Dermatitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

March 13, 2023

Dermatitis is a common term used to describe skin irritation. It is several types and causes, and results in dry, itchy skin with rashes. It can also cause blisters, crusting, oozing or flaking-off of skin. Dermatitis is not contagious, but it can make the patient feel self-conscious and uncomfortable.

For early diagnosis and efficient treatment of dermatitis and other dermatological issues, contact Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Dermatology and Cosmetology today and get an appointment with the best dermatologist and cosmetologist in Bahrain.

Our representatives are available on WhatsApp helpline, in Al Hilal Manama, Salmabad, Riffa and Muharraq branches, for your convenience. We also offer exclusive packages and privilege cards for additional benefits- to provide affordable yet exceptional healthcare services to all our patients.

Click here for more information regarding Dermatology and Cosmetology– by  Dr. Sithara Sreedharan, Consultant Dermatologist, Al Hilal Hospital Bahrain.

Dermatitis Types

Following are major dermatitis types:

  • Eczema (atopic dermatitis).
  • Rash (diaper dermatitis).
  • Contact dermatitis.
  • Dyshidrotic dermatitis.
  • Nummular dermatitis.
  • Cradle cap, dandruff (seborrheic dermatitis).
  • Periorificial/ perioral dermatitis.
  • Stasis dermatitis.
  • Dermatitis herpetiformis.

Individuals from all age groups can get dermatitis. Some examples of dermatitis types include:

  • Baby can get diaper rash or cradle cap.
  • Eczema (atopic dermatitis) generally begins in childhood- however, it can start in older age as well.
  • Dermatitis involves skin-to-substance contact, and hence anyone can get it.
  • Celiac disease patients are more prone to dermatitis herpetiform.

Dermatitis Causes

Dermatitis causes generally include a combination of genetics, immune system activation and environmental triggers.

  • Immune system overreaction.
  • Genetics- if dermatitis runs in the family, you have high risk of getting it too.
  • Environmental factors- protective barrier of skin is sometimes changed due to environmental factors, causing more moisture to escape- which leads to dermatitis. These factors include exposure to pollutants, tobacco, and smoke. In addition, certain fragrances in soaps and skin products might also trigger dermatitis.
  • Exposure to irritants or chemicals.

Usually, dermatitis patients also have the following:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Sleep loss.
  • Allergies
  • Asthma

Click here for more information regarding Dermatology and Cosmetology– by  Dr. Sithara Sreedharan, Consultant Dermatologist, Al Hilal Hospital Bahrain.

Dermatitis Symptoms

Symptoms of dermatitis mainly depend on the type of dermatitis. Each type has some of the following symptoms:

  • Red rashes and bumps.
  • Rashes that look and feel like a burn.
  • Fluid-filled blisters.
  • Dry skin.
  • Crusting, creasing, and scaling of skin.
  • Hardening, thickening, and swelling of skin.
  • Blood or fluid oozing from rashes, when scratched.
  • Painful ulcers.

If you have one or more symptoms of dermatitis mentioned above, get in touch Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Dermatology and Cosmetology at the earliest, and get an appointment with the best dermatologist and cosmetologist in Bahrain.

Our representatives are available on WhatsApp helpline, in Al Hilal Manama, Salmabad, Riffa and Muharraq branches, for your convenience.

Dermatitis Herpetiformis

Dermatitis herpetiformis, also known as Duhring’s disease (DH), is an intensely itchy and blistering skin condition caused by reaction to gluten indigestion. It is a chronic disease, and most patients are reported to have celiac disease (gluten sensitivity enteropathy) as well.

In dermatitis herpetiformis, both sides of the body get extremely itchy blisters bumps, usually on forearms near elbow, on buttocks and knees and along hairline. These blisters and bumps resemble herpes lesions; however, these are not caused by herpes virus- these are a result of gluten indigestion.

Dermatitis Herpetiformis Treatment

Dermatitis herpetiformis treatment mainly includes use of dapsone for immediate relief from itching. However, if the patient cannot tolerate dapsone, sulfasalazine or sulphapyridine might be prescribed instead. While the medication might continue for a few years, a strict gluten free diet is required to keep dermatitis herpetiformis under control.

If you are diagnosed with dermatitis herpetiformis, consult an expert dermatologist immediately, for effective treatment options. Al Hilal Hospital Bahrain, Department of Dermatology and Cosmetology, has highly experienced dermatologist and cosmetologist– get in touch today and book consultation with best dermatologist in Bahrain.

Dermatitis Atopic

Dermatitis atopic, commonly known as eczema, causes itchy, dry, and inflamed skin. It can occur at any age but is more common in children. Eczema is a chronic condition, that gets flared by certain triggers. The patients are at high risk of developing asthma, hay fever and food allergies. It can appear anywhere on the body, varying from person to person, and causes:

  • Itchiness
  • Cracked dry skin.
  • Swollen skin or rash.
  • Crusting or oozing.
  • Thickened skin.
  • Darkened skin around eyes.
  • Skin sensitive and raw from scratching.

Dermatitis Atopic Treatment

Dermatitis atopic treatment starts with proper moisturization with dermatitis cream, combined with self-care habits. If normal moisturization doesn’t work, the healthcare provider might prescribe medicated dermatitis cream, infection fighting drugs, inflammation controlling pills and other medication to control eczema flares. However, the most important treatment method for atopic dermatitis is diet control, that resolves 75% of the symptoms.

Al Hilal Hospital Bahrain, Department of Dermatology & Cosmetology

For more information regarding dermatitis and other dermatological diseases, consult an expert dermatologist/ cosmetologist. At Al Hilal Hospital, Department of Dermatology and Cosmetology, we have highly qualified and experienced doctors, state-of-the-art laboratories, and modern equipment to provide early detection and treatment options for all the patients.

Contact Al Hilal Hospital, and get consultation with the best dermatologist and cosmetologist in Bahrain for early diagnosis and treatment of dermatitis and other dermatological issues. For your convenience, our representatives are available on WhatsApp helpline, in Al Hilal Manama, Salmabad, Riffa and Muharraq branches. We also offer exclusive packages and privilege cards for additional benefits, to provide affordable yet exceptional healthcare services to all our patients.

Written by: Dr. Alex James
MBBS MD Dermatology