Healthepic-Common Skin Problems alongwith their treatment

Wrinkles | Dermatitis | Skin Allergy

Dermatitis

Dermatitis refers to an inflammation of the skin, both external and internal. It is characterised by redness, swelling, heat and pain or itching. This disease may affect any part of the body. The exposed areas such as the eyelids, forearms, face and neck are more likely to be involved.

Substances which produce inflammation of the epidermis or dermatitis by mechanical or chemical disruption of the horny layer are called irritants. Degreasing agents like soaps, if used too frequently over a short time, will cause dryness, redness, fissuring and irritation of the skin in almost everyone.

Chemical substances usually give rise to dermatitis. They may reach the skin from outside or from inside through the bloodstream. About 100 different plants are known to be capable of causing dermatitis in susceptible persons. The onset is usually acute and begins an hour
or two after contact. Dermatitis may be caused by external contact with mineral irritants. This includes most cases of industrial dermatitis which arise on the hands or forearms which actually come in contact with the irritant.

Certain drugs applied externally such as atropine, belladona, carbolic acid, iodine, mercury, penicillin, sulphonamides, sulphur, tars and turpentine sometimes cause dermatitis. Other substances causing this disease include hair dyes, bleaches, skin tonics, nail polish, perfume, wool, silk, nylon, floor-wax and various detergents. Other causes of this disease are indiscretion in diet, deficiency of vitamin A and pantothenic acid, and nervous and emotional strains.