Dermatitis

“Dermatitis” is a word used to describe a number of skin irritations and rashes caused by genetics, an overactive immune system, infections, allergies, irritating substances and more. Common symptoms include dry skin, redness and itchiness.

In the word “dermatitis,” “derm” means “skin” and “itis” means “inflammation.” The word as a whole means “inflammation of the skin.” The rashes range from mild to severe and can cause a variety of problems, depending on their cause.

Dermatitis causes no serious harm to your body. It is not contagious, and it does not mean that your skin is unclean or infected. There are treatment methods and medications that can manage your symptoms.

What are the types of dermatitis?

The types of dermatitis include, but are not limited to:

• Atopic dermatitis (eczema).
• Contact dermatitis.
• Diaper dermatitis (rash).
• Dyshidrotic dermatitis.
• Neurodermatitis.
• Nummular dermatitis.
• Perioral/Periorificial dermatitis.
• Seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff, cradle cap).
• Stasis dermatitis.

See the “Causes and Symptoms” section for more details about the types of dermatitis.

Who gets dermatitis?

Anyone – young and old – can get dermatitis. Some examples include:

• Your baby can get cradle cap and diaper rash.
• Atopic dermatitis (eczema) usually begins in childhood, but anyone at any age can get it.
• Anyone can get contact dermatitis as it just involves skin to substance contact.
• Individuals with celiac disease are prone to dermatitis herpetiformis.

There are several factors that put you at risk of getting dermatitis. Some examples include:

Atopic dermatitis risk factors include:

• A family history of dermatitis, hay fever or asthma.
• Being female.
• Being African-American.

Contact dermatitis risk factors include:

• If you work around chemicals such as in a factory, restaurant or garden.

Periorificial dermatitis risk factors include:

• Being female.
• Being ages 15 to 45.

Dyshidrotic dermatitis risk factors include:

• If you sweat a lot.
• Prolonged exposed to water and/or irritants.
• If you live in a warmer climate.

What’s the first sign of dermatitis?

Itchiness and redness are commonly the first signs of dermatitis.

Where does dermatitis form on the body?

The location of your dermatitis depends on the type. For example, atopic dermatitis can appear anywhere on your skin. But, in teens and adults, it’s typically on the hands, inner elbows, neck, knees, ankles, feet and around the eyes. Seborrheic dermatitis and cradle cap are typically on your scalp, face and ears. Periorificial dermatitis is found around your eyes, mouth, nostrils and sometimes the genitals.

How common is dermatitis?

Some types of dermatitis are very common while others are less common. Atopic dermatitis affects two percent to three percent of adults and 25% of children. Contact dermatitis happens at some point to 15% to 20% of people.

Is dermatitis contagious?

No type of dermatitis is contagious.

What’s the difference between dermatitis and psoriasis?

Psoriasis and dermatitis – especially seborrheic dermatitis – can look similar. Both look like patches of red skin with flakes of skin on top of and around the redness. However, in psoriasis, the scales are often thicker and the edges of those scales are well-defined.

Seborrheic dermatitis and psoriasis do overlap in a condition called “sebopsoriasis.” That is when you have the symptoms of both.

Discuss your questions with your healthcare provider regarding which type of skin condition you have. You can have more than one skin condition at a time. Treatments for one may not work for the other.

What’s the difference between dermatitis and eczema?

Eczema is actually a type of dermatitis. It is also known as atopic dermatitis.

What’s the difference between dermatitis and rosacea?

Rosacea can cause red skin that looks like dermatitis. However, rosacea can also cause pimples, and the redness is typically found on your forehead, nose, chin and cheeks. Have your healthcare provider take a look at your skin to determine if your condition is dermatitis, rosacea, or something else.

Does dermatitis hurt?

Dermatitis can cause pain for some people. The symptoms can be different depending on the type of dermatitis.

Does dermatitis burn?

Some people feel a burning sensation. Others feel itchiness or both itchiness and a burning feeling. The sensations vary from person to person, and from type to type.