DERMATITIS

By

FITRI NUR HIDAYATI

A. Introduction


Dermatitis is a broad term covering many different disorders that all result in a red, itchy rash. The term eczema is sometimes used for dermatitis. Some types of dermatitis affect only specific parts of the body, whereas others can occur anywhere. Some types of dermatitis have a known cause, whereas others do not. However, dermatitis is always the skin's way of reacting to severe dryness, scratching, an irritating substance, or an allergen. Typically, that substance comes in direct contact with the skin, but sometimes the substance is swallowed. In all cases, continuous scratching and rubbing may eventually lead to thickening and hardening of the skin.


Dermatitis may be a brief reaction to a substance. In such cases it may produce symptoms, such as itching and redness, for just a few hours or for only a day or two.



B. Definition


Dermatitis (eczema) is inflammation of the upper layers of the skin, either due to direct contact with an irritating substance, or to an allergic reaction.


There are several different types of dermatitis. The different types of dermatitis are classified according to the cause of the condition:


1. Contact dermatitis.


Often, it found on the neck, wrist, forearm, thigh or ankle.


2. Atopic dermatitis.


It affects males and females individuals who live in urban areas with low humidity. In Infants may develop red, oozing, crusted rashes on the face, scalp, diaper area, hands, arms, feet, or legs. Large areas of the body may be affected. In older children and adults, the rash often occurs (and recurs) in only one or a few spots, especially on the hands, upper arms, in front of the elbows, or behind the knees.


3. Dermatitis herpetiformis.


It may be found symmetrically grouped or distributed on the upper or lower back, buttocks, elbows, knees, neck, shoulders, and scalp. Less frequently, the rash may appear inside the mouth or near the hairline.


4. Seborrheic dermatitis.


It is more common in infants and in individuals between 30 and 70 years old. It usually affects the scalp and can also affect the skin on other parts of the body, such as the face and chest, and the creases of the arms, legs and groin.


5. Nummular dermatitis.


Often, it is more obvious on the backs of the arms or legs and on the buttocks, but they also appear on the torso. It appear more frequently in middle-aged people.


6. Stasis dermatitis.


It is an inflammation on the lower legs and it is more likely to occur in people with varicose.


7. Perioral dermatitis.


Perioral dermatitis is a red, bumpy rash around the mouth and on the chin that resembles acne or rosacea. It appears more often in women between 20 and 60 years old.



C. The Symptoms


There are certain signs that are common for all of type of dermatitis, including redness of the skin, swelling, itching and skin lesions and sometimes oozing and scarring. Also, the area of the skin on which the symptoms appear tends to be different with every type of dermatitis.


D. Aspects That Can Cause Dermatitis


1. Contact dermatitis.


Contact dermatitis is caused by an allergen or an irritating substance.


2. Atopic dermatitis.


Doctors do not know what causes atopic dermatitis, but people who have it usually have many allergic disorders, particularly asthma, hay fever, and food allergies.


3. Dermatitis herpetiformis.


Dermatitis herpetiformis appears as a result of a gastrointestinal condition, known as celiac disease.


4. Seborrheic dermatitis, Nummular dermatitis and Perioral dermatitis.


The cause of Seborrhoeic dermatitis, Nummular dermatitis and Perioral dermatitis is unknown.


5. Stasis dermatitis.


Stasis dermatitis is caused by buildups of blood and fluid.



E. The Medical Treatments


Treating dermatitis is made accordingly with the particular cause of the disease. Creams that contain corticosteroids, wet compresses and avoiding the allergens and irritants are part of most treatment plans. For some types of dermatitis, nonsteroidal medications may help relieve signs and symptoms. And for all types of dermatitis, occasional use of over-the-counter antihistamines can reduce itching.




F. The Preventions


Dermatitis can be prevented by avoiding contact with the causative substance.


G. Conclusion


Dermatitis (eczema) is inflammation of the upper layers of the skin, either due to direct contact with an irritating substance, or to an allergic reaction.


There are several different types of dermatitis:


1. Contact dermatitis


2. Atopic dermatitis


3. Dermatitis herpetiformis


4. Seborrheic dermatitis


5. Nummular dermatitis


6. Stasis dermatitis


7. Perioral dermatitis


The different kinds usually have in common an allergic reaction to specific allergens.