Skin can be delicate, and sometimes an ordinary substance in the environment – such as a beauty product or materials you come into contact with at work – can trigger skin reactions. Some people have particularly sensitive skin, and multiple environmental triggers can cause a wide array of symptoms. In this article, you’ll learn about the different classifications of dermatitis, how to understand the severity of your symptoms and what type of treatment will work for you.

Dermatitis defined. While different types of dermatitis have some of the same symptoms, the underlying causes and treatment options may differ.

• Contact dermatitis. One of the most common types of dermatitis is contact dermatitis. This condition is temporary and usually appears soon after you’ve come into contact with an irritant or allergen. The reaction is usually localized to the area of skin where contact occurred and typically clears up quickly.

• Symptoms: General symptoms – which are common to all types of dermatitis – include itchy skin patches that may be scaly, flaky or dry.
• Treatment: If caught early, contact dermatitis can be treated at home. The most important step is to identify the culprit and avoid any further contact.

Keep in mind that more than one trigger could be responsible. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there are more than 3,000 known allergens that contribute to common skin rashes, such as:

• Leather
• Glue
• Varnish
• Fiberglass
• Concrete
• Cosmetics
• Artificial fragrances
• Metals such as nickel, mercury and zinc
• Exposure to poison ivy or poison oak is also considered contact dermatitis.

• Product pick: While discontinued contact with irritants will clear up most cases of dermatitis, Mayo Clinic recommends using a hydrocortisone cream like Peter Thomas Roth Aloe-Cort Cream to treat any lingering symptoms including itchiness.

• Irritant dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is rarely long lasting, as long as you pay attention to your symptoms and avoid the triggering substance. However, if you have repeated or prolonged exposure to the material or substance that caused the reaction, this is known as irritant dermatitis.

• Symptoms: Because it’s related to contact dermatitis, symptoms will appear to be similar. In this situation, the skin never gets a chance to heal completely due to frequent irritation.
• Treatment: Similar to contact dermatitis, you need to figure out the root cause of your rash. If you can’t figure out what’s irritating your skin, a dermatologist can perform a series of patch tests. These tests expose you to small amounts of as many as 25 different substances over a period of 48 to 72 hours, which will determine the specific allergen or allergens that are causing your rash. Once the allergen is determined, you can take steps to avoid coming into contact with it so your skin can fully heal. If over-the-counter creams or ointments don’t help with symptoms in the meantime, a doctor can prescribe a stronger prescription.

• Seborrheic dermatitis. People who also experience problems with dandruff may find that they have a case of seborrheic dermatitis (referred to as “cradle cap” when seen on infants and toddlers). Seborrheic dermatitis affects both the scalp and face, and causes itchy, flaky skin and severe dandruff.

• Symptoms: Experts believe that seborrheic dermatitis may be caused by several factors, including the overproduction of sebum compounded by the body’s production of a yeast called malessizia. The condition is distinguished by the presence of white or yellowish scales on the face or body that mostly appear on oily areas, such as inside the ears, on the scalp and around the eyes and eyebrows. It’s a chronic condition that typically appears in multiple family members and may be exacerbated by stress, often flaring up and disappearing without warning.
• Treatment: In general, the condition is treated with over-the-counter shampoos and lotions that contain active ingredients like coal tar, salicylic acid and zinc, though a dermatologist may also prescribe medicated ointments and shampoos for severe cases.

• Product picks:

• Hair: For seborrheic dermatitis on the scalp, reach for a medicated shampoo like DS Laboratories Dandrene which slows down the production of oil and includes amino acids to strengthen skin and hair near the scalp.

• Skin: Use a topical treatment like NeoStrata Therapeutics Psorent Topical to treat the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis including itching, scaling, flaking, redness and irritation.

• Infants: Clear up your baby’s cradle cap with Mustela Foam Shampoo For Newborns. This safe, hypoallergenic formula includes coconut extract and salicylic acid to reduce the fungi that cause this condition while gently cleansing the hair and scalp.

• Atopic dermatitis or eczema. Also more prolonged than contact dermatitis, eczema often starts early in childhood. It can disappear later on, but some have eczema for life. Eczema, also common in members of the same family – especially children – is another chronic form of dermatitis.

• Symptoms: Itchy, red scaly patches can appear anywhere on the face and body. Symptoms are difficult to visually distinguish from contact dermatitis. The condition is intermittent, meaning symptoms flare up and die down in reaction to a number of triggers in the environment. Symptoms also depend on the individual’s overall health and stress levels. Sometimes, those with eczema also have hay fever or asthma.
• Treatment: The best way to treat symptoms of eczema is to keep them from flaring up in the first place. If you or your child has eczema, pay close attention to your environment to learn how to control your condition. A few tips:
• Avoid products with added fragrances or dyes
• Reduce stress
• Take shorter showers (water, especially hot water, can be a trigger)
• Use mild moisturizers throughout the day and especially after bathing
• If you have allergies, talk to a physician and keep them under control

Physicians often prescribe steroidal ointments as a treatment for serious cases of eczema.

• Product pick: Improve your body’s ability to defend itself against the symptoms of eczema including dryness, redness and itching with Loma Lux Homeopathic Eczema Tablets.

Unusual forms of dermatitis. If your condition doesn’t seem to fit in with one of the types above, you might have one of the more rare forms of dermatitis. Your doctor can provide you with information on treatment options.

• Neurodermatitis: A chronic skin condition that’s confined to certain areas of the body

• Stasis dermatitis: A specific dermatitis that develops on the legs from excess fluid under the skin

• Perioral dermatitis: A distinct type that presents itself as a rash near the mouth

When to see a doctor

In severe cases, excessive scratching may cause minor bleeding, which may lead to a secondary infection. If this occurs, seek treatment from a medical professional. Also, watch for the following warning signs:

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Blisters
• Pus

If your condition becomes chronic and doesn’t respond to at-home treatments, it’s a good idea to have a doctor diagnose your symptoms and create a treatment plan.

With dermatitis, your first treatment step should always be narrowing down the root cause of your symptoms. From there, you can take steps to avoid allergens or triggers, and use gentle products or treatments to nourish your skin back to health. And remember that doctors can help if you can’t figure out what caused your symptoms or if you have a more complicated type of dermatitis.

See also:

Stork Bites and Angel’s Kisses: All About Birthmarks

Treating and Preventing Athlete’s Foot

Inside Seborrheic Dermatitis

5 Skin-Soothing Ingredients