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Do you frequently experience dry skin to the point of cracking, scaling, or flaking? You could have dermatitis, a condition you can manage with help from the board-certified dermatologists at Skin Care Specialists in Mesa, Tempe, and Scottsdale, Arizona. They help you identify the type of dermatitis you have and any triggers that amplify your symptoms. To learn more about dermatitis and how to manage it, call Skin Care Specialists or request an appointment online today.
Dermatitis Q&A
What does dermatitis look like?
Dermatitis describes general inflammation of the skin, often in response to triggers you come in contact with. There are several different types, including atopic dermatitis (eczema), contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff).
All types of dermatitis cause similar symptoms, which can appear nearly anywhere on your body, depending on the type. When diagnosing dermatitis, your specialist looks for:
- Dry skin
- Red rashes
- Bumps
- Cracked skin
- Crusting
- Oozing
- Flaking
- Swelling
With dermatitis, you might experience itching or burning, too. While your first instinct may be to scratch your skin for relief, you should avoid doing so. Scratching your skin can cause breaks and bleeding, which leave your skin vulnerable to infections.
What are some common triggers for dermatitis?
Sometimes, dermatitis flares up without an apparent cause. However, many people with dermatitis experience symptoms in response to triggers or allergens. This is particularly the case with contact dermatitis, which comes from touching or being in the presence of irritants. However, not all triggers are physical materials or irritants.
You might experience dermatitis flare-ups in response to:
- Stress
- Cleaning chemicals and detergents
- Various metals (e.g. nickel)
- Animal dander
- Self-care products (e.g. shampoos, soaps)
- Smoke
- Perfumes
- Textiles
- Altitude
- Extreme temperatures
The team at Skin Care Specialists works with you to identify the triggers that most likely cause your flare-ups so you can try to avoid them when possible.
What are the treatments for dermatitis?
Skin Care Specialists treats dermatitis on a case-by-case basis following a detailed evaluation and physical exam. The team customizes your care plan based on the type of dermatitis you have, the severity of your symptoms, your age, and other influential factors.
Skin Care Specialists uses the latest treatments in dermatology to alleviate common dermatitis symptoms like itching, rashes, and dry skin. Oftentimes, treatment involves a combination of topical creams, oral medications, and moisturizers. You can also expect to make some adjustments to your lifestyle, like avoiding triggers if you can identify them.
If you develop a skin infection or are at risk of developing one, the team might prescribe antibiotics to prevent or treat it.
To manage your dermatitis with contemporary dermatological care, call Skin Care Specialists or book an appointment online today.