People who are genetically predisposed to the disease show signs of the ailment through exposure to the environment.

Preventing the Causes for Dermatitis

The causes for dermatitis can be prevented through simple precautions. Frequently moisturizing the skin, avoiding sudden changes in the temperature or humidity and reducing stress are some of the common measures to avoid the onset of the disease. Staying away from the common irritants, harsh soaps, detergents and solvents are also helpful since these are the common causes for dermatitis. Those who have been diagnosed with a pre-existing allergy must immediately prevent themselves from interacting to the factors that may cause their allergy such as molds, pollens, dust mites, and animal dander. There are also certain foods that may stimulate allergic reactions, which can often develop to dermatitis. Avoiding these foods are necessary to prevent the development of dermatitis.

The Right Knowledge You Need To Battle Cinnamon Dermatitis

Thursday, May 15, 2008

There are some people who do not now that they are allergic to certain or many objects in this world. Maybe the most common allergens are those that come from spices. Cinnamon dermatitis main attributes are bullous eruptions on the skin that was exposed to the allergen. There are two components of cinnamon that are known to initiate anaphylactic reactions namely, the cinnamon oil and the cinnamic aldehyde. The latter is the most common of the allergic constituents. It is also widely used in several products making the exposure increase in possibility.

Cinnamon oil was documented to be an allergen for many people during the nineteenth century. Contact with this allergen causes cinnamon dermatitis to exhibit in the form of swelling in the throat. Severe cases have the possibility to cause asphyxia. It is important to know if you are allergic to cinnamon by undergoing allergy testing. These tests are also known as RAST test or Allergy screen with the formal name of Allergen-specific IgE antibody test. Additionally, these tests involve Total IgE, complete blood count, white blood cell differential count, Eosinophil count, and Basophil count.

Cinnamon contact dermatitis is considered as irritant contact dermatitis, meaning that the allergic reaction would only occur during prolonged exposure to the irritant. However, in people with either pre-determined medical ailments or hypersensitivity to the specific allergen, the effects might be instantaneous.

Cinnamon Dermatitis in Toothpastes

Probably the one of the most commonly used product is the toothpaste. There were reports of cinnamon dermatitis in several countries related to the use of toothpastes. If you are sensitive to certain allergens, it is necessary for you to avoid flavored toothpastes. Cinnamon was known to be integrated in such products to serve as the main flavoring agent. This instance produced oral symptoms and cinnamon dermatitis to several people in England. These people were mostly affected by one percent of cinnamic aldehyde in the toothpastes. Some of the patients affected with the cinnamon dermatitis developed a severe case of acute stomatitis due to the cinnamon oil in toothpastes.

Study shows that toothpastes are not entirely safe to use due to its constituents. Almost 50% of the total forty-eight products contained approximately thirty compounds and these compounds are widely known to cause irritations. Flavor agents and preservatives are the most common ingredients in toothpastes to cause allergic reactions.

Self-Care at Home for Cinnamon Dermatitis

If you have experienced cinnamon dermatitis in the past, it is necessary to avoid touching the objects that might have caused the ailment. You can also wash your hands with soap and cool water in order to remove most the substance that caused cinnamon dermatitis. However, this method must be done immediately after exposure.

Blistering might sometimes develop upon initial contact with the allergen. Immediate treatment includes a cold and moist compress applied on the exposed area for thirty minutes. It is advisable to do this at least three times a day. You can also try a cool oatmeal bath, calamine lotion and oral antihistamines that are helpful in relieving the itching. Additionally, refrain from applying antihistamine lotions directly on the exposed skin since you may also develop allergic contact dermatitis from the lotion itself.

Understanding Contact Dermatitis And What It Involves

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

With all of the different types of dermatitis that are out there, it can be hard to understand each and every one. But when you are told by a professional that you certainly have contact dermatitis, you need to make sure that you understand everything there is to know about this type of skin condition. This way, you can make sure that you are fully aware of how to treat the affected area and how to prevent it, if at all possible. By doing that, you will be giving yourself a chance of not having to deal with this rash all of the time.

First, we need to understand just what exactly contact dermatitis is, so that we can take care of the problem properly. As the name of the condition states, it is caused through contact, but not with another person. You cannot catch it from anyone and you cannot pass it on to anyone else if you are suffering from it. The contact that is meant is the contact between the skin and allergens or irritants. This is generally a rash that is localized to a particular area of the skin, which helps make treatment easier. The most common causes of contact dermatitis are soaps, cleaning products, poison ivy, poison oak, and detergents.

Symptoms And Treatment

A lot of times, people suffering from contact dermatitis will experience a red rash, which will appear within twenty four to forty eight hours after direct contact with an irritant. This can sometimes cause problems in trying to determine what exactly it was that caused the reaction in the first place. There may also be blisters in the affected area or sometimes even what would be considered hives. Probably the most irritating symptom of contact dermatitis is that of the skin being itchy or giving off a burning sensation. And most of the time, contact dermatitis and its symptoms affect the hands because it is the hands that come into the most contact with different things.

When it comes to treating contact dermatitis, you need to wash your hands right away after dealing with any irritant or allergen that you know can give you a reaction. You can try a cold compress to the affected area for about thirty minutes if some blistering comes about. Calamine lotion rubbed onto the skin and an oral antihistamine can help relieve the pain and irritation of itching. A doctor will need to be contacted if the contact dermatitis rash does not get better within three days. There may be prescription creams and lotions that can be given to help out.

The Details Regarding Contact Dermatitis Due to Mangos

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Contact dermatitis from plants commonly developed through contact with poison ivy and poison oak. However, there are also people that develop contact dermatitis due to mangos. The instance of contact dermatitis due to mangos can be blamed to the chemical content called urushiol. This ingredient is found in the oil of mango sap. People who are found to be allergic to poison ivy and poison oaks usually react upon contact with the said chemical ingredient. The most common result of contact dermatitis due to mangos is an itchy skin condition or the allergic contact dermatitis.

Those that develop contact dermatitis due to mangos are only allergic to the sap. Additionally, the disease can be acquired through contact with the mango tree's leaves, bark or stems, or the skin of the fruit. Contact dermatitis due to mangos results in itching, redness, blisters and some people can develop hives. The reaction is not immediate and often happens in twelve to twenty-four hours after contact. If contact dermatitis due to mangos is left untreated, the condition can extend to one to three weeks duration.

Contact dermatitis due to mangos can also be classified as urushiol-induced contact dermatitis. Urushiol is in the form of oil and is usually used as lacquer in Japan. Urushiol in mangos is only found on the peel and other parts of the tree but not on the juice.

Dealing with Contact Dermatitis Due to Mangos

Contact dermatitis due to mangos can be dealt with by washing the exposed area with a dish detergent. You must also avoid contact with the sap of the mango tree. It is not advisable to climb the tree, pick the fruits yourself or even hold the branches since these parts may contain the allergen. Let someone handle the peeling of mangos for you but you can still peel the mango yourself by wearing disposable plastic gloves. It has been suspected that dish detergents can wash the allergy-causing oil in the sap better than regular soaps. If you develop contact dermatitis due to mangos, you are not advised to use bendryl cream. This has the possibility of worsening the condition. There are over-the-counter products that can treat contact dermatitis due to mangos such as the cortisone cream. You can also administer oral aspirin or antihistamines to provide relief from the itch and irritation.

The disease normally resolves itself after fourteen days without treatment. It is not advisable to scratch the affected area since this may result to secondary infection. The infection can be caused by the staphylococcal and streptococcal species.

Alternatives When You Have Contact Dermatitis From Kleenex

Monday, May 12, 2008

Surprising as it may seem, Kleenex can actually cause skin problems. Contact dermatitis from Kleenex is actually a possible condition. Before there were law suits for Kimberly Clark, because contact dermatitis from Kleenex was prevalent.

Contact dermatitis from Kleenex occurs because of Kleenex’s ingredient of malic acid that can cause skin irritation to some people. However, it is now possible for you to avoid contact dermatitis from Kleenex. Due to the problems encountered in the past, they have now made improvements on their products.

With the advancements of technology you can now avoid contact dermatitis from Kleenex. Kimberly Clark has made new formulas and products that don’t contain malic acid. If you experience contact dermatitis from Kleenex, there are now other Kleenex alternative products you can use if you need tissue paper. Get to know some of them.
Virus Killing Tissue
One alternative is the anti-viral tissue made by Kleenex. This is a new product from Kleenex that can kill 99% of viruses, causing colds and flu, within the tissue. Basically it is a tissue designed for use if you have colds or flu, so that the virus doesn’t spread in the environment, especially at home.

Since skin irritation has been an issue for most mothers, especially when using products for their babies, Kleenex was asked about skin sensitivity and irritation of this new product. Kleenex answered that yes, it is safe and gentle enough for the whole family, even for the delicate skin of babies.

Hypoallergenic Toilet Tissue

If you need not so fancy tissue paper for toilet use that wouldn’t cause you contact dermatitis attacks, you can opt for Kleenex’s Hypoallergenic Toilet Tissue. It is tissue paper made with fewer ingredients that can cause allergies to trigger your skin irritation. These may come in scented and unscented forms, since some people are allergic to perfumes and scents.

Facial Tissues

If you need facial tissues that won’t trigger your dermatitis, you can use Kleenex Cold Care Facial Tissues, With Aloe & Vitamin E. This tissue product works like their anti-viral tissue, but has some perks with it. It also contains aloe and vitamin E; to be sure that it is skin safe, even for those with extremely sensitive skin and allergies.

These are the alternatives you’ve got if you have contact dermatitis from regular tissue paper. However, there are also other brands that cater hypoallergenic and skin safe tissue papers. These are widely available in pharmacies and supermarkets and all you have to do is look.

The Best Contact Dermatitis Remedies on Hand

Sunday, May 11, 2008

With frequent exposure to irritating substances or things, the body might develop a condition which we call contact dermatitis. The everyday things that we touch may contribute to the development of this disease. Eradicating the problem would be hard for some people especially those who are experiencing the severe form of the ailment. Although medical experts cannot promise total cure, reduction of the symptoms is verified through religious follow up care and adherence to contact dermatitis remedies.

The Types of Contact Dermatitis Remedies

There are two types of contact dermatitis remedies, namely: the conventional treatment and the supplementary treatment. The conventional treatment works best if the condition is not severe. This type of contact dermatitis remedies would require the patient to avoid the irritating substance which causes the onset of symptoms. Also, mild corticosteroid application in local areas is included in this therapy. Supplemental treatment offers a wider range of varieties for treatment.

It is subdivided into twelve categories which would aid in the hindrance of the outburst of the disease. First, skin inflammation should be treated with cool, running water. Next, an itchy skin could be relieved by application of wet towels. Repair of the lining of the skin should be aided with Primrose oil. Skin support should depend on the skin's condition; some substances are allowed to be applied if there is no disruption on the skin's membrane. Preventing further infection should be done by using aseptic technique in handling the area.

Vitamins and minerals may also be given as a supportive treatment. A number of herbal contact dermatitis remedies are also provided; but remember to consult them first with your physician. These are only among the various steps in helping you solve your problem. Just remember that strict compliance to contact dermatitis remedies is highly required.

More Information on Contact Dermatitis

People are subject to this condition especially if the following risk factors are present: history of failure to comply with contact dermatitis remedies, frequent exposure to allergens, age (younger age bracket are more susceptible), gender (prevalence rate is higher in females), occupation (those who are constantly exposed to concrete and latex), and environment (extremes in temperature).

Contact dermatitis can be diagnosed through patch testing which identifies the allergen causing substances in our skin. Treatment of this ailment involves avoidance of the irritating items and therapy to help alleviate the client's symptoms. By doing the necessary precautions, one will be able to lessen the reoccurrence of the disease. Strict self discipline is also required especially in the medication therapy.

Understanding Dermatitis And Its Symptoms

Saturday, May 10, 2008

With so many things that could go wrong with the human body at any moment, it can sometimes be hard to know exactly what is happening when there is a problem starting to develop. Not a lot of people understand what exactly dermatitis is, even though they may have heard of the term in the past. To make it simple, dermatitis is just a term that is used to describe a general inflammation of the skin. So, what this means is that there are actually several types of inflammations of the skin that a person could be suffering from.

But even though there are a few different types of dermatitis, most of these will have signs that are the same such as swollen skin that is itchy and can become very red in color. Although it can look pretty bad, it is important to understand that dermatitis is not contagious so if you have it, you cannot spread it to your friends and family, and you cannot in turn catch it from them. It is not life threatening but it can be a pain to deal with but with the proper steps taken and medications used, it can be treated fairly easily.

Different Kinds

As mentioned, there are several types of dermatitis that a person can get depending on their body and system. There is contact dermatitis, which simply means that the rash will come about because of contact of allergy-producing irritants. There is also what is known as neurodermatitis, which is itchy skin that usually stays in one particular area. When someone is facing a scalp condition, which is the cause of their dandruff, they may be suffering from seborrheic dermatitis.

Also, there is what is known as stasis dermatitis. This is a collection of fluid under the skin that is on the legs. A rash that feels and may appear as bumpy around the mouth area is known as perioral dermatitis. And let us not forget the most common out of the different types of dermatitis and that is atopic dermatitis, otherwise known as eczema. This chronic, itchy, and irritating rash can seem to come and go at a moments notice. As you can see, while these are not skin problems that will greatly interfere with a person's day to day life, they can be somewhat of a nuisance but they can be treated. With proper treatment, every type of rash can be handled with ease.

What Your Doctor Knows About Exfoliative Dermatitis

Friday, May 9, 2008

Exfoliative dermatitis is a very uncomfortable type of skin disease. Symptoms of exfoliative dermatitis may include extreme skin redness, itching, thickening of the skin and fever. If you happen to experience these symptoms, you should consult your doctor right away. Like any other types of illness, exfoliative dermatitis is easier to cure during its early stages. Do not try to self medicate. Always remember that it's best to see a doctor first before you take any drugs or undergo some medications.

Visiting Your Doctor

During your first visit to your doctor, your doctor will ask you to describe all your symptoms. You may also be requested to undergo some laboratory test to determine if you really have exfoliate dermatitis or not and what types of drugs are effective for the type of skin disorder that you have. The laboratory test will not really take long. Depending on the kind of skin test that you undergo, it will probably take just a few minutes for the test to be completed. Once the skin test is complicated, your doctor will then interpret the results of the laboratory test and then prescribe the right kind of medication for your exfoliative dermatitis.

Your doctor will give you instructions on how to prevent skin infections. Since your skin is swollen and tender due to exfoliative dermatitis, you are prone to infection so you need to be extra careful about caring for your skin. Your doctor will prescribe certain types of soap and body wash for you so make sure that you use these items when you take a bath. You should also be careful with what you eat. Note that certain types of food could cause allergies and skin rashes in some people so be wary about these types of food. To be on the safe side, ask your doctor to prescribe a certain diet for you.

Elderly people are susceptible to cardiac complications so if you are already in your senior years; you need to watch out for any signs of cardiac complications. Ask your doctor for specific instructions regarding this matter. Always remember that cardiac complication is a very serious thing so you should never take anything for granted.

Patient Education

Most doctors spend time to educate their patients about their illness. If your doctor does not bother to explain to you what is happening to your skin, do not hesitate to ask him or her for any information. You need to know what to expect in the next few days after you start your treatment and what you should do to make things easier for you.

Seborrheic Dermatitis: Dermatitis Of The Scalp

Thursday, May 8, 2008

Dermatitis of the scalp or Seborrheic dermatitis is a usual skin disorder. It generally affects your scalp, by causing scaling and itching. Dermatitis of the scalp can also make the skin on your scalp red. It can also cause dandruff. Seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, for infants, is well-known as cradle cap.
Other than your scalp, seborrheic dermatitis can also affect your face, back, upper chest and other oily areas of your body.
Dermatitis of the scalp is neither contagious nor harmful, but it can be unsightly and uncomfortable. You can treat seborrheic dermatitis yourself by being familiar with its signs and symptoms. You can also use a mixture of self-care procedures and buy over-the-counter medications.
Common Signs and Symptoms:
Dermatitis of the scalp usually looks like a patchy scaling on your scalp. It can also look like thick crusts of skin on your head. You may see white or yellow scales attached to your hair shaft. Your scalp may become red and greasy, covered with scales. You may also encounter small, and reddish-brown bumps that make your scalp itch and sore. The presence of dandruff is also inevitable.
Seborrheic dermatitis usually affects your scalp, but it can also grow in between folds of your skin and parts of your body that are rich in oil glands. These oily areas include your eyebrows, behind your ears, the sides of your nose, over your breastbone, groin area, and sometimes even your armpits. There are times when your signs and symptoms fluctuate becoming okay then severe the next time around.
In infants, with cradle cap also have the thick, crusty, yellow, or greasy patches. But the condition is not itchy for them unlike in adults and children.
Causes
There is no known exact cause of this condition, but quite a few contributing factors appear to play a role with its occurrence. These factors include oil gland and hair follicle abnormality. If you have this skin disorder, you may have increased sebum production in the affected areas of your body.
It is also believed that a fungus called malassezia, along with bacteria grows in the sebum. Hormonal problems, physical stress, travel, fatigue, and change of season are all factors for the cause of outbreaks. People with neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, commonly have dermatitis of the scalp.
Treatments
The primary treatment that you can do is apply medicated shampoos. There are lots of over-the-counter shampoos that contain medication, but be sure to pick the ones with any of the following: Ketoconazole, Pyrithione zinc, Tar, Selenium sulfide, or Salicylic acid.
If over-the-counter medicated shampoos don’t work, it is recommended that you consult a dermatologist that can give you a specialized shampoo for your condition.

The Benefits Of Using Dermatitis Shampoo

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

People suffering from any type of dermatitis that affects the scalp area will tell you that it is an irritating and frustrating experience. The itching is incredible and the flakes that are produced can be very embarrassing. Some people can get away with just using a lot of their regular brand of shampoo and this seems to help their condition but there are many others who seem to have no luck in getting the situation under control. But that is where a dermatitis shampoo comes into play and can be a great benefit to the person looking for an answer to their problem.

Most people did not know that there is a dermatitis shampoo that they can pick up at their local store without a prescription. In fact, there are several different brands that have different ingredients in them to help treat those with dermatitis on the scalp. Although there are prescription shampoos that can be obtained, it may be best, and cheapest to start with some of the over the counter products first. Your typical dermatitis shampoo will have either coal, tar, zinc pyrithrione, selenium sulfide, or salicylic acid in them, as these are ingredients that have been seen to make a difference for a lot of people.

When It Does Not Work

When the dermatitis shampoo that you are using does not show any signs of helping you after a week of using it, it may be time to switch over to another brand. Many of the different brands on the market that offer a dermatitis shampoo are taking advantage of different ingredients. Just because one type of ingredient did not work for you, does not mean that nothing at all will. Try them all if you need to as once you find that one that works for you, it will more likely be cheaper than what the doctor will prescribe.

If all else fails, you can always turn to your family doctor for help but make sure that you explain what products you have used. This information will help him or her determine the next best course of action for you. By not providing this information, they could end up prescribing you something that is not going to work. That is just a waste of money and time for both you and the doctor. So be upfront about everything you have tried at home and see what he or she can do for you. Just be patient as there is sure to be something that will work for you when it comes to a dermatitis shampoo.

Diabetic Dermatitis: Just One Of The Many Diabetes Induced Skin Problems

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Diabetes can cause a lot of skin problems, especially if uncontrolled. For some, it can cause diabetic dermatitis, diabetic dermopathy, diabetic neuropathy, and many more. Sometimes, the skin problems come first, being a symptom of already having untreated diabetes.

It would be beneficial for you to know diabetic dermatitis and other skin problems caused by diabetes so that you can be aware of the underlying cause of any skin problem you are experiencing.

Diabetic Dermatitis Through Dermatitis Herpetiformis

Diabetic dermatitis usually comes in the form of dermatitis herpetiformis, which is an extremely itchy skin eruption. It is frequent with young adults, commonly men and those whose origins are from the areas north of Europe. The symptoms are stinging, itching and intense burning around the, knees elbows, buttocks, scalp and back. It can also be found in other locations depending on the severity.

Diabetic Dermatitis appears like tiny clusters of red bumps. There can also be tiny water blisters on the area that you can quickly scratch off. Before they form, you can usually have a burning sensation on the certain area where it will grow. Herpes does not cause dermatitis Herpetiformis, even though the names are quite similar.
Diabetic Dermopathy

Having Diabetes can make changes in your small blood vessels. These changes can lead to diabetic dermopathy, which usually looks like light brown colored scaly patches. You may see circular or oval patches in your skin, which can sometimes be mistaken for age spots. This skin disorder can usually be seen on the front of both legs.
However, aside from the pigmentation, the patches do not open up, hurt, or itch. Diabetic Dermopathy does not need treatment because it is generally harmless.
Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum
Another skin disease caused by blood vessel changes in diabetes is necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum. This condition is similar with diabetic dermopathy. The only variation is that you can have fewer spots, but they are larger in size and deeper.
Necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum usually starts out as a raised dull red area. After some time, it begins to look like a very shiny scar that has a violet border. The condition can sometimes be painful and itchy, to the point that the spots crack open.
These are just some of the skin problems caused by diabetes mellitus. Just remember, if you start seeing skin irritation or problems in your skin, it is best that you seek medical advice from doctors or dermatologists, to get a credible diagnosis.

Eczema Atopic Dermatitis: The Causes and Treatment

Monday, May 5, 2008

Inflammatory diseases of the skin have become a widespread illness since the turn of the 20th century. The prevalence rate especially among children has increased ever since. Probably, the most common of these skin ailments is eczema atopic dermatitis. Nearly twenty percent of the children's population in industrialized countries is affected with this bothersome disease.

A child suffering from eczema atopic dermatitis is subject to other bacterial skin infections because the surface of the skin is disrupted. Most people know that the skin serves as the first line of defense for many types of illnesses. If it becomes disturbed in any way, chances of acquiring a disease will be much higher.

The Skin's Appearance

The skin of both children and adults affected with eczema atopic dermatitis is red, flaky and dry. Instead of the normal smooth and moisturized skin, the latter appears to be reddened, irritated and itchy. The highly affected parts are the face, and areas with skin creases such as the joints. The ailment can last for years and may result to a permanent damage in the skin.

The Causes of Eczema Atopic Dermatitis

There are a number of factors resulting to eczema atopic dermatitis, and these are: genetic factor, allergens, psychological factor, and climatic factor. Experts say that if both parents have the disease, it is also more likely to occur with their children. There is an eighty percent chance of obtaining this disease through the genes. Allergens such as food and environmental pollens or dust may also be the cause of the incidence of eczema atopic dermatitis. There is a decrease in the threshold for itchiness if anxiety and depression is present among the patients; this makes the patient more susceptible to the disease. A change in weather such as a hot or cool environment may also lead to the development of the skin rash. Eliminating all the probable causes of the disease may help reduce the reoccurrence of the symptoms. Although it is difficult to follow the rule book, it has been proven to be very effective and successful in eradicating the disease.

The Treatment for Eczema Atopic Dermatitis

The cure for this disease is very attainable since it is only a home treatment regimen. Using non-soap skin products and moisturizers help in minimizing the irritation. Applying topical medications such as steroids and immunomodulators are also safe and effective. Oral antihistamines aid you in sleeping and resting since it gets rid of the itchiness. Every person affected with this disease should learn how to follow their treatment regimen in order to fully eradicate the chances of relapse of eczema atopic dermatitis.

Unveiling The Facts About Exfoliative Dermatitis

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Exfoliative dermatitis is another form of dermatitis eczema that occurs due to reactions to drugs. However, it can also manifest as a complication from a previous skin condition especially atopic dermatitis. The exfoliative dermatitis exhibits severe inflammation of the entire skin. People suffering from such condition would develop extreme redness of the skin and scaling on other parts. A relative thickness of the skin can also be found. The condition can cause fever and sudden loss of fluids and proteins through the damaged skin. In patients suffering from lymphoma (lymph node cancer), exfoliative dermatitis develops due to the swelling of the lymph nodes.

During the onset of the disease, most of the skin's surface would be covered with lesions. These lesions may sometimes form crusts on the skin surface and secrete fluids. These oozing lesions are the major cause of dehydration to exfoliative dermatitis patients. The disease can cause life-threatening complications if the toxicity level of the patient is high, which causes the disease to affect other organs other than the skin.

It is necessary to consult a physician to acquire the correct diagnosis for the disease since the general signs and symptoms of exfoliative dermatitis may resemble other dermatologic conditions. The diagnosis for exfoliative dermatitis starts with the careful elimination of the known or suspected causes. If the person suffering from the disease is taking any drugs, i.e. penicillin and barbiturates, the physician would suggest the elimination of these factors. Additionally, since the disease can sometimes be caused by a pre-existing condition, the person suffering from the exfoliative dermatitis would undergo several tests for lymphoma and atopic dermatitis. The fact that exfoliative dermatitis can be caused by lymphoma is a warning for those who do not realize that they are suffering from the disease. The majority of the tests to determine if lymphoma contributes to the disease involve several blood tests.

Common Treatment for Exfoliative Dermatitis

In some cases, exfoliative dermatitis spontaneously resolves. However, hospitalization is required to those suffering from severe cases. The severity of the disease to some patients may require them to undergo intravenous fluid treatment, antibiotics, and additional nutritional supplements to stabilize them. Immediate action during the onset of the condition must be taken in order to prevent complications that can be life-threatening from developing. The treatment of the pre-determined skin condition, as well as lymphoma usually clears up exfoliative dermatitis. Patients taking certain drugs before the beginning of the disease are also advised to stop taking such medications in order to fully determine the cause of the condition.

Other alternative treatments for the condition involve applying heated blankets to keep patients warm and providing cool baths. Petroleum jelly can also be applied to the skin, which is usually followed by a gauze wrap. Taking corticosteroids can also provide treatment for the disease.

The Facts Behind Eyelid Dermatitis

Saturday, May 3, 2008

There are so many different types of dermatitis that it can be hard to determine which kind a person has unless they are being treated by a doctor. But if someone is being affected by eyelid dermatitis then they will know it since the area where they are having the problem cannot be mistaken for much of anything else. Although this is not a serious problem when it comes to serious health risks, it can be very upsetting as it can be painful.

Eyelid dermatitis can be upset by nickel and certain fragrances more so than people who do not have this type of dermatitis. There are even cases where some people have bad outbreaks with their eyelid dermatitis because they have an allergy to gold so once those patients stopped wearing gold jewelry, the symptoms of their eyelid dermatitis seemed to go away. If you are having trouble figuring out what is upsetting your eyelid dermatitis, try to see if you are allergic to nickel or thiuram, which can be found in eyelash curlers along with foam makeup sponges, even though most people would never think of these.

Treatment And Prevention

When it comes to treatment, there are many home remedies that can be done to help ease the pain and itching that often comes along with eyelid dermatitis. These remedies can often be found on many different Internet sites and web pages. Try them all as they are generally very simple and you may end up very surprised by what works for you. If those do not work, seek medical help from your doctor, as he or she may be able to prescribe you something to ease the suffering from eyelid dermatitis.

Also try to control the entire situation by making sure you are doing everything possible to prevent your eyelid dermatitis from coming back. Although there is no cure and you will probably see it come back at some point in your life, you can help to control how many outbreaks you have by figuring out what your triggers are. The triggers are the things that upset your skin and these may take a little time to figure out. But once you know what to avoid, you will more than likely find yourself having to deal with eyelid dermatitis less and less. In the end, it will be worth the hard work of a little trial and error since you will be happier.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis Facts And Advice

Friday, May 2, 2008

With all of the different kinds of dermatitis that humans can suffer from, it is sometimes hard to remember that dogs and cats, our family pets, can suffer from a type of dermatitis too. Flea allergy dermatitis is a common problem that dogs and cats can get and one that can be very painful for them. This is an itchy skin condition for them that is caused by a reaction from the flea saliva that is left behind when the flea bites the animal. The most affected areas on a dog will be the upper tail, the back of the legs, and the lower back and there will be some hair loss there.

It is important to treat your pet and home for flea infestations if you see that they are biting, chewing, or scratching at themselves too much. Remember, fleas will not only bite your pets, but they can and will bite you as well. So for the sake of every person and animal in the home, make sure that flea infestations are treated promptly and never just left alone. The longer you wait, the bigger problem you will have on your hands and before you know it, everywhere you walk or sit, you will find fleas jumping. And this will only make sure that the flea allergy dermatitis gets worse for your family pet.

Preventing The Problem

The best way to keep your pet safe from flea allergy dermatitis is to try and prevent it from ever becoming a possibility in the first place. At the fist sign of fleas, you need to take action before you or your pet gets hurt. Also, it is highly recommended that monthly treatment of flea and tick control is done and done on a regular basis. This will mean that if a tick or flea comes into contact with the fur of your pet, it will be killed. Once the flea is killed, you are safe from it adding to any population of fleas in your home and you are keeping your pet safe from flea allergy dermatitis.

The reason your pet will be safe from the flea allergy dermatitis is because the flea will never be given to chance to bite. If the flea does not have the chance to bite, this means that the flea saliva will not be entered into the skin of the cat or dog. Now, if your pet is already having trouble with flea allergy dermatitis, an injection of steroids can help the problem and then that is followed up by an antibiotic in order to stop any infection from growing or getting worse. Either way you look at it, whether you are preventing the flea allergy dermatitis or treating a current problem, the steps to take are simple and very affordable.

Hand Dermatitis is a Common Skin Disease

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Hand dermatitis is another name for eczema. In this case the skin on the hands gets inflamed after it has touched a substance that starts an allergic reaction on the skin and irritates it. It is a very common ailment, especially among professionals who frequently come into contact with wet and irritating substances. These could be cleaning fluids, nail polish remover or any other chemicals. Even people who require frequent contact with metal are prone to hand dermatitis.

Causes

Hand dermatitis could be caused by an allergic reaction to a substance, but it can also be a hereditary ailment. The common causes are detergents, metals, soaps or strong chemicals and solvents. The irritation on the skin can occur immediately after contact with the substance, or sometimes after repeated exposure.

The skin normally has a natural barrier of protection and some substances just break down this barrier. People can suffer from hand dermatitis just being prone to repeated friction, wind or cold. Medical gloves and condoms have latex, and this could cause the eczema as well.

Fragrances and cosmetics like skin cream could trigger hand dermatitis as well. Metals, nickel, as used in jewelry, plants and chemicals used in the clothing manufacturing process could also be the causes of the disease.

Symptoms

Hand dermatitis can be mild or severe. The mild version is just an itchy rash, but the severe one could be severe itching and the skin swells and forms blisters. Sometimes open sores can even lead to bacterial skin infections. Hand dermatitis generally starts with the top of the hand, it gets irritable and looks like dry, chapped skin especially in the knuckles and the finger tips. Poisonous plants cause blistering and sometimes a chronic skin rash appears just after contact with the object causing the allergy.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of hand dermatitis is a long process, because the doctor has to first take the patient's complete history, and have a long question-answer session regarding symptoms, frequent occurrences, etc. If the diagnosis is an allergic contact dermatitis, it is difficult to identify the allergy immediately, and a patch test is performed. The patch contains some common allergens that cause contact dermatitis and after a few days when the doctor removes the patch, he can check for a reaction and come to a diagnosis.

Treatment

As soon as the patient has been diagnosed with hand dermatitis, he must avoid contact with the substance that is the cause of the irritation. Ointments and lotions are often recommended by doctors, and these provide relief for the itching and irritation. Washing of hands frequently is also advised. If the hand dermatitis is severe, the necessary medication like antibiotics may be prescribed by the doctor.

Self-Care

If any substance causes any form of irritation or allergic reaction to the skin, it should be immediately avoided. If your profession requires you to handle these substances, use heavy or waterproof gloves, so that your skin is totally unharmed.

HC Valerate For Dermatitis: Treating Your Skin Disorder

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Dermatitis is the generic term used to describe inflammation of the skin. This type of skin disorder usually involves swelling, redness, itching and skin lesions. Some types of dermatitis are serious and some are just mild and will just go away in just a few days. For serious cases of dermatitis, doctors usually prescribe treatments like hc valerate for dermatitis. Hc valerate for dermatitis is considered as one of the most effective forms of treatment for serious cases of dermatitis. A lot of people who have undergone treatment using this type of drug report reduction of symptoms within a few hours after taking this type of drug. Many of them also claim that their symptoms started to clear up after a few days and they were symptom free after a couple of weeks or even less.

Unfortunately, not all people are tolerant to hc valerate for dermatitis so most doctors prefer to give this type of treatment only on extreme cases. If you are suffering from dermatitis, talk to your doctor regarding the different treatments available for your type of skin disorder. Do not demand for hc valerate for dermatitis if your symptoms are just mild and manageable. Always remember that hc valerate for dermatitis can have some severe side effects so unless you are really in dire need for strong types of medications, stay away from these strong medications. There is really no point in endangering your health just to get a fast relief from the itching and burning sensation brought about by dermatitis.

Adverse Reactions Caused By HC Valerate For Dermatitis

Some people who used hc valerate for dermatitis reported incidents of dryness, burning, itching, acneiform eruptions, secondary infection, maceration of the skin, malaria, skin atrophy and perioral dermatitis. The severity of each case according to the amount of hc valerate for dermatitis used by the patient, the patient's age and general lifestyle of the patient. If you are one of those people who have a history of adverse reactions to certain types of drugs, you should tell your doctor about it and discuss with your doctor the advantages and disadvantages of using hc valerate for dermatitis in your case. Never take chances when it comes to taking medications of any form.

Aside from discussing certain types of medications for dermatitis with your doctor, you should also ask your doctor about alternative treatments. Always explore other avenues for treating your skin disorder. If you can find a way to treat your dermatitis without taking drugs, you should take that option.

Herpes Dermatitis: Cold Hard Facts

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Most people have heard about a type of dermatitis or two, but very few people have heard of or understand herpes dermatitis. In fact, most of the people who know about it are probably either in the medical field or are suffering from it themselves. This is something that most people keep quiet, as it can be extremely embarrassing so it is not something that most people will talk about openly with other people. Those suffering from herpes dermatitis may stay away from family and friends until the outbreak is gone so that no one will ever suspect them of having something wrong.

When thinking of typical herpes outbreaks, most people think of the genitals or the lips being affected, but when it comes to herpes dermatitis, other parts of the body are affected. The most common areas for the herpes dermatitis outbreak are on the neck or the face. These outbreaks consist of small sores that begin with a tingling or painful feeling. If left alone, these sores will typically crust over and heal in a time frame of about two weeks. The symptoms of this and the time it takes to heal are very much like that of a herpes outbreak in other areas of the body.

Steps To Take

Remember, just like herpes of the mouth or genitals, herpes dermatitis can be transmitted between people through direct contact. To do your best in preventing this from happening, you need to avoid touching the sores of the outbreak and health care workers should always wear protective gloves. You can never be too safe when it comes to protecting yourself or other people from contracting herpes dermatitis. Make sure that you are keeping everyone's well being in mind if you have this skin condition yourself because this is not something that people would enjoy having.

While there is currently no cure available for herpes dermatitis, there are home remedies that a lot of people will try in order to reduce the terrible look of the sores and to speed up the healing time. As with anything, what works well for one person may not work for you so give different things a try. If nothing else, just try to relax and be patient as these sores will dry up and go away on their own in just a matter of a couple of weeks. Although it may seem like forever, it really is not all that bad.

The Essential Home Remedies for Seborrheic Dermatitis

Monday, April 28, 2008

Medication therapy or hospital therapy are proven effective ways to treat seborrheic dermatitis. They have been used as the prescribed treatment over the period of time. However, visiting the doctor several times because of this ailment may cause exhaustion on the patient's part. So to make the treatment plan more accessible and manageable, home remedies for seborrheic dermatitis is also given as an option. By meticulously following the regimen for the disease's cure, surely the aim to eliminate seborrheic dermatitis becomes attainable.

The home remedies for seborrheic dermatitis is also a proven cure to the disease. However, such treatment plan requires endurance and persistence on the client's part. Here are some of the given ways where we can treat seborrheic dermatitis at home and how this kind of treatment works.

The First Step to Cure

Like many other diseases, the initial step for the cure of seborrheic dermatitis is to have a change in your diet. You must remember that one of the causes of seborrheic dermatitis is excessive natural oil production. In this case, one can lessen their fat intake in order to lower down the build up of fatty substances in our body. Also, increasing your fiber intake may help reduce oil production since these excess harmful substances bind with fiber and are eliminated by the body through defecation. In addition, green leafy vegetables and foods rich in Vitamin E are proven helpful in shrinking the symptoms of the disease. Some of the most popular foods mentioned are: beta carotene sources such as apricots and apples, fiber and mineral enriched foods such as broccoli, spinach and asparagus.

Following such home remedies for seborrheic dermatitis may truly alleviate the client's condition. Many people afflicted with this disease agree that a change in diet is one main goal that the patient must focus into. Again, compliance to the home remedies for seborrheic dermatitis is a must.

The Regimen

Shampooing and cleansing your hair everyday would also serve as one of the best home remedies for seborrheic dermatitis. A shift of shampoo brands are proven to be beneficial in eliminating seborrheic dermatitis. Physicians recommend choosing shampoos containing coal tar, salicylic acid and sulfur; these products work best with seborrheic dermatitis. Everyday shampoo brands should also be changed from time to time. By following all these home remedies for seborrheic dermatitis, you will surely find your way to genuine natural healing of the disease.

The Availability and Possibility of IV Treatment for Allergic Dermatitis

Sunday, April 27, 2008

There are several topical therapies and medications for eczema and allergic dermatitis. One of them is the corticosteroids, which are strong drugs that can prevent inflammations. These drugs can be used as an IV treatment for allergic dermatitis that has reached a severe level. Aside from the application of corticosteroid as the main IV treatment for allergic dermatitis, the drug can also be applied intramuscularly.

The corticosteroids are a class of hormones that are produced in the adrenal cortex. They are involved in several physiologic systems such as: response to stress and immunity, metabolism of the carbohydrates, catabolism of protein, regulation of blood electrolyte levels and behavior. In patients suffering from allergic dermatitis, corticosteroids are used to regulate the inflammation. The most common corticosteroid used as treatment for allergic dermatitis and eczema is the prednisone. This type of drug has some mineralocorticoid action with additional glucocorticoid effect.

The oral administration of corticosteroid is continued after intravenous treatment for maintenance. The side effects of the treatment are usually not common during short-term therapies. However when they occur, they may produce gastrointestinal intolerance, body malaise, increase in appetite, weight gain, changes in the mood, nervousness, increased infections, derailed diabetes and impaired wound healing.

The IV treatment for allergic dermatitis can also refer to the intermittent administration of high doses of intravenous corticosteroid, which is called a pulsed intravenous corticosteroid. The treatment usually uses methylprednisolone at 250-1000 milligrams. However, other IV treatment for allergic dermatitis includes an equivalent dose of dexamethasone administered on one to five consecutive days. The use of an IV treatment for allergic dermatitis aims in achieving a more rapid and effective disease control compared to the conventional doses applied orally. Through the application of IV treatment for allergic dermatitis, there is a reduction in the long-term maintenance of corticosteroid doses and side-effects. The correct application of IV treatment for allergic dermatitis includes a pulsed intravenous methylprednisolone administered at 2150-1000 mg per day for two to five days.

Other Options Aside from IV Treatment for Allergic Dermatitis

Other treatments for allergic dermatitis and eczema include the application of antihistamines, cyclosporine and retinoids. Antihistamines fall into three categories, namely the H1, H2 and H3. The H1 type is used for treating allergic dermatitis. Antihistamines are also helpful in breaking the itch-scratch cycle.

The cyclosporine is known to deal atopic dermatitis and other types of eczema fairly well. However, relapses may occur after therapy cessation. The retinoids are structural and functional analogues of vitamin A bundled with multiple effects on cellular proliferation and differentiation. However, they are only known to be effective with disorders concerning complications of eczema to the eye.

Preventing Latex Contact Dermatitis

Saturday, April 26, 2008

Latex contact dermatitis is your body’s adverse reaction to some proteins that are found in natural rubber latex. Latex is a product artificially made with a milky fluid from the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis), which can be found in Southeast Asia and Africa. If you have a latex contact dermatitis, what basically happens is that your body mistakes latex material for a harmful substance.
Latex contact dermatitis can cause you allergic reactions varying from sneezing, to having runny nose, and then to anaphylaxis, which is a potentially fatal condition. You can consult your doctor to know if you already have latex contact dermatitis, or if the risk is big for you to develop it.
Understanding latex contact dermatitis and being familiar with frequent sources of latex would be your stepping stone in preventing allergic reactions.
How To Trigger Latex Allergy

You can trigger your latex allergy basically in two ways. First is by direct contact, which is the most common origin of latex allergy. Direct contact like wearing latex gloves and being in contact with other products containing latex, would be enough to start your allergy.
The second way is through inhalation. You can trigger latex allergy by simply inhaling latex particles in the environment around you. Some latex products, most especially gloves, usually shed great quantity of latex particles, which become airborne.
Latex-containing Products

Some of the most common used latex products that can be found almost everywhere, especially at home are carpeting, dishwashing gloves, clothing waistbands, hot water bottles, rubber toys, balloons, disposable diapers, diaphragms, baby bottle nipples, rubber bands, condoms, erasers, racket handles, swimming goggles, sanitary pads, bicycle and motorcycle handgrips.
What You Can Do
You can prevent triggering latex reaction by reducing your exposure to the said materials. You should limit carefully the latex products that you have in contact with. Most latex products have alternatives that carry the same function, minus the latex component
If you come in contact with latex in work, you should discuss your condition with your employer. Also, when you are somewhere inside a healthcare institution, you should inform those health professionals you come in contact with, like doctors, nurses, therapists and such, that you are allergic to latex, because most gloves in hospitals are made out of latex.
Talking to your doctor would be the best way to prevent the trigger of your latex allergy. Your doctor might be able to propose other ways that you can avoid latex contact in your everyday life. You can also ask your doctor about emergency medication just in case you suddenly have a severe latex allergy incident.

What Neuro Dermatitis Really Is

Friday, April 25, 2008

A lot of people understand that a skin rash is red, itchy, and can hurt but they may not all know the different types of skin conditions that are out there. One of the ones that not a lot of people understand is that of neuro dermatitis which is also sometimes referred to as lichen simplex and this is a chronic skin condition that someone could have off and on for years or for the rest of their lives. Neuro dermatitis can come about because of a person wearing garments that are too tight to where it rubs or scratches the skin.

The most common area to show signs of neuro dermatitis is the wrists, the outer forearms, the back of the neck, and the ankles. Too much scratching of the skin that is affected can end up causing the skin to thicken and have a texture like leather. There are signs that nerve fibers changing could be a cause of an outbreak along with a lot of stress. Neuro dermatitis generally leads to what is called a scratch-itch cycle. This means the more a person scratches, the more they are going to itch and the cycle continues around and around.

Some Common Triggers

There are a lot of different things that can be irritants, or triggers, for a person and what affects one person with neuro dermatitis does not always affect someone else. Everyone is different so that is why it is so important to pay close attention to what is going on in your life when you experience outbreaks of this nasty skin condition. By noticing what your particular triggers are, you are able to better control the outbreaks. Some common neuro dermatitis triggers can be looked at though to see if there are causing you outbreaks.

A lot of people tend to get worse during the winter months because of the skin drying up. Also, some people are finding that emotional stress can play a big role in their neuro dermatitis outbreaks and can making the itching a lot worse then normal. Also, be careful of what you eat as some people have found that foods such as cheese, chocolate, nuts, fish, shellfish, milk, kiwi, wine, and tomatoes can trigger the problem. Watch what perfume you wear and if you are around a lot of cigarette smoke, as these things are known for causing someone with neuro dermatitis problems and make the itching a lot worse.

What You Need To Know About Nodular Dermatitis

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Nodular dermatitis is a term pertaining to dermal infiltration in the form of clusters either solitary or multiple. The disease is similar to another skin disease called Prurigo nodularis. The condition is characterized by itchy nodules usually appearing on the arms or legs. Some of the patients suffering from the disease exhibits multiple excoriated lesions caused by excessive scratching. The effects of nodular dermatitis can be adverse mainly due to pruritus, which is the chronic urge or reflex to scratch. There will be an evident destruction of the skin.

The causes of nodular dermatitis as well as PN are still unknown. However, there are pre-existing conditions, i.e. Becker's nevus, linear IgA disease, autoimmune condition, and T cells, which can induce nodular dermatitis. The disease can also be linked to internal malignancies, liver and renal failure.

Repetitive scratching of the affected area may result in lasting changes in the skin of patients suffering from nodular dermatitis. Other adverse effects of excessive scratching brought about by the disease include: lichenification, hyperkeratosis, increase in the pigmentation and thickening of the skin. Those with excoriated lesions exhibit scaly or crusted skin accompanied by scabs. Patients suffering from the disease often seek treatment during middle-age. It is also possible to have a history of chronic severe pruritus and significant medical history of unrelated conditions. Those who have a history of eczema, especially atopic dermatitis usually exhibit nodular dermatitis at any age. Patients suffering from HIV or AIDS are also vulnerable and may develop the affliction.

The nodules produced by nodular dermatitis are discrete, hyperpigmented, firm and mostly symmetrical. Additionally, the nodules are greater than 0.5cm in both width and depth. The excoriated lesions are often flat and have crusts on top. During the onset of nodular dermatitis, the nodules may begin to appear in the hair follicles making the pattern of invasion follicular.

Common Diagnosis and Treatment for Nodular Dermatitis

Like prurigo nodularis, the nodular dermatitis can be diagnosed based on visual examination and presence of itching. The physician would also conduct a skin biopsy in order to exclude other diseases that the patient is suffering from. To distinguish if the nodular dermatitis is secondary to atopic dermatitis, a culture of at least one lesion would be conducted. This will determine if there is an infection of staphylococcus.

The condition is very hard to treat. However, there are existing therapies available including the application of steroids and vitamins, cryosurgery and thalidomide. Treatment through UVB light is also available. Antibiotics may be administered if there is an evidence of staphylococcal infection or other infections. The physician may also administer a strong dose of prednisone that will immediately stop the itch and scratch cycle.

Nummular Dermatitis with Reaction: Its Background and History

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Unknown to many, there are several types of dermatitis. Usually, the kinds of dermatitis are often named after their shape or the location which they frequently appear. Nummular dermatitis with reaction is named such because of its coin shaped nature which commonly appears on the arms and legs of the affected person. It is considered an atypical type of dermatitis because it only affects two out of one thousand people. The incidence is also higher in males than in females. All races can be affected with this disease; and like many other dermatitis, its hallmark sign is pruritus.

Multifactorial Causes

Nummular dermatitis with reaction has various causes. Although its etiology is unknown in nature, there are factors which precipitate the onset of the disease. When there is an insufficiency of blood flow to distal areas, nummular dermatitis with reaction is likely to occur. This condition can happen to patients with multiple varicosities and edema. Local trauma to the skin can also contribute to the occurrence of this disease; examples include abrasion in the skin, chemical erosion of the skin, and insect bites. People who have very dry skin are also prone to acquiring nummular dermatitis with reaction. Studies also show that patients undergoing interferon therapy as a form of treatment to Hepatitis C become susceptible to the disease. The aforementioned causes are only the few of the diverse factors which trigger the onset of this ailment.

Activities to Lessen Nummular Dermatitis with Reaction

There are a number of activities which can initiate the relapse of nummular dermatitis with reaction. Staying in a hot environment will worsen the skin itch, and a dry skin can result to further flaking. To lessen the onset of the skin rash, here are some ways to help you alleviate the situation: it is therapeutic to remain in a cool environment, activities which will heat the body up should be avoided, and ironically speaking, exposure to sunlight has proven to be very beneficial. Proper rest and hydration should also be taken to account.

Nummular Dermatitis with Reaction: The Recovery

The recovery phase focuses on rehydrating the skin, intake or application of drugs, and cutback of inflammation through some given preparations. The most effective way to rehydrating the skin is through a warm soak bath for twenty minutes. Experts say that this type of bath has shown a great improvement in patients having nummular dermatitis with reaction. Also, application of moisturizers after a bath and while the skin is still damp has proven to be an effective regimen in this case. Medications include: oral antihistamines, oral antibiotics, and topical steroids. Tar preparations and petroleum jelly are also helpful. By following these simple steps, you will slowly find out that having an itch free skin is attainable. One should practice these steps with a great deal of patience.

The "Itchy" Reality of Optic Dermatitis

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

The term Dermatitis is usually used to describe multiple groups of skin inflammations. This disease commonly refers to eczema and results from an allergic reaction to specific allergens. Although optic dermatitis is not classified as eczema, it can occur as a complication from severe atopic dermatitis. People suffering from atopic dermatitis can develop optic dermatitis when they start to manifest photophobia and pruritus, which is the unpleasant sensation evoking the desire or reflex to scratch. Additionally, people with optic dermatitis exhibit a fold of skin under the lower eyelid called the Dennie-Morgan fold.

Atopic dermatitis can develop to optic dermatitis if there is a noticeable darkening of the infraorbital area. The complication can also be accompanied by eyelid dermatitis and blepharitis. The atopic keratoconjunctivitis is also a form of optic dermatitis and occurs in one quarter of patients. During the onset of optic dermatitis, scarring and shrinking of the fornices, punctuate corneal staining, ulceration and vascularization can occur. The patient would also develop unbearable itchiness on the eyelid. Severe cases of optic dermatitis can lead to permanent eye damage and loss of vision.

There are also other complications that can develop from atopic dermatitis aside from optic dermatitis. These may include hand dermatitis, skin infections and the exfoliative dermatitis.

Signs and Symptoms of Optic Dermatitis

There are several signs and symptoms of the disease and these include inflammation of the eyelid also known as blepharitis. Conjunctivitis can also occur along the lining of the eyelids. The inner lining of the eyelids can also be inflamed. This causes a cobblestone pattern under the eyelids. These inflammations can cause extreme itching and burning sensations. There will also be severe watering of the eyes sometimes accompanied by mucous.

In severe cases of the complication, the cornea can be deformed. This is probably due to constant hand rubbing of the eyes. This causes excruciating itchiness in the eyelids.

Treating Optic Dermatitis

It is absolutely necessary to seek a dermatologist when you experience any of the mentioned symptoms. This would prevent the disease from developing further and allow early diagnosis and treatment. You can also ask for help from an ophthalmologist since these people are experts in eye complications. The application of lotions and creams should not be administered without proper medical guidance.

There are severe cases of the ailment that develops vascularization and risk of rejection. People with such cases are not advised to undergo corneal transplantation due to the unsuccessful nature of the operation.

The Facts About Perianal Dermatitis

Monday, April 21, 2008

With so many illnesses and rashes that could strike a baby at any time, it is no wonder that all the rashes seem to look alike. But the fact is, they are not all alike as each is generally caused by different factors and each could end up needing special care and treatment. One of the less talked about rashes that occur in young children, mostly babies, is that of perianal dermatitis. Although it can occur in adults, most reported cases are that of babies still in diapers as a lot of moisture tends to get left for too long.

The common term that a lot of doctors use when talking with parents is that of diaper dermatitis. But diaper dermatitis does not just mean perianal dermatitis, as there are actually four different presentations for diaper dermatitis. Out of the four different presentations of diaper dermatitis, perianal dermatitis is the second most commonly seen. This means that the rash that is taking place is limited to the anus area. A lot of newborns get this about having a bad case of diarrhea.

How To Treat It

If you notice that your little one is suffering from what looks like perianal dermatitis, you should seek the help of your child's doctor. You should avoid trying self-treatment or medication as you could make the situation worse without realizing it or trying to. The first thing a doctor is going to explain is that you must take extra care to make sure that the diaper area remains dry and free from waste and urine. With each diaper change, you will need to apply a doctor prescribed or suggested ointment in order to help heal the rash and prevent it from coming back.

There may even be the suggestion to try avoiding using rubber or plastic pants as these can cause irritation. If there is a yeast infection that is causing the perianal dermatitis, then an anti-fungal cream will be prescribed for use. By taking action and following doctors orders, you will be sure that the situation clears up without fail. And by taking the appropriate steps needed, you are sure to prevent perianal dermatitis from coming back to your child. You and your child will be happy that you took action and did the right thing, as this is something that causes a lot of pain for young children and something that they cannot prevent themselves.

The Not So Pretty Face of Perioral Dermatitis

Sunday, April 20, 2008

The condition called Perioral dermatitis or POD is a persistent papulopustular and eczematous dermatitis usually affecting the face around the area of the mouth. The affliction commonly occurs in women aged twenty to forty-five but a variant occurs in children. The lesion features of the perioral dermatitis resemble those of rosacea. The disease can occur due to naive use topical steroids for minor skin alterations of the face. The perioral dermatitis is limited to the skin and is not life threatening. However, people suffering from the disease may develop emotional complications.

Symptoms and Causes of Perioral Dermatitis

People suffering from the condition may experience a sensation of burning and tension during the beginning of the disease. Periroal dermatitis does not normally evoke pruritus due to the rarity of itching. The lesions of the skin can occur as a group of follicular reddish papules, vesicles with papules and pustules on an erythematous base. The papules are located around the mouth though the lesions can also be found in the fold between the nose and mouth and the side portions of the lower eyelids. In the severe variant of perioral dermatitis called lupuslike, the disease's infiltrates appear yellowish.

In people suffering from the disease, the basic cause cannot be detected. However, the innocent use of the topical steroids usually precedes perioral dermatitis. There are causative factors in the form of fluorinated toothpaste, skin care creams or ointments containing petrolatum or paraffin, which usually develop perioral dermatitis. There are studies conducted showing that the application of foundation in addition to moisturizer and night cream can increase the risk of perioral dermatitis thirteen-fold.

POD is also worsened by continuous exposure to UV light, heat and wind. There are microbiological factors that have been found in cultured lesions including specific species of Candida, the bacteria spirilla and other fungi.

Medical Care for Perioral Dermatitis

Care for perioral dermatitis includes the systemic or topical therapies. The PDT or photodynamic therapy has also been proven to be effective against the disease until recently. The treatment applied for the ailments must be adapted depending on the severity and extension of the disease. There should also be reassurance and education regarding the possible underlying factors and the time course of the disease. These are important in helping patients to cope with the disfiguring characteristic of the disease. Additionally, the measures would help them minimize the risk of recurrences.

Consulting a dermatologist is also advised to evaluate the factors and to determine the treatment that can be applied for the perioral dermatitis. Substances that expand dermal blood vessels must also be avoided. These substances may include alcoholic beverages and spicy dishes. The physical activity of people suffering from the disease is not limited but strenuous physical exercises may worsen the condition. This is due to the occurrence of vasodilation of dermal vessels during such activities.

Phototoxic Contact Dermatitis is Similar to Sunburn

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Phototoxic Contact Dermatitis is known as photodermatitis and is an inflammatory skin reaction having a strong resemblance to sunburn. After radiation, for example, the reactivity of the skin is increased by photosensitizing substances and hence the reaction on the skin after it is sunburn-like. Drugs can also cause phototoxic eruptions.
Causes
When Phototoxic Contact Dermatitis occurs, there is a hyperpigmentation of the skin, especially in the areas which are exposed to the sun. Also, if the skin is exposed to agents containing photosensitizing substances like coal tar and certain specific perfumes, drugs, plants and even sunlight, dermatitis is the result.
Another name for Phototoxic Contact Dermatitis is sun poisoning. It is the reaction of the skin to the UV rays of the sun, or it may be termed as photoallergy. Sometimes the cause may just be medication or a skin product like sunscreen or a vitamin deficiency. A photo test is conducted by doctors to diagnose the ailment.
Phototoxic Contact Dermatitis can also be caused by citrus fruits. There is another type of Phototoxic Contact Dermatitis which can be caused by textiles. This is also called the "bikini dermatitis" because it is a type of hyperpigmentation that the patients develop after wearing bikini bathing suits. The dye in the bathing suits causes the Phototoxic Contact Dermatitis in some of the individuals.
Symptoms

Often there is a swelling and a burning sensation on the skin. The skin starts peeling off after a red itchy rash which resembles small blisters. Sometimes the patient may suffer from nausea.

Prevention
If you know that you are prone to Phototoxic Contact Dermatitis, avoid the sun as much as possible. Just remain indoors during the day so that your skin does not come in direct contact with sunlight. Cover the whole body to protect yourself, wear long sleeves and long pants and use a wide-brimmed hat if you have to go out in the sun.


If a drug has triggered the reaction, consult your doctor and discontinue it immediately. In any case, if the symptoms are severe, a doctor should be consulted. If you wear sunscreen, make sure that it has a high UVA protection level with at least factor 30.
Treatment
There are some foods which can definitely help in the treatment of Phototoxic Contact Dermatitis. Beta Carotene found in carrots and omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and flax seed have been found to be effective. Green tea helps as an antioxidant and protein food is also advisable for people who are suffering from malnutrition. Consumption of vitamins like B3, C, D and E are also good and Aloe can be used externally as a soothing balm on the skin.

Postscabetic Dermatitis: How To Get Rid Of That Ugly Itch

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Postscabetic dermatitis can be downright itchy. Most people who are suffering from postscabetic dermatitis cannot sleep all night with all the itch and discomforts brought about by this type allergy. Yes, postscabetic dermatitis is a kind of allergy; it is not scabies at all. Scabies are caused by mites living in our skin while postscabetic dermatitis is caused by allergic reactions to the mites in the skin and may even persist even when all the scabies have been eliminated from your skin. Yes, the whole itchy thing is very uncomfortable so if you have this type of allergy, you better settle in for a long night. It is very hard to sleep when you are itching all over.

Treating Postscabetic Dermatitis

No, you cannot eliminate postscabetic dermatitis by taking any mite killing medication. Always remember that you are dealing with allergies here so you need special treatment for your allergies. To find the best treatment for your allergies, you better see your doctor immediately. Do not take just any of those over the counter drugs of liniments to relieve your discomforts. Note that taking the wrong type of over the counter drugs and liniments can make things worst for you. You don't really want to end up scratching yourself like crazy all night long so go see your doctor immediately.

If your symptoms start in the middle of the night and you do not have access to your doctor, do not run to the nearest emergency room. Yes you are uncomfortable and you want to get fast relief from that itching and burning sensation but you cannot just run to the emergency room because of some persistent itch. Note that people in the emergency room are very busy and if they think that your case is not really so serious, they may not really be very happy to see you especially when there are a lot of dying people in the room who need their attention. Instead of running to the emergency room, take a hot bath to ease the itch a little. Hot water can sooth away the itch so take a long warm bath. Make sure that you do not put any oil, scent or soap in your bath to avoid irritating your skin further.

After taking a long warm bath, pat yourself dry with a warm soft towel. Do not rub your skin. Yes, it is very tempting to rub your skin at this point but unless you want to rub yourself raw, do not start rubbing your skin with a towel.

Seborrheic Dermatitis or Dandruff

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Another name for dandruff is Seborrheic Dermatitis and it generally affects the scalp. There is a flaking of the skin and is a common ailment affecting adolescents and adults. Even babies are prone to this ailment, and it is known as "cradle cap".

Sometimes Seborrheic Dermatitis can also occur on other parts of the body like the face, chest, the creases of the arms and legs and the groin. The skin is not only flaky, but also a little greasy and scaly. It is very common especially among men between the ages of thirty and sixty. Often babies below the age of three months are prone to this disease too.

Causes

The causes for Seborrheic Dermatitis are still not known, but the causes for infants and adults are different. The ailment could be related to hormones, because infants are affected by it, but it disappears before puberty. A fungus called malassezia may also be a cause of the disorder. This organism is already present on the skin, but in small numbers. When the numbers increase, skin problems may arise.

There is also a link between Seborrheic Dermatitis and neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease and epilepsy. Researchers have established a link between them, but they still don't know the reasons for it.

Treatment

The treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis depends on its location on the body. Also, the age of the person plays an important role. The treatment of the common dandruff is done with shampoo which contains salicylic acid. The shampoos should be used at least twice a week. Shampoos containing coal tar can be used more frequently, like three times a week. Actually, if you have dandruff, start by using any of the shampoos daily and then reducing the use to two or three times a week, once the dandruff is under control.

If the Seborrheic Dermatitis symptoms do not respond to self-care like shampoos and massages, consult a medical professional. If the skin develops patches of Seborrheic Dermatitis and drains fluid or pus, or becomes very red or painful, it is time to call a doctor.

Steroid lotions can also be used by adolescents and adults, but only if the doctor prescribes them for you. For babies, Seborrheic Dermatitis can be treated with a mild and nonmedicated baby shampoo. Gentle brushing and massaging of the scalp with a soft brush also helps. For severe cases, doctors recommend gentle steroid lotions and creams.

Seborrheic Dermatitis can be a chronic condition and the treatment can definitely control it. Sometimes it is inactive, and at other times it can flare up, but it continues to stay life long. There may be some possible complications associated with it like psychological distress, low esteem and embarrassment. Sometimes Seborrheic Dermatitis may even lead to secondary bacterial or fungal infections.

Treatment Options for Severe Dermatitis

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Dermatitis is a common ailment experienced by many people worldwide. Some are reported to have suffered from the disease for a very long time. When severe dermatitis becomes out of hand and uncontrollable, profound treatments are recommended by the clinical experts.

When simple treatment such as topical steroids can no longer cure severe dermatitis, a more challenging way of remedy is being used. Systemic immunosuppressants and immunomodulators are then recommended to successfully eradicate the symptoms. However, there is only a limited time frame in which these drugs can be used since they produce systemic toxic effects.

Severe Dermatitis: What it Looks Like

Severe dermatitis is different from that of a normal dermatitis considering the appearance and the range of its spread. Typically, dermatitis causes itchiness and redness in an area of the body; but in severe dermatitis, almost all body parts experience pruritus and inflammation. The coverage is widespread in the entire body including skin folds, the head and face, trunk, and upper and lower extremities. The head also experiences alopecia, which means loss of hair. Scarring may also be present due to constant rubbing of the skin. In some cases of severe dermatitis, infection from Staphylococcus bacteria may also be present.

Tips to Lessen the Severity of Dermatitis

The recommended tips to reduce the symptoms of severe dermatitis are: frequent dusting of house furniture to ensure that there are no mites, application of skin moisturizers such as Vaseline, Aquaphor and petroleum jelly, avoidance of creams and ointments since it aggravates the eczema, bathing in lukewarm water followed by lotion application to damp skin, and religiously following the medication treatment for this ailment. In most cases, these tips are confirmed to be safe and efficient for the cure of severe dermatitis.

Aggressive Treatment for Severe Dermatitis

If the normal treatment to severe dermatitis does not work, a more challenging type of treatment will be used. This involves the usage of drugs which can bring about toxic effects in our body. Efalizumab treatment is proven to be effective in fully eradicating severe dermatitis. However, its toxic effects should also be considered because it may bring more harm than good in our body. Like all other treatments, people should weigh first the good that one type of cure brings, and the harm that goes alongside with it. Proper decision making with your physician should be considered and should be well thought of.

Stasis Dermatitis Facts

Monday, April 14, 2008

A person who suffers from stasis dermatitis knows that this is a skin condition that no one would ever want to face, as it is painful, embarrassing, but also scary. To understand exactly how to handle stasis dermatitis, a person first needs to understand exactly what it is. A doctor will be able to make the best diagnosis but stasis dermatitis is skin that gets rough, dry, red, and can look scaly. Also, there could be crusting, erosions, and oozing that begins to take place which is probably the worst part of having stasis dermatitis.

There is often a lot of leg swelling that comes along with this skin condition because there is a buildup of fluid that takes place along with a lot of poor circulation. Although stasis dermatitis usually occurs in the legs, it can happen in other areas of the body. A malfunction of a vein valve or heart failure can cause this condition to come about but those are not the only reasons behind this terrible skin condition. Also, women are more likely to face this problem and most are over the age of fifty. As a person's age increases, so does their chance at developing this skin condition.

Treatment Options

For stasis dermatitis, there are a lot of things that can be done but there are some things that are most common. If there is a lot of swelling in the legs, which usually gets worse the longer a person stands throughout the day, there are steps that can be taken to help out the situation. Women can wear support hose that is elastic and this should be put on first thing in the morning when first awaking. When sitting for long periods, make sure to try and keep the legs above the level of the heart in order to help control too much of a fluid buildup from forming. Over the counter hydrocortisone cream can be applied up to two times a day on the red areas.

An important thing to remember is if the swelling or the itching does not get better by the steps that are being taken at home, it is time to seek medical care from a doctor. The doctor will need to see exactly what is going on that could be causing the swelling to make sure that you are in no urgent medical crisis. If you fear that there is an infection present at the affected area, it is time to seek medical help right away. Signs of an infections would be a fever, extra amounts of pain to the affected area, an increased amount of redness and swelling and even areas that are opening up to let pus out. If you experience any of this with your stasis dermatitis, seek help right away.

Sweat Induced Dermatitis Being Extensively Researched

An allergic reaction can occur in patients because of sweat if they are suffering from atopic dermatitis. It is a form of Sweat induced dermatitis, because sweat is one of the most aggravating factors in atopic dermatitis. A lot of research is still being conducted in this field, because for all patients suffering from atopic dermatitis sweat is not always the deciding factor.

Atopic Dermatitis

Since sweat may induce allergic reactions in patients with atopic dermatitis, sweat allergy is treated as a useful marker for the diagnosis of the dermatitis, and this gives a target for new therapeutics.

The exact mechanism of Sweat induced dermatitis and the role of sweat in atopic dermatitis is still unclear for many doctors. There are both allergic and non-allergic mechanisms, and there are actually no satisfactory scientific evidences.

Nickel

Sweat induced dermatitis is common in people who are sensitive to nickel. If sweaty skin comes into contact with items containing nickel, it can immediately develop an itchy, prickly sensation within a period of fifteen or twenty minutes. Sometimes even a rash may appear within a day or two. But if there is no sweat on the skin, these nickel items can be worn for several hours and there will be no skin problems.

Not only jewelry but also clothing fasteners made of nickel, like buckles, zippers, buttons and metal clips can come into contact with the sweat in your body and immediately react on the skin and cause Sweat induced dermatitis. Hence people who are sensitive to nickel should substitute them with nylon accessories. Rubber products are often the cause of allergic contact dermatitis and this is caused by the chemical additives in rubber.
Medical workers wearing tight-fitting gloves may be prone to Sweat induced dermatitis, because the skin of the hands under the glove experience sweating and could cause hand dermatitis. Powder free rubber gloves may prevent sweating or gloves made of other material should be used, so that there is no sweating.
Treatment
If there is any indication of Sweat induced dermatitis, then the best thing to consider is to prevent that portion of the body from sweating. Wearing light and cotton clothes, using powder under gloves would be some of the precautions. It is easy to prevent touching nickel objects or wearing nickel jewelry especially when you are sweating. Your dermatologist can help you to identify the items that you should avoid.
It is easier for you to detect the cause of the Sweat induced dermatitis than your doctor, because you can check out whether you are allergic to some product only when you sweat, and then you can use it as well when there is no sweat in your body. This can prove that the itching and rash is only Sweat induced dermatitis, and only when sweat comes into contact with the product, it causes the allergy or dermatitis on your skin.

Slow Treatment with Topical Antibiotic for Perioral Dermatitis

Sunday, April 13, 2008

Perioral Dermatitis is a very common skin rash which affects young women. The rash develops around the mouth and it appears on the chin, cheeks and the nose. It appears like acne, but there are often lumps on the skin appearing one next to the other.

Steroids

Often topical steroids are used temporarily to clear a mild patch of perioral dermatitis. The rash often clears, only to reappear again as soon as the steroids are stopped.

Drug Groups

The Topical Antibiotic for Perioral Dermatitis belongs to the tetracycline group and is an antibiotic tablet. In milder cases topical antibiotics are used. The treatment lasts normally six to twelve weeks, as this is the normal course of any Topical Antibiotic for Perioral Dermatitis.

Treatment

For the first few weeks there may be no noticeable improvement during the treatment. But within two months after starting the Topical Antibiotic for Perioral Dermatitis, there is definitely an improvement. Therefore, you must be patient if an antibiotic has been prescribed by your doctor, because the results appear only after two weeks.

It is, however not clear how antibiotics work when the patient has contracted perioral dermatitis. But it is known that tetracyclines and some other antibiotics help in reducing inflammation and also kill bacteria, hence it is very effective.

The doses of the Topical Antibiotic for Perioral Dermatitis are taken in decreasing order. Sometimes topical antibacterial creams and lotions are also used to give the patient immediate relief. In order to prevent recurrence, they can be continued for a longer period of time.

Other oral antibiotics may be required if the case is severe. These are doxycycline, minocycline or erythromycin. If the infection is milder or if the patient is pregnant, topical antibiotic creams may be used.

Side-Effects

The use of a Topical Antibiotic for Perioral Dermatitis may be effective for the treatment of the dermatitis, but it can have some side effects like nausea, vomiting and phototoxicity. That is why children below eight years of age should not be treated with these antibiotics. Often, patients with perioral dermatitis have high skin sensitivity and topical medications may not be suitable for them.

Other Methods

Besides these limitations, there are patients who are reluctant to take any Topical Antibiotic for Perioral Dermatitis. Hence a safe and effective treatment for it has been found that might help to eliminate or reduce the need to consume antibiotics. The photodynamic therapy with topical 5-aminolevulinic acid is one of the solutions.

Some contraindications against the Topical Antibiotic for Perioral Dermatitis have been listed out by the doctors. Many of the antibiotics are not recommended for smaller children because it documents hypersensitivity and even severe hepatic dysfunction.

The Truth about Wedding Rings and Wedding Ring Dermatitis

Saturday, April 12, 2008

Wearing wedding rings and other jewelry may sometimes cause irritations and allergic reactions. The ring itself it not to be blamed for this but rather one of its content called nickel. Nickel is being used by jewelers to harden their products. The problem would arise when you do not know that you are very sensitive to nickel. The wedding ring dermatitis is another form of nickel contact dermatitis that could be gained from prolonged exposure to nickel. Additionally, the disease can also arise from wearing wedding rings 24/7/365, thus giving no room for the skin beneath the ring to breathe.

Nickel allergy is commonly caused by even the minute amounts of nickel particles coming into direct contact to the skin, which was predisposed with sensitivity to the particle. There are other kinds of this allergy but the most common to married women is the wedding ring dermatitis. This disease has been proven to be treatable though you might think twice before wearing any jewelry with nickel content. The wedding ring dermatitis is not so different with other allergic reactions; once you are allergic to nickel, you will always be allergic to it. The best way to determine if you are sensitive to nickel and prone to wedding ring dermatitis is to undergo an allergen test in your local hospital.

As with any form of irritants, the longer you are exposed to the irritant or wearing your wedding ring the higher the risk of developing wedding ring dermatitis. Another factor that might contribute to wedding ring dermatitis is the existence of a pre-determined eczema or atopic dermatitis condition.

On the other hand, you should not fret upon reading this information because there are several measures that serves as necessary precautions for wedding ring dermatitis. You can apply a mild topical steroid on the area of the finger wearing the wedding ring. However, there is a caveat that steroids are known to thin the skin when used continuously. Another precaution you can practice is applying a coat of nail polish underneath the wedding ring. This method can test your patience since nail polish periodically flakes off. Always keep the skin on your ring finger dry and occasionally place your hands into a sink full of water.

Treating Wedding Ring Dermatitis

If you have practiced the necessary precautions for wedding ring dermatitis but still developed inflammation on the skin, maybe it is necessary for you to avoid wearing the wedding ring at all and opt for something skin-friendly. The application of medications for wedding ring dermatitis, as with all kinds of contact dermatitis depends on the severity of the disease. A 1% hydrocortisone topical lotion applied directly on the inflamed skin can help relieve the itchiness, redness, scaling and swelling. This product is available over-the-counter and can be in the form of either ointment or cream. However, for sever cases of disease it is necessary to seek professional help. The physician will recommend a stronger steroid medicine to apply on the affected area and it can also be given as an injection.