Dermatitis (or eczema) refers to a group of chronic inflammatory skin disorders that primarily involve the epidermis. Common characteristics of dermatitis include your your skin looking dry, swollen, and red. Some types of dermatitis are more common in children, and others are more common in adults.
Overview
What is Dermatitis?
Symptoms
What are the signs of Dermatitis?
The signs and symptoms of dermatitis may include:
Dry, red, inflamed skin lesions that appear on face, neck, chest, elbows and knees
Itching and/or oozing and crusting of lesions
Blistering of skin
Itchy skin
Painful skin, with stinging or burning
Scaling of areas of skin that are scratched frequently
Causes
What are the causes of Dermatitis?
The causes of dermatitis vary depending on the type. Some types may have unknown causes. However, common triggers that cause skin flare ups include:
Dry skin
Environment (weather, humidity)
Diet - high in refined sugars or carbohydrates
Bacteria on the skin
Poor gut health
Genetics
Stress
Hormonal changes
Allergies
Asthma
Diagnosis
How do I know if I have Dermatitis?
If you have symptoms of dermatitis, your doctor can make a diagnosis by examining your skin. They may also request the following tests:
Allergy panel IgA, IgE, IgG and inhalants (blood)
GI Mapping stool test