Where did these icky symptoms come from? And how do you get rid of them? Dermatitis is usually described as a rash characterized by red or pink skin. Severe cases can even cause hair loss. What are some of its niggling (and sometimes horrific) symptoms? And what can you do to treat it and get back to enjoying life? Keep reading to find the answers to all those burning questions and more.
What Is Dermatitis?
Dermatitis, in laymen’s terms, is skin inflammation. There are a few forms of dermatitis.
● Contact dermatitis is probably the most common. It is usually some form of irritation of the skin. The Mayo Clinic cites its cause as one of two factors: allergies or direct contact with a substance that irritates or damages the skin.
● In the case of an allergic reaction, most of what we see manifest on the skin is actually the body working to fight a reaction to something eaten or applied to the skin. Usually the immune system produces antibodies in reaction to whatever protein or substance consumed, and the antibodies, in turn, release what are called mediators (chemicals and hormones). The mediators produce those unsightly rashes.
● Your first contact with the allergen typically doesn’t produce the rash. The body usually sensitizes the skin so that the next time you come in contact with the allergen, you’ll get the rash. It’s sort of like a natural alarm system that lets you know something you’ve consumed doesn't agree with you.