User:Mr. Ibrahem/Dermatitis
Medical condition / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a group of diseases that result in inflammation of the skin.[6] These diseases are characterized by itchiness, red skin and a rash.[1] In cases of short duration, there may be small blisters, while in long-term cases the skin may become thickened.[1] The area of skin involved can vary from small to covering the entire body.[1][2]
Dermatitis | |
---|---|
Other names | Eczema |
A moderate case of dermatitis of the hands | |
Specialty | Dermatology |
Symptoms | Itchiness, red skin, rash[1] |
Complications | Skin infection[2] |
Usual onset | Childhood[1][2] |
Causes | Atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis, stasis dermatitis[1][2] |
Diagnostic method | Based on symptom[1] |
Differential diagnosis | Scabies, psoriasis, dermatitis herpetiformis, lichen simplex chronicus[3] |
Treatment | Moisturizers, steroid creams, antihistamines[2][4] |
Frequency | 245 million (2015)[5] |
Dermatitis includes atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, irritant contact dermatitis and stasis dermatitis.[1][2] The exact cause of the condition is often unclear.[2] Cases may involve a combination of irritation, allergy and poor venous return.[1] The type of dermatitis is generally determined by the person's history and the location of the rash.[1] For example, irritant dermatitis often occurs on the hands of those who frequently get them wet.[1] Allergic contact dermatitis occurs upon exposure to an allergen, causing a hypersensitivity reaction in the skin.[1]
Treatment of atopic dermatitis is typically with moisturizers and steroid creams.[4] The steroid creams should generally be of mid- to high strength and used for less than two weeks at a time, as side effects can occur.[7] Antibiotics may be required if there are signs of skin infection.[2] Contact dermatitis is typically treated by avoiding the allergen or irritant.[8][9] Antihistamines may help with sleep and decrease nighttime scratching.[2]
Dermatitis was estimated to affect 245 million people globally in 2015.[5] Atopic dermatitis is the most common type and generally starts in childhood.[1][2] In the United States, it affects about 10–30% of people.[2] Contact dermatitis is twice as common in females than males.[10] Allergic contact dermatitis affects about 7% of people at some point in their lives.[11] Irritant contact dermatitis is common, especially among people with certain occupations; exact rates are unclear.[12]