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.

What is Seborrheic Dermatitis: The Flaky Truth

Friday, April 11, 2008

What is seborrheic dermatitis? The answer to this question requires the necessary information regarding the disease that encompasses it. Eczema or dermatitis eczema refers to several kinds of inflammations of the skin. Most of the symptoms of the diseases under it are redness, skin edema, itching and dryness. The seborrheic dermatitis is another kind of dermatitis eczema affecting the certain areas of the skin that produces sebum. During the onset of the disease, the skin would exhibit redness and itchiness especially on the face. The seborrheic dermatitis is also commonly found on the scalp due to the nature of the scalp to produce constant amount of sebum. This would cause scaly and flaky crusts on the scalp.

What is Seborrheic Dermatitis and What Would Cause It?

The question "what is seborrheic dermatitis?" can also be answered by determining the involvement of a certain yeast called Malassezia furfur. This yeast was formerly known as Pityrosporum ovale. The most common cause of seborrheic dermatitis is the existence of one of the yeast's species, namely the M. globosa. The fungus thrives on the skin and scalp due to the abundance of sebum. Aside from the existence of this factor, seborrheic dermatitis can also occur due to the genetic makeup of a person. The environment, hormonal and immune system factors can also contribute to the existence of seborrheic dermatitis. People afflicted with the disease have a harsh response to the infection causing the skin to be inflamed and flaky.

The seborrheic dermatitis can also be worsened though intense stress, sudden change in the weather, greasy skin and sporadic shampooing and skin cleaning. There are also people with severe maladies including AIDS, Parkinson's disease, head injury and stroke that could be afflicted by the condition. However, the major contributors of the disease are the sebaceous glands and hair follicles. People who have seborrheic dermatitis often produce large amounts of oil. The massive amount of oil produced by the skin can attract the yeast Malassezia furfur and other bacteria.

What is Seborrheic Dermatitis and How Can You Treat It?

What is seborrheic dermatitis and will you be able to treat it? The answer is yes. A basic treatment for the disease exists in the form of shampoos that contain zinc pyrithione. There are also alternative shampoos that contain selenium sulfide and ketoconazole that could fight the disease. You have the option to try using several shampoos, with those chemicals, in order to determine which one works better. To maintain effectiveness of the treatment, you can choose to rotate from non-medicated to medicated shampoos. Applying the shampoos requires massaging the scalp and those areas affected and leave the foam on your scalp for a few minutes. Rinsing the shampoo thoroughly is also important.

However, if shampoos seem not to work, you can apply cortisone lotion once or twice daily. You can also take an overnight medication under a shower cap if the seborrheic dermatitis proves to be stubborn.