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.