Dermatitis

Dermatitis refers to a group of itchy inflammatory conditions of the skin that can range from mild to severe and will look different depending on what part of the body is affected.

Different Types of Dermatitis

There are several different types of dermatitis. Here are the most common:

• Atopic dermatitis. Also called eczema, this skin condition is usually inherited and develops during infancy. Someone with eczema will likely experience rough patches of dry, itchy skin.

• Contact dermatitis, which happens when the skin comes into contact with something that causes a rash.

• Dyshidrotic dermatitis, which causes small blisters to form on hands and feet (more common in women than men).
• Nummular dermatitis, which causes round, coin-shaped spots to form on the skin, often after a skin injury like a burn or insect bite.
• Seborrheic dermatitis, which happens in areas of the body with lots of oil glands. When it’s on the scalp, it’s called dandruff.
• Stasis dermatitis. This type happens in people who have poor blood flow, usually in the lower legs.

The causes of dermatitis vary depending on the type. Some types, like dyshidrotic dermatitis, neurodermatitis, and nummular dermatitis, may have unknown causes. Others, like atopic dermatitis, can be caused by a combination of factors like dry skin, environmental setting, genetics and bacteria on the skin.

Symptoms of Dermatitis

Not all people with dermatitis experience all symptoms.

Changes in the appearance of the skin are the most obvious symptom of dermatitis. Itching is common among most types of dermatitis and can be quite intense and uncomfortable. In general, the symptoms of dermatitis may include:

• rashes
• blisters
• dry, cracked skin
• itchy skin
• painful skin, with stinging or burning
• redness

Treatments for Dermatitis

Because most types of dermatitis have a distinctive appearance, they often can be diagnosed based on a physical exam.

There is no cure for dermatitis. For some people, it goes away over time, while for others it is a lifelong condition. However, there is a variety of treatments that can help manage this common inflammatory skin condition.

Treatment for dermatitis depends on the type and includes measures to relieve dry skin, itching, and other symptoms. Many patients find the need to try different treatment options or even change their treatment regimen over time. Therefore, it is important that you first come in for a consultation, so that Dr Nina can assess your case and suggest one treatment, or a combination of treatments, depending on the severity of your dermatitis.

Treatments aim to heal the affected skin and prevent flares of symptoms. The key is to keep the skin moist to prevent dryness and itching, which can lead to complications such as infections and scarring.

The most important thing is to maintain a healthy skin barrier by avoiding any harsh ingredients and using key ingredients such as vitamin C, niacinamide and aloe vera to minimize inflammation and boost collagen production.

Medical-grade Skincare Products

Medical-grade skincare products that rebuild the compromised lipidic skin barrier can be prescribed by Dr Nina to manage your dermatitis.

These kinds of products are often categorized as a blend between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, providing both aesthetic and medicinal benefits.

Medical-grade skin care products contain active ingredients that have been clinically proven to have a positive effect on skin. They differ from over-the-counter products because they contain ingredients that are capable of penetrating below the top layers of the skin. Products sold over the counter do not affect the skin in biological ways and are unable to penetrate its upper layers.

Medical-grade skin care products should only be purchased from a specialist practice such as Facial Sculpting.

Benefits of Medical-grade Skincare Products

Active Ingredients

Medical-grade skin care lines often use the same ingredients as pharmaceutical ones you can only obtain with a prescription, only in lesser amounts or alternate derivatives. Some OTC brands may contain them as well, but the amount is minimal.

More Effective Formulas

As with the amount of a particular ingredient, the formula used for developing a product plays a large role in its effectiveness. While medical-grade skin care lines may come with a slightly higher price than many retail manufacturers’ products, you can be sure that they have been developed to a higher standard with quality ingredients to provide effective results.

Targeted to Your Specific Needs

When choosing medical-grade skin care products, you receive a regimen that is customized to your specific needs because it is subject to consultation and recommended directly by Dr Nina. Therefore, it is more likely you will receive the correct product the first time, as we will work with you to find a treatment that is successful for your individual case.