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Posts Tagged ‘Inflammation Of The Skin’

Acne is a skin condition that commonly occurs when the individual hits puberty. Using effective acne treatment for this skin condition may be varied depending on the intensity of the case. Acne is manifested when the sebaceous glands overproduce sebum thus resulting to greasy skin which will then catch more dirt and shed skin. The dirt and shed skin which accumulates in the pores will block these and result to inflamed pores

What Causes Acne?

This skin condition manifests itself when the sebaceous glands are blocked, resulting to inflammation of the skin. One contributing factor to the onslaught of acne is the genetic structure of the individual. Some people are genetically structured to be more prone to this skin condition compared to others. Individuals prone to the dreaded skin condition may also suffer from over productive glands or excessive shedding of skin which can block pores resulting to inflammation.

Scars And Blemishes

Many individuals suffer from deep gouges and scars due to the occurrence of recurrent acne in their facial skin and other parts of the chest and back. Acne treatment is necessary to reduce the possibility of scars and marks that can mar the skin in the future. Since acne is a temporary occurrence for many individuals, acne treatment is a great preventive measure for blemished skin when acne goes away.

The best acne treatment can be hormonal pills or topical applications that will control the inflammation of the skin. The presence of the bacteria that is often the cause of recurring acne can also be eliminated by using topical antibiotics and other substances that can kill them. Practicing good hygiene is also another acne treatment that may work for those with not so severe cases of acne.

Hygiene also plays a big role in acne scar treatment. Keeping the skin, especially the facial skin as well as the chest, neck and back parts is essential. This can reduce the occurrence of clogged pores and dirt in the skin which can contribute to the condition.

There are a variety of skin problems that can be characterized as dermatitis, but they all have one similarity. Dermatitis causes inflammation of the skin. Skin becomes swollen, red and itchy. Sometimes lesions will develop. None of the different types of dermatitis are life-threatening, but all can be uncomfortable and possibly worrisome in social situations.

The goal of this article is to answer the most common questions about different types of dermatitis.

What does dermatitis look like? Imagine how your skin would appear if you dropped a hot liquid on it, or got a very severe sunburn. Besides turning red, blisters might appear and there could also be moist secretions in the affected area. It’s important (but often difficult) to resist the urge to scratch when you have dermatitis, because scratching only makes the skin look worse and aggravates the condition.

What typically causes dermatitis? There are many possible causes for dermatitis. In some people the cause is genetic. Others have allergies that trigger skin problems. Other prominent causes of dermatitis are irritants and pollutants. Some types of dermatitis may also be triggered by stress - both physical and emotional. Naturally, some causes vary depending on the type of dermatitis in question.

How contagious is dermatitis? No, it is not. You don’t need to worry about getting dermatitis from another person.

What different types of dermatitis are there?

Atopic dermatitis This type features an itchy rash that comes and goes. It is a chronic condition that is better known as eczema. Some of the most severe cases of eczema occur during childhood, but it’s not unusual for the condition to improve with age. Stress is not considered to be a cause of eczema, but it’s generally believed that stress can make it worse. The exact cause of atopic dermatitis remains unclear. A problem with the immune system may be a factor, and you are also more likely to get eczema if you are genetically predisposed to dry, irritable skin.

Lotions that contain hydrocortisone are often used as treatment for eczema.

Contact or allergic dermatitis The word “contact” is the key here. Contact or allergic dermatitis occurs when your skin comes in contact with an irritant that causes a rash,

Seborrheic dermatitis This is one of the types of dermatitis that features a red rash with yellowish oily scales that tend to develop on the scalp. In infants, this type of dermatitis is known as cradle cap. Individuals with neurological challenges like Parkinson’s disease seem to be at greater risk to get this type of dermatitis, as are those under a lot of physical stress. Oily hair and skin may also be contributing factors.

Doctors generally recommend special shampoos with tar, pyrithione zinc, salicylic acid or ketoconazole as the active ingredient. as the most reliable treatment. Hydrocortisone creams and lotions are another option.

Perioral dermatitis This type of dermatitis causes a rash to form in the area around your mouth. Researchers believe it’s probably a form of rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis or adult acne. Certain moisturizers, makeup and topical corticosteroids may make this condition worse, so don’t try to self-treat it - talk to your doctor about ways to get relief.

Tetracycline, an antibiotic administered orally, is usually the most effective treatment, although it can take a while before the rash goes away completely. Recurrences are common with perioral dermatitis, so your doctor may suggest staying on the antibiotic for several months to make sure the rash doesn’t return.

Neurodermatitis This type can be associated with eczema, psoriasis and dry skin. This kind of dermatitis typically features an itching sensation in a specific part of the body, especially the neck, wrists, ankles or arms. When you have neurodermatitis, you can usually sooth your skin by applying wet compresses. Hydrocortisone lotions and creams can also be helpful. Doctors will prescribe antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications for some patients. The most important thing is to avoid scratching, which just aggravates your skin even further.

Stasis dermatitis This is a form of dermatitis that happens when fluid builds up under the skin. The fluid blocks the processes which bring nourishment to the skin. It happens most often in the legs. Treating stasis dermatitis begins with determining the cause of the fluid accumulation and correcting it. Elastic support hose may be one answer, but sometimes surgery is necessary. Wet dressings help because they soften fragile skin and also prevent the risk of infection.

Would you like to get more information on dermatitis? Click on symptoms of different kinds of dermatitis. Neal Kennedy is a retired TV and radio talk show host with a special interest in medical topics. You can read more of his articles by visiting treating common skin problems.