Dermatitis

Skin itching and irritation are signs of dermatitis, an umbrella term for many irritable skin conditions such as eczema. At Northshore Dermatology in Picayune, Mississippi, and in Slidell, Madisonville, and Hammond, Louisiana, the team can provide you with personalized care for contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and other types of skin irritation. Call Northshore Dermatology or book your treatment consultation online today.

What is dermatitis?

Dermatitis is a broad term that covers all forms of skin irritation. It can come as a reaction to an allergen or be part of a long-term skin condition that flares up regularly over the course of your life. Some dermatitis is short-lived and easy to manage.

Your dermatitis might involve:

• Itching
• Bleeding
• Cracked skin
• Dryness
• Skin thickening
• Blisters
• Bumps 
• Visible rash

The symptoms can occur anywhere on your body. When you visit Northshore Dermatology, the team examines your skin and might perform some simple tests to figure out the root cause of your irritation.

Which type of dermatitis do I have?

There are many types of dermatitis that can show up on your skin in almost any area. The Northshore Dermatology team works with you to figure out if you have any specific triggers, such as chemical irritants, allergens, or metals, that make your symptoms flare up. 

Some of the most common types of dermatitis are:

• Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
• Contact dermatitis (an itchy rash you get after touching an irritant)
• Diaper dermatitis (diaper rash)
• Seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff)
• Nummular dermatitis (coin-shaped rashes and sores)

It’s possible to have multiple types together, like atopic and nummular dermatitis. Once the team makes a diagnosis, they can begin planning treatments and prevention strategies to minimize your skin irritation and itching.

How is dermatitis treated?

You can manage any type of dermatitis while working with a professional dermatologist to identify causes and resolve or prevent symptoms. To manage the condition effectively, learn what triggers your symptoms and avoid them. However, you might still experience symptoms on occasion —  especially if their causes are unavoidable.

The team at Northshore Dermatology prescribes medications that are appropriate for your specific type of dermatitis. Some examples are antihistamines, systemic steroids, and topical steroids. You can also use moisturizer at home, avoid stressors in your daily life, or take a soothing lukewarm bath.

The team can also make personalized recommendations for treatments to alleviate symptoms, such as ultraviolet (UV) light therapy, which is a safe light-based procedure you can get in the office. Both UVA and UVB light wavelengths help calm your skin’s irritation.

Call Northshore Dermatology or book a treatment consultation online for professional dermatitis care today.