Dermatitis and eczema

Question 1

What are the most common locations of dermatitis/eczema?

What are some possible aggravating factors?

Answer 1

• skin flexures, hands
• jewlery, occupation, new cloths, co-existing conditions

Question 2

What are the treatment options for dermatitis

Answer 2

• soap-free cleansers
• soothing creams
• topical corticosteroid
• moisturisers
• Any contributing factors to the dermatitis is an important component of treatment
• Most people with dermatitis have a tendency towards dry skin, so regular daily moisturising and a good fluid intake are important

Question 3

How does an emollient work?

How does moisturisers work?

Answer 3

emolients soften the skin and include fats or oils such as lanolin

moisturisers add moisture to the skin and usually contain a humectant such as glycerin or urea that pulls water from the dermis or the atmosphere into the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin)

Question 4

What are the symptoms of dermatitis?

Answer 4

• intense redness of the skin/scalp, with raised bumbpy areas and sometimes bleeding, blistered, or weepy patches

Question 5

What is allergic contact dermatitis?

Answer 5

• This is a skin reaction which results from contact with an allergen (eg ingredients in cosmetics, latex, nail polish, jewellery, sunscreen). A rash featuring red, raised welts on the area contacted by the allergen is the most typical symptom

Question 6

What is atopic dermatitis

Answer 6

• AD usually affects people with a predisposition to hypersensitivity-type conditions such as hayfever, asthma, chronic urticaria, or food allergies
• AD usually occur following exposure to certain alleregens or trigger factors including grasses, pollen, animal dander, dust mites, stress, or temperature.climate change
• skin flextures (eg inside the elbows or behind the knees) are more commonly affected and usually symmetrically
• broken areas of skin are prone to infection

Question 7

What is irritant contact dermatitis?

Answer 7

• frequently occurs in people in occupations such as hair dressing or cleaning that expose them to irritants that strip natural oils from the skin
• other conditions such as dribble rash (a bright red rash around the lips and chin caused by saliva) and nappy rash are also forms of irritant dermatitis
• emolients, compresses, and/or topical steroids can assist with healing

Question 8

What are some soap substitutes?

How does it work?

What shouldn’t be used?

Answer 8

• aveeno body wash
• cetaphil gentle skin cleanser
• dermaveen
• QV gentle wash

People with dermatitis should always use a gentle cleanser that removes dirt without compromising the integrity of the skin barrier.

Aqueous cream is not recommended as a cleanser or moisuriser as it contains sodium lauryl sulphate (a detergent) which may aggravate dermatitis