In a broad sense, the term “dermatitis” is used to refer to all forms of skin inflammation resulting from exposure to external (exogenous) factors of irritating or sensitizing action.
External stimuli can be mechanical, physical, chemical, including medicinal, and biological (plant sap, insects, etc.). All dermatitis are united by only a certain similarity of external manifestations – spots and/or rash on the skin, peeling, itching.
Causes of dermatitis
Contact dermatitis occurs and proceeds locally, that is, at the site of direct toxic effects of external irritating factors, and leads to damage to the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and mucous membranes.
Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into direct contact with substances that provoke a delayed-type allergic reaction, causing sensitization of the whole body.
Atopic dermatitis is a multifactorial genetically determined inflammatory recurrent skin disease. The role of allergy to dust mites, Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxins, mold fungi, as well as IgE autoreactivity in the mechanisms of the development of the disease has been proven.
Eczema is an acute or chronic recurrent allergic skin disease that occurs under the influence of a complex effect of external (including bacterial and fungal infections) and internal stimuli.
Toxidermia is an acute inflammatory disease of the skin and/or mucous membranes that develops under the influence of a toxin (allergen). The irritant enters the body through the blood, respiratory organs or oral cavity. There are medical, alimentary (food) and professional toxidermia.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic relapsing skin disease localized in areas of accumulation of sebaceous glands: on the scalp, face, upper body, in folds. The causes of development are yeast fungal pathogens (Malassezia), increased secretion of sebum against the background of stress, hormonal, immune and neuroendocrine disorders, lesions of the central and autonomic nervous system.
Symptoms of dermatitis
The manifestations of dermatitis include erythema (redness), swelling, peeling of the skin, the formation of vesicles, crusts, itching and lichenification in areas of chronic inflammation.
Contact dermatitis
Manifestations of contact dermatitis are represented by erythema, swelling, blisters, cracks, dry skin.
Most often, contact dermatitis affects the hands, face, especially the eyelids.
Atopic dermatitis
A constant symptom of the disease is pruritus. In the first stages, the disease is manifested by redness with copious discharge and the formation of small vesicles. In the last stages, severe dryness and pallor of the skin predominate.
Eczema
It is manifested by a polymorphic rash, an acute inflammatory reaction caused by serous inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous integuments, severe itching, dry scaly skin, cracks, redness, swelling.
Toxidermia
It can be manifested by urticaria, hyperemic, hemorrhagic and pigment spots, lichenification, weeping, swelling of the face and extremities, large-lamellar peeling, acne, etc.
