What is Dermatitis: 8 Dermatitis Symptoms and How to Treat Them

• Dermatitis is an umbrella term that covers different forms of skin inflammation.
• Dermatitis can occur at any age or to anyone, though those with a family history of dermatitis will have a higher risk.
• There is no cure for dermatitis, but there are treatments to help manage symptoms.

Dermatitis is one of the many common skin conditions. Unlike other common ones, such as poison ivy, dermatitis is considered a long-term or chronic condition that requires ongoing management of key symptoms. Continue reading to learn the common symptoms of dermatitis, why a proper diagnosis is important for skin health, and effective treatment options for when dermatitis is triggered.

Dermatitis is a general term that covers various forms of skin inflammation. It can result in itchy skin, dry skin, or skin rash. In some cases, small blisters may also appear. There are a few types of dermatitis, and while it’s not contagious, it can be triggered by factors such as allergies, stress, and your environment.

The most common dermatitis symptom is itchy skin. This may take the shape of intense itching or a mild itch. Other symptoms include:

• Dry skin
• Red skin
• Sensitive skin
• Rashes
• Scaly skin patches
• Blisters
• Yellow scabs
• Swollen skin
• Burning sensation in affected area

Complications of dermatitis may include skin infections, rashes caused by intensely itchy skin, allergic reactions, and an increased risk of developing other allergies, such as hay fever. Additionally, dermatitis make symptoms worse for other medical conditions, such as depression or anxiety.

Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema or atopic eczema, is the most common type of dermatitis.

The specific cause of Atopic dermatitis is unknown. Atopic dermatitis may result from a gene variation that causes a weak skin barrier, which can prevent the skin from retaining enough moisture to protect it from harmful bacteria. In others, eczema can occur due to too much Staphylococcus aureus (a type of bacteria) on the skin.

There is no cure for atopic dermatitis, but there can be ongoing, alternating periods between skin flare-ups and no symptoms.

Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis

• Itchy skin
• Dry, scaly skin
• Red rash
• Rough, small bumps
• Inflamed skin (warm and swollen)
• Bumps, rashes, or blisters that leak fluid

Contact Dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when a substance touches your skin and causes an adverse reaction. Reactions can develop into rashes that burn, sting, itch, or blister.

There are two forms of contact dermatitis: 

1. Irritant contact dermatitis (or irritant dermatitis): a reaction occurs after immediate, direct exposure irritating substances
2. Allergic contact dermatitis: a delayed reaction occurs after contact with an allergen.

Typical materials that may cause an allergic reaction include soaps, detergents, jewelry, and cleaning products.

Symptoms of Contact Dermatitis

• Itchy rash
• Swelling, burning, or tender skin
• Bumps or blisters, which may sometimes leak fluid or crust over
• Leathery, dark patches (usually on darker skin)
• Dry, or cracked skin

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as cradle cap, is a form of dermatitis that causes scaly patches, skin discoloration, and dandruff. It is most common on the scalp but can also occur on the face, chest, and around the ears. Stress or lack of sleep can also worsen symptoms.

The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is unknown, but it may result from an inflammatory reaction to Malassezia yeast.

Symptoms of Seborrheic Dermatitis

• Dandruff (flaky white skin on the scalp)
• Itchy skin
• Greasy skin patches with yellow or white flakey scales on the scalp, sides of the face, eyebrows, ears, and eyelids (in some cases, could also occur on the chest, armpits, or around the groin area)
• Rash which can present in different shades, depending on skin tones.

Other Types of Dermatitis

The types mentioned above are the most common forms of dermatitis. However, there are other less common types of eczema, including:

• Dyshidrotic dermatitis: characterized by small bumps and blisters on the hands and feet. This type is most commonly found in women ages 20–40 and can be triggered by allergens, stress, or sweat. 
• Nummular dermatitis: characterized by coin-shaped plaques that can appear red on lighter skin tones and purple or darkening on the skin on darker skin tones. These plaques can appear on the legs, arms, torso, and chest. This happens more commonly to senior men, particularly those living in dry climates or who take frequent hot showers. 
• Stasis dermatitis: characterized by dark, irritated skin on the legs and ankles and happens due to poor blood circulation in the legs. Those with varicose veins, chronic conditions that cause swelling in the legs or restrict blood to the region, or congestive heart failure are at higher risk for developing this type. 
• Dermatitis neglecta: characterized by a build-up of bacteria, dirt, and sweat that can cause the skin to become thick and change color. This type occurs when a person’s skin isn’t being properly cleaned for long periods. 
• Spongiotic dermatitis: characterized by irritated skin that appears or feels spongy. This type is caused by a buildup of fluids under irritated skin.
• Diaper dermatitis: also known as ​“diaper rash,” this type is characterized by red, shiny skin around an infant’s diaper area and is caused by irritation from urine or feces in diapers. This condition occurs most frequently when a baby’s diaper isn’t changed frequently or the infant is on antibiotics.
• Perioral/​periorificial dermatitis: characterized by a scaly rash or inflamed bumps around the mouth (potentially can spread to the eyes and nose, and on rare occasions, genitals) that can appear red on lighter skin tones or purple/​darkening of the skin on darker skin tones. It primarily occurs in young adult women, and the exact cause is unknown. 

There are a few potential causes and risk factors for developing dermatitis, including:

• A weakened immune system, which may overreact to something you’re allergic to
• Environmental factors, such as tobacco smoke, air pollutants, soap, and other scented products like lotion or perfume that can affect the skin
• Stress and hormones
• A family history of eczema, specifically inheriting certain genes that can prevent the skin from absorbing moisture

To diagnose dermatitis, a primary care provider or other health professional will review your medical history and perform a physical exam. In many cases, your provider may be able to diagnose dermatitis and its type by looking at the affected skin.

If an allergic reaction is the trigger of your dermatitis, a skin patch test can be done to determine specific allergens. If tests come back inconclusive, an intradermal skin test may be done.

A skin patch test consists of as many as 50 or more allergens (usually placed on a person’s forearm), followed by small, individual pricks by each allergen to allow them to enter into the skin. Additionally, your provider will use control samples of histamine and saline solutions to help measure/​compare any allergic reactions that may occur. In some cases, there may be immediate reactions to allergens, which can let you know you’re allergic. Some allergens may have a delayed reaction, which can take several days to occur, meaning you cannot shower or perform activities that work up a sweat for a few days after the test. 

An intradermal skin test involves injecting small amounts of allergen into the skin to identify allergic reactions. During the first stage, multiple allergens are injected into the forearm, and the patient waits for 15 minutes. A positive reaction indicates an allergy to the specific allergen. If the initial test is negative for certain allergens, such as medications or insect venom, a second stage of testing may be performed to definitively rule out any allergies.

If you receive an official dermatitis diagnosis, medical and home treatments may be recommended to manage symptoms.

There are various treatment options for dermatitis that range from pharmacological to simple home remedies to mitigate symptoms. Treatments may also depend on the type of dermatitis and symptoms you’re showing.

Pharmacological treatment options include:

• Over-the-counter or creams or ointments
• Light therapy (usually with ultraviolet light)
• Oral medications such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants
• Topical steroids
• Injected medicines
• Antihistamines
• Prescribed anti-itch cream or ointment

There are also home remedies that can help manage symptoms, including:

• Over-the-counter anti-itch cream or ointment moisturizer
• Cool compresses
• Bleach baths (adding 1/2 cup of household bleach to 40 gallons of warm water)
• Soft, loose clothes
• Tea tree oil shampoo (for seborrheic dermatitis)
• Compression socks (for stasis dermatitis)
• Wet dressings

The best treatment for your dermatitis will depend on your individual preference, the severity of your condition, your age, and the type of dermatitis. It is also important to have a keen awareness of the everyday products you’re using and how they’re affecting your skin. This means paying attention to makeup, lotions, perfumes, etc., and switching out products when necessary that are flaring up your symptoms.

The best way to prevent dermatitis is to avoid common triggers. While dermatitis may occur due to genetic or bacterial factors beyond your control, you can still take precautions to help prevent a dermatitis flare. 

Some ways you can do this include:

• Avoiding allergens, such as skin irritants and food allergies
• Moisturizing skin often
• Using a humidifier in your home
• Resisting scratching the affected skin
• Reducing stress
• Using mild soap and other hygiene products that are gentle and keep the skin hydrated

A primary care provider can refer you to a dermatologist in your network, or you can also find a dermatologist specializing in dermatitis through the National Eczema Association’s Eczema Provider Finder. If the individual is under 18, find a healthcare provider who specializes in pediatric dermatology.

A dermatologist can help you develop a treatment plan and provide guidance on managing your condition.

Questions to Ask Your Dermatologist

Some questions you may want to ask your dermatologist include:

• What type of dermatitis do I have?
• What medications are recommended?
• What at-home treatments are recommended?
• How often should I visit you about my dermatitis?
• Can prescription skin products (such as shampoos, creams, or moisturizers) be prescribed to help with my dermatitis?

• The National Eczema Association and the wider eczema community offer support and resources for dermatitis, including educational materials, support groups, and advocacy programs.
• You can also find eczema-friendly products by looking for products with the National Eczema Association Seal of AcceptanceTM.
• For those with contact dermatitis, the American Contact Dermatitis Society also contains information, resources, and patient support.