What is Dermatitis?

Dermatitis is classified as an inflammation of the skin. Generally, dermatitis manifests as a rash, and the symptoms can include swelling, redness, itching, cracking, and pain. The cause of dermatitis is either direct skin contact with an irritant or an allergic reaction to something in the environment. Dermatitis is not contagious. Many subsets of dermatitis have been classified, including psoriasis and eczema. Nearly everyone has or has had some type of dermatitis in their lives.

Within this site, you will find the latest information concerning the various types of eczema and psoriasis along with up-to-date information on the cause and treatment options. Notable pages include: Eczema: Symptoms, cause and treatment, Psoriasis: Symptoms, cause and treatment, and Lifestyle Changes to Combat Eczema and Psoriasis. For more information about the cause of dermatitis, which we believe to be the same as the cause of other skin conditions such as acne and rosacea, visit the Rosacea-Ltd cause and etiology of rosacea page.

Your skin condition can have an effect not only on how you view yourself but also on how you view life and the world around you. Take for example Karl Marx, who complained of excruciating boils. He actually suffered from a chronic skin disease with known psychological effects that may well have influenced his writings. Not everyone is so dramatically influenced by their dermatitis condition, but this certainly demonstrates how totally our health can influence our lives. The day to day struggle to maintain and control a skin condition can impact and alter our moods, our daily activities and how we perceive the would around us.

What is Eczema?

Eczema is a skin disease which affects approximately 26 million Americans (Dermatology Times, Oct.1998). Eczema is characterized by a rash, dryness of skin, itching, and redness of skin (Rouse). The symptoms of eczema occur due to the overproduction of damaging inflammatory skin cells and continue to worsen as a result of certain factors in the environment. The cause of Allergic Eczema, Contact Eczema, and Atopic Eczema can all be traced to environmental factors. Foods, shampoos, soaps, laundry detergents, synthetic fabrics, stress, and temperature changes are capable of irritating already existing eczema (Dermatology Times, Oct. 1998) and may even be the cause of a new eczema condition. Although eczema is a chronic skin condition, there are various forms of treatment and interventions available to help control eczema. Eczema or dermatitis is a hereditary condition and thus is not contagious to others. The eczema-affected skin is very sensitive and the individual must be aware of the trigger factors and try to avoid them.

The more common types of eczema include:

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder that affects over 6 million people in the United States (National Psoriasis Foundation). In the clinical picture, psoriasis can trace its cause to a hyper proliferation of the epidermis, concomitant inflammation, and vascular changes, which occur based on combined genetic and environmental factors (Camisa 7). Psoriasis presents itself equally in men and women and is rarely life threatening (Whitman and McGibbon). Psoriasis appears most frequently between the ages of 15 and 35, but it is possible for it to occur very early or very late in life (National Psoriasis Foundation). A general picture of psoriasis can encompass different stages. Some people may experience limited psoriasis while others may experience more widespread psoriasis (National Psoriasis Foundation). Psoriasis is characterized by silvery-white scaly patches of various size seen most commonly on the knees, elbows, and scalp (Hall 127). Psoriasis occurs when skin cells mature at an accelerated rate (Nicksin). On a normal basis, skin cells grow, mature, and shed about once a month. Skin cells of a person with psoriasis grow nearly seven times faster and build up at the skin's surface resulting in red, raised, scaly patches and lesions (Nicksin). Although some individuals complain of itching, it is not a very common complaint. Only 30% of people with psoriasis complain of itching (Hall 132). Individuals who scratch their psoriasis can cause cracking and bleeding, making the condition worse. Development of psoriasis is caused by genetic factors and approximately one-third of individuals with psoriasis can trace the cause to a positive family history (Mackie 36).

The more common types of psoriasis include:

Latest headlines from Dermatitis-Ltd International News

Causes of Psoriasis

Researchers believe the immune system sends faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle in skin cells. Certain people carry genes that make them more likely to develop psoriasis, but not everyone with these genes develops psoriasis. Instead, a “trigger” makes the psoriasis appear in those who have these genes. Also, some triggers may work [...] (read more)

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