Comprehensive Guide to Dermatitis (Eczema) – Types, Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, refers to a group of inflammatory skin conditions that cause itchy, red, dry, and irritated skin. At Palmetto Skin and Laser Center, we treat various forms of dermatitis with personalized plans to restore comfort and skin health.

• Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): Chronic condition with dry, itchy, inflamed skin. Common in children (up to 15%) and adults. Often linked to asthma and allergies. Symptoms vary by age: facial/scalp in infants, flexural areas in children, and hands/neck in adults.
• Allergic Contact Dermatitis: Immune reaction to allergens like poison ivy, nickel, fragrances, or neomycin. Rash develops 4–6 weeks after exposure and can be delayed.
• Irritant Contact Dermatitis: Caused by frequent exposure to irritants like soaps, detergents, solvents, or water. Leads to rough, red, scaly skin—especially on hands.
• Hand Dermatitis: Often a mix of irritant and allergic types. Starts with chapped skin and progresses to patchy, inflamed, scaly rashes. Common in those with frequent hand washing or chemical exposure.
• Perioral Dermatitis: Small red bumps and flaky patches around the mouth, nose, and eyes. Triggered by topical steroids, heavy cosmetics, or fluorinated toothpaste. Spares the lips.
• Seborrheic Dermatitis: Greasy, scaly patches on scalp (dandruff), face, eyebrows, and chest. Linked to Malassezia yeast and oil production. Common in infants (cradle cap) and adults.
• Stasis Dermatitis: Lower leg rash from venous insufficiency. Features red/brown discoloration, swelling, itching, and potential ulcers.

• Intense itching (often worse at night)
• Red, inflamed, dry, or scaly patches
• Oozing, crusting, or thickening (lichenification) from chronic scratching
• Swelling, burning, or pain in affected areas
• Sleep disruption and emotional impact

Dermatitis arises from a combination of genetic predisposition, impaired skin barrier, immune dysregulation, and environmental factors. Common triggers include:

• Allergens (foods in young children, nickel, fragrances)
• Irritants (soaps, solvents, wool)
• Hormones, stress, and dry weather
• Infections or venous issues (stasis)
• Yeast overgrowth (seborrheic)

Treatment is tailored to type and severity:

• Daily Skincare: Gentle cleansing, thick fragrance-free moisturizers, and wet wraps for severe flares.
• Topical Medications: Corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, or antifungals (for seborrheic/perioral).
• Oral Medications: Antihistamines for itch, antibiotics for infection, or systemic therapies for severe cases.
• Advanced Options: Phototherapy, JAK inhibitors, or biologics for refractory atopic dermatitis.
• Lifestyle Changes: Trigger avoidance, compression for stasis, and stress management.

Most patients see significant improvement with consistent care. Maintenance therapy prevents flares.

• Moisturize frequently to repair the skin barrier
• Use hypoallergenic, fragrance-free products
• Avoid known irritants and allergens
• Practice good hand hygiene without over-washing
• Wear protective clothing and manage underlying conditions (e.g., vein health)

See a dermatologist for persistent itching, sleep loss, signs of infection, or when over-the-counter care fails. Early treatment prevents complications like scarring or secondary infections.

Trust the doctors the doctors trust. Contact Palmetto Skin and Laser Center for expert dermatitis care. Call (803) 329-6030 or complete our Request Appointment form. We look forward to helping you achieve healthier, more comfortable skin.