About this condition
Dermatitis means inflammation of the skin; it is not one single diagnosis with one universal treatment. Depending on the cause, affected skin may itch, redden, peel, crack or develop small blisters. Appearance and severity vary by body area and individual skin characteristics.
Possible causes and features
Contact dermatitis follows exposure to an irritant or an allergen. Common irritants include cleaning products, repeated wet work, solvents and certain cosmetics. Atopic dermatitis has a different mechanism and often recurs. Seborrheic dermatitis and venous stasis dermatitis have their own features and should not all be treated as the same condition.
With contact dermatitis, changes may appear on the hands, face or another exposed area. Repeated water and detergent exposure can worsen dryness and fissures. However, fungal infections and psoriasis may look similar, so redness alone does not establish a diagnosis.
Clinical assessment and next steps
During the consultation, the dermatologist asks when symptoms began, which products contact the skin, whether work exposures matter, how often flares occur and what has already been used. Allergy patch testing or other investigations may help in selected cases but are not required for every patient.
Reducing relevant triggers and restoring the skin barrier are important for many types of dermatitis. Medication depends on the specific diagnosis, location and severity; a treatment appropriate for one disease may be unsuitable for another. A persistent or recurrent eruption merits reassessment. The clinic also has separate information about venous dermatitis, which should not be confused with other forms.
Related topics: Itchy skin; Atopic dermatitis in children.
Signs and symptoms
- Itching, dryness, redness, burning or skin tightness.
- Scaling, cracking and sometimes oozing or small blisters.
- Worsening after cosmetics, cleaning products or other irritants.
- Recurring flares in the same skin areas.
Diagnosis and tests
A dermatologist examines the lesions and asks about potential irritants, allergens, repeated episodes, skin-care products and medications. Fungal infection, psoriasis and other causes may need to be excluded. Allergy patch testing or laboratory tests are performed only when indicated.
Care and treatment approaches
Treatment differs according to dermatitis type. For contact dermatitis, identifying and limiting the relevant irritant or allergen is important. Gentle washing and moisturising support the skin barrier. Anti-inflammatory treatment is tailored to body area, severity and cause. Avoid uncontrolled steroid use, especially when fungal infection is suspected; persistent symptoms require a fresh diagnosis check.
When to seek urgent care
Increasing pain, swelling, pus, yellow crusting, fever or rapid spread may indicate a complication and require prompt medical assessment. If facial swelling occurs with breathing difficulty, call 103 in Ukraine for emergency care.
Frequently asked questions
Is every type of dermatitis an allergy?
No. Irritant contact, allergic reactions and several other mechanisms cause skin inflammation; assessment and treatment depend on which applies.
How does dermatitis differ from a fungal infection?
The changes can look alike. A dermatologist assesses their characteristics and orders tests when necessary to avoid inappropriate treatment.
Does every patient with dermatitis need allergy tests?
No. Testing is useful only for certain patterns and possible exposures identified during an individual assessment.
Important information
A medical consultation is needed for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Self-treatment can be harmful to your health.
