Dermatitis

Your healthcare provider will take a close look at your skin. They will look for classic signs of dermatitis such as a rash, redness, scales, dryness and more. They will ask about the symptoms you’re experiencing. Are you itchy? Does your skin feel like it’s burning? Is your skin dry? Have you come into contact with anything that might irritate your skin?

What other questions might my healthcare provider ask to diagnose dermatitis?

The conversation with your healthcare provider will need to cover a lot of information. Be sure to be specific about your symptoms.

Where is your dermatitis located?
What have you used to try to treat your dermatitis?
What medical conditions do you have? Allergies? Asthma? Celiac disease?
How long have you had symptoms of dermatitis?
Do you take hot showers?
Is there anything that makes your symptoms worse?
Are you around chemicals?
Have you noticed that something triggers or worsens your dermatitis? Soaps? Detergents? Cigarette smoke?
Is there so much pain or itchiness that you have trouble sleeping? Working? Just living your normal life?

What tests are done to diagnose dermatitis?

Usually your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose dermatitis based on examining your skin. However, when there is doubt, they may perform the following tests:

Blood tests to check for causes of the rash that might be unrelated to dermatitis.
A skin biopsy to distinguish one type of dermatitis from another.
An allergy skin test.

Symptoms

When to see a doctor

Request an appointment

Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.