Seborrheic dermatitis is often called cradle cap in infants. It consists of scaling that is greasy in texture and yellow or red in color, and congeals on the scalp, genitals or face near the eyebrows and along the side of the nose. When it appears in adults on the scalp, it’s known by its more familiar name, dandruff. Stress has been known to aggravate the condition in adults.

Stasis dermatitis happens when poor circulation causes leg swelling. Varicose veins, congestive heart failure and other conditions make the veins in the lower legs inefficient, and the resultant pools of fluid and blood leads to swelling, which can crack the skin, particularly around the ankles.

Although some dermatitis issues are caused by contact with external substances, many medical researchers believe its roots are an autoimmune disease that usually happens to those age 20 and older.

Researchers believe there is a strong link to celiac disease, another autoimmune condition that is linked to intolerance to gluten, a protein found in wheat. People with celiac disease usually have inflammation of the small intestine from eating gluten, a condition also found in those with dermatitis herpetiformis, which also causes skin rashes. About 25 percent of people with celiac disease also have some form of skin rash.

Managing the Condition

Although family history largely will determine whether you will experience dermatitis, you can deal with it at home if it strikes. Some remedies:

1.    Use over-the-counter anti-itch products. Hydrocortisone cream and calamine lotion can relieve inflammation and itching on a temporary basis. Oral antihistamines like Benadryl also may help relieve severe itching. Keep in mind that the main ingredient in Benadryl, diphenhydramine, may cause drowsiness and may slow the urinary stream, so if you’re planning on operating machinery, be careful.