Natural dermatitis. Dermatitis: types, clinical picture, treatment. Atopic dermatitis - symptoms

Atopic dermatitis in children and adults has painful symptoms and requires complex treatment. Eczema is genetically determined, therefore it manifests itself in infancy.

The causes and mechanism of development of atopic dermatitis

The term "atopy" means a genetic tendency to manifest allergic reactions. These include:

  • bronchial asthma;
  • rhinitis;
  • food allergies;
  • polyps of various localization;
  • lacrimation and conjunctivitis;
  • dermatitis.

Chronic skin inflammation, also called allergic dermatitis, neurodermatitis, diathesis or eczema, occurs when there are internal disorders and exposure to external allergens. Atopic dermatitis develops with overproduction of immunoglobulin E and active mediators:

  • histamine;
  • serotonin;
  • neuropeptides;
  • cytokines.

At the same time, adrenal hypofunction does not provide the body with anti-inflammatory hormones. Reduced the productivity of the sebaceous glands of the skin, their ability to retain moisture and the production of membrane lipids. All of the above can be combined with one term - weakened immunity.

Internal causes of atopic dermatitis in combination with endogenous, that is, external factors, are manifested by redness and itching on the skin.

This provokes scratching as a natural reaction to irritation. As a result, secondary infection occurs, a violation of the integrity of the skin and the progression of the disease with the transition to a chronic form.

In the international classification, the disease received the ICD-10 code L20. This is the most common form of allergy in children and adults.

How does atopic dermatitis manifest in adults

Atopic dermatitis in adults at the initial stages of onset is characterized by unbearable itching of the skin. It causes insomnia, irritability. Localization is typical in the places of projection of the lymph nodes and thin skin. These are the elbow and knee bends, the lateral surface of the neck, armpits, groin areas, face. Itching is accompanied by redness, dry skin, a feeling of tightness, peeling. Soon, bubbles with serous fluid appear on the affected areas - papules or vesicles.

The inevitable scratching in these cases leads to cracking, scabbing and progressive hyperkeratosis of the affected areas. During periods of remission, their skin becomes thick and pale. In advanced cases, the eyelids are pigmented, the heels and palms are cracked.

Also observed:

  • dysbiosis;
  • depression;
  • enzyme deficiency;
  • dyskinesia;
  • viral and fungal infections;
  • vegetative-vascular dystonia.

These diseases are not symptoms of atopic dermatitis, but the usual companions of a weakened immune system. They can manifest themselves independently, but in 90% of cases they constitute a “bouquet” and serve as indicators for each other.

Children's form of atopic dermatitis, symptoms

A strong, excruciating itching remains an unchanged symptom. Atopic dermatitis in children 2-5 years old becomes seasonal. Exacerbations occur in spring and autumn. These are periods of active flowering of plants, a decrease in immunity after winter or summer insolation. Less bright redness, flaking and reduced exudation are characteristic.

Atopic dermatitis in children should be distinguished from food allergies and allergic dermatitis. The etiology of these phenomena is different.

Atopic dermatitis is a non-food form of childhood allergy. It always manifests itself in infancy, as it is due to hereditary reasons. Provided complex therapy and prevention, you can achieve a stable remission or complete cure.

Symptoms of atopic dermatitis in infants

Allergic dermatitis affects 20% of infants aged 2-5 months. If the mother or both parents have a history of asthma, hay fever, food allergies, then the probability of their manifestation in the baby is 60-80%.

Symptoms are bright red, weeping rashes on the elbows and knees, in the diaper area, on the baby's face. Uncontrolled scratching leads to the formation of pustules, cracks in the skin. There is swelling of the cheeks and seborrhea of ​​the scalp, especially in the fontanel area.

Forms and places of localization

There is no single generally accepted classification of atopic dermatitis. Clinical forms of the disease are distinguished depending on:

  • age;
  • severity;
  • the prevalence of the lesion.

Age classification distinguishes between infant (2 months to 2 years), children (2 to 12 years), adolescent (12-16 years) and adult forms.

By severity, dermatitis is divided into:

  • lungs, with a frequency of exacerbations 1-2 times a year and mild symptoms;
  • moderate, in which the disease worsens 3-4 times a year and has moderate or severe symptoms;
  • severe, aggravated 5-6 times a year, with deep extensive lesions and incomplete remission.

The classification based on the localization of the process is indicative. According to her, the main types of dermatitis are:

  • limited - occupies up to 10% of the skin surface in the places of articular folds and neck, the degree of redness is average, itching is moderate and intermittent;
  • common - 10-50% of affected skin, including chest, back, arms and legs; intense itching, mostly nocturnal;
  • diffuse - damage to 50-90% of the skin with severe constant itching.

The nasolabial triangle and palms of the hands with diffuse dermatitis remain clean, but the skin has a pale, earthy tint and a pronounced pattern.

Diagnostics

To successfully treat atopic dermatitis, a correct diagnosis must be made. The criteria for making a diagnosis are divided into mandatory and optional.

Mandatory or large criteria are:

  • redness, rashes and flaking of the skin;
  • the presence of allergy sufferers in the family;
  • regular, sometimes gratuitous relapses;
  • results of clinical and immunological analyzes.

Additional or minor criteria:

  • the onset of the disease in infancy;
  • characteristic enhanced skin pattern on the feet and palms;
  • increased sweating;
  • accompanying illnesses;
  • frequent infections of herpes, thrush, etc.

In addition to the initial visual examination and subjective complaints, it is important to have three criteria from each group for a confident diagnosis of atopic dermatitis.

What tests are needed?

When diagnosing atopic dermatitis, it is important to exclude diseases with similar symptoms and to determine concomitant disorders in the functioning of organs, which are observed in 90% of cases.

The first clinical sign is itching. It is also typical for diabetes mellitus. Therefore, a study of capillary blood and urine for high glucose levels is required. A general blood test is necessary to find out the leukocyte formula. Allergy is accompanied by eosinophilia, sometimes basophilia. The associated bacterial infection is characterized by neutrophilia, which may be an indication for the appointment of antibiotics.

A hormonal blood test is of particular diagnostic value. It shows the level of thyroid and adrenal hormones.

Ultrasound examination of the thymus and peritoneum is prescribed in advanced cases when there is a suspicion of pathological changes in internal organs.

A coprogram is necessary to exclude or confirm dysbiosis or to detect its pathogens in the large intestine.

The doctor may also order a general urine test and a biochemical blood test for creatinine, bilirubin and urea.

Stages of development of atopic dermatitis

The stages of development of the disease are determined by the depth and severity of skin lesions. Depending on their morphology, there are:

  • debut of the disease;
  • the acute stage of pronounced changes;
  • chronic stage;
  • remission;
  • clinical recovery.

The onset of the disease occurs in the first months of life. The integrity of the skin is not compromised. There is only slight peeling, swelling of the cheeks and severe erythema. In the absence of adequate treatment, the disease quickly becomes acute. With it, the itching intensifies, the rash spreads throughout the body. Hyperemia intensifies, papules burst when combing and dry out in the form of crusts. Cracks, erosion, peeling appear. Periodically, the wounds heal and the itching becomes less intense. This is not a cure, but a sign that the disease is becoming chronic.

Treatment at any stage leads to remission. All external manifestations disappear for a long time. If relapses are not observed within 3-7 years, then we can talk about clinical recovery.

What causes an exacerbation of dermatitis

Even with sustained remission, patients with a genetic predisposition to atopic dermatitis are advised to avoid aggressive exogenous factors. In combination with other unfavorable circumstances, they can lead to the manifestation of the disease.

Dangerous triggers include:

  • food allergens;
  • household sensitization - dust, tobacco smoke;
  • pollen of plants;
  • vaccination;
  • psycho-emotional stress;
  • climate change;
  • changes in diet;
  • aggressive effect on the skin;
  • viral infections.

Psychosomatics has a pronounced effect on the course of the disease in adult patients, especially women. A depressed or stressed state provokes relapses in 50% of cases. Pregnancy can also trigger a relapse of atopic dermatitis. The presumable reason is hormonal changes, increased activity of the thyroid gland. In the second half of pregnancy, the abdomen increases, the load on the skin increases, which is also a risk factor.

Can I get vaccinated?

There is no direct prohibition on vaccinations for eczema, since vaccines do not participate in the production of immunoglobulins. However, a number of precautions must be observed when administering vaccines to children and adults. The list of measures includes:

  • compulsory basic therapy;
  • state of stable remission at the time of vaccination;
  • separate administration of each vaccine;
  • in severe forms of eczema, vaccinate children in a hospital setting;
  • exclude contact with carriers of ARVI after vaccination;
  • weekly quarantine after vaccination;
  • strict diet after vaccination for a week;
  • prevention of relapse with antihistamines before and after vaccination.

This set of preventive measures will reduce the risk of complications after vaccination. Severely ill children with incomplete remission will need an individual vaccination schedule and supervision by a pediatrician.

Basic treatment principles

How and how to treat dermatitis in a child and an adult? Atopic dermatitis is a complex disease of complex etiology. The patient needs the supervision of a therapist and narrow specialists:

  • allergist;
  • endocrinologist;
  • gastroenterologist;
  • otolaryngologist;
  • hepatologist;
  • nutritionist.

The main goal of treatment is to achieve a stable remission. During periods of exacerbation, it is important to stop symptoms and relieve itching, avoid inflammation and damage to the skin, and prevent their development in case of concomitant respiratory diseases.

In the acute period, dry air, sudden temperature changes, and emotional stress are dangerous. You should adhere to an individual diet and proper skin care every day.

A number of experts do not consider diet therapy to be effective in treating atopic dermatitis. But during periods of exacerbation, it is important to exclude all allergens for an early remission. External care of the affected area is to moisturize and heal cracks and erosions. Skin barrier function and local immunity are of paramount importance.

Medicines

The choice of drugs is aimed at reducing sensitization, relieving inflammation and preventing secondary infection.

Removal of itching and associated nervousness is achieved by using antihistamines of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd generations. Diphenhydramine, Tavegil, Suprastin belong to the 1st generation and are addictive. But they have a sedative effect, which is useful for sleep disturbances. Representatives of the 2nd and 3rd generations are more often used - Astemizole, Cetirizine, Ebastin, Fexofenadine, Loratadin, Levocetirizine (Ksizal), Desloratadin (Erius).

The actual treatment of dermatitis consists in the use of anti-inflammatory drugs. With exacerbations and in severe cases of diffuse dermatitis, glucocorticosteroids are administered orally. These are Triamcinolone, Fluticasone, Clobetasol, Hydrocortisone. They bring relief to the patient in an acute period. But you can take these drugs for no more than 3-4 days, as they are unsafe and addictive.

Topical ointments, creams, and corticosteroid sprays are intended for inflamed skin. Panthenol-based Bepanten ointment is a non-hormonal drug with healing and anti-inflammatory effects.

With long-term hormone therapy, it is important to support the body with the Centrum, Vitrum, Oligovit multivitamin complexes.

If neoplasms are suspected, as well as from edema and hyperemia, immunosuppressants Cyclosporin, Tacrolimus, Methotrexate, Azathioprine are used.

Antibiotics, antiseptics and antiviral drugs are needed to protect against secondary infection in conditions of weakened immunity. Prescribe Delagil, Plaquenil, Intetrix, Chlorquinaldol.

Diet

Healthy eating is important for everyone, without exception. And with dermatitis, it is necessary to adhere to a hypoallergenic diet at all stages of the disease.

Preservatives, dyes, flavor enhancers are contraindicated even for healthy people. This also includes smoked meats, pickles, pickles, fried foods.

But even among fresh natural products there are those containing histamine. These are soybeans and cocoa beans, strawberries, tomatoes, hazelnuts. Citrus fruits, seafood, coffee, whole milk, wheat bran, bee honey contribute to the release of histamine in the intestines. Even if the patient does not have an individual intolerance to these products, then you should not feed them every day.

For detoxification and elimination, the diet includes:

  • a lot of clean water;
  • fresh vegetables and fruits;
  • rice and buckwheat porridge;
  • lean fish;
  • poultry meat;
  • vegetable soups;
  • unrefined vegetable oils.

Unwanted foods are identified by trial and error. Keeping a food diary is recommended to track them.

Physiotherapy

Hardware physiotherapy procedures help to improve the condition of the skin and affect local immunity. Tested methods include:

  • ultraviolet irradiation;
  • laser therapy;
  • darsonvalization;
  • magnetotherapy;
  • electrophoresis (ionotherapy).

They accelerate biochemical processes in the skin and increase the pain threshold for external irritations. Decongestant and sedative effects are also important.

Massage therapy seems to be questionable in the context of extensive damage to the skin. The same applies to acupuncture, which is not recognized by mainstream medicine.

  • hydromassage;
  • Charcot's shower;
  • circular shower;
  • medicinal baths.

These methods refresh and moisturize the skin and accelerate blood flow. The positive and invigorating effect of running water is beneficial for accompanying depressive conditions and for relieving stress. The combined effect of ointments and creams is enhanced by deeper penetration into the layers of the skin.

Spa treatment

The quality of life increases the body's resistance and promotes long-term remissions. Balneotherapy, mud therapy, fresh air and sunbathing are measures that prevent exacerbations of atopic dermatitis.

In Russia, there are well-known balneological resorts in Essentuki, Evpatoria, Lipetsk, Mineralnye Vody, Saki, Kashin. Mineral springs, spa treatments, well-developed infrastructure, excursion programs guarantee a good rest and effective treatment.

The best mud resorts include Pyatigorsk, Kislovodsk, Essentuki, Zheleznovodsk, Mineralnye Vody.

The Italian resort of Abano Terme specializes in the treatment of dermatitis.

You can treat atopic dermatitis in children and combine it with an interesting vacation for the whole family in the Bulgarian Pomorie and the Dead Sea in Israel. And the city of Smrdaki in Slovakia is a Mecca for all those suffering from skin diseases. Quiet small town, unique natural mud and personalized approach heal the initial and middle stages of atopic dermatitis in 3-4 weeks.

Homeopathic remedies

Homeopathy considers the human body as a whole, without isolating diseases into groups. Atopic dermatitis in its context is toxins that leave the body through the skin. It is assumed that this is due to the depressed function of the liver and kidneys. In the case of childhood diseases, this is intrauterine intoxication from the mother plus heredity. The homeopathic diagnosis of atopic bronchitis looks like a combination of several types of intoxication: tuberculin, intrauterine luetic.

Treatment with homeopathic remedies focuses on the normalization of the body's excretory systems. The scheme includes three stages:

  • elimination of intoxication with miasmatic drugs;
  • normalization of the respiratory and digestive systems with auxiliary means;
  • elimination of hereditary causes with constitutional drugs.

Cases of complete recovery after a 6-month course are known.

It is optimal to use homeopathy during periods of remission.

Treatment of atopic dermatitis with folk remedies

Folk remedies can be used at home. These are baths and ointments to relieve itching aseptic and softening action.

Baths with decoctions have a mild soothing effect:

  • birch buds;
  • nettle;
  • yarrow;
  • oak bark;
  • St. John's wort;
  • turns.

Ointments to moisturize the skin and restore the lipid layer:

  • glycerin and starch in equal proportions;
  • vegetable oil with propolis;
  • vegetable with the addition of tea tree oil;
  • butter and St. John's wort juice 4: 1.

With a strong exudation for drying, you can make compresses from plantain wine extract, geranium oil, celandine juice, rivanol and tannin solutions.

Fortifying tinctures of ginseng and echinacea are recommended for oral administration in courses of 7-10 days with a break of 1-3 months.

Prevention of atopic dermatitis in children

Prevention of atopic dermatitis in children requires the efforts of an army of doctors from the moment of conception.

An obstetrician-gynecologist who monitors the course of pregnancy takes care of the minimum drug load and a healthy diet for the expectant mother. Toxicosis, infections, improper eating behavior of a pregnant woman are risk factors for the baby.

The local pediatrician and nurse monitor the child's condition, keeping a food diary and the vaccination schedule.

  • do not overfeed;
  • do not exceed the rate of dilution of the milk mixture with artificial feeding;
  • use soft fabric clothing;
  • maintain a temperature of 22 degrees and a humidity of 60-70% in the child's room;
  • change underwear daily;
  • wash the child's things with special products or baby soap;
  • use skin care products.

At the first symptoms of itching and redness of the child, it is necessary to show a dermatologist, immunologist and infectious disease specialist to prescribe treatment.

Contraindications

The main contraindication for atopic dermatitis is taking strong medications without a doctor's prescription. Ointments and other external agents penetrate deep into the skin and are absorbed into the bloodstream. Therefore, you should not think that they are safe. Ointment IV generation Dermovate has a strong effect and is contraindicated for self-medication.

Anti-acne drugs are ineffective and dangerous for atopic dermatitis. These are ointments:

  • Differin;
  • Metrogyl;
  • Effezel;
  • Baziron;
  • Skinoren.

Contraindicated:

  • vaccinations during periods of exacerbations;
  • histamine-containing food products;
  • clothing that irritates the skin;
  • stress;
  • contact with chlorinated water for more than 15-20 minutes;
  • aggressive cosmetics with strong fragrances;
  • smoking and drinking alcohol.

If these rules are followed, it is possible to achieve a complete cure or long-term remission.

Doctors have enough funds in their arsenal to successfully treat atopic dermatitis. The best result is given by combined methods, when drug treatment is supported by physiotherapy, diet and folk recipes. This approach guarantees long-term remissions and a complete cure for the disease.

This is all about atopic dermatitis on the face and hands: what is this disease, what are its symptoms, how and how to treat it at home. Be healthy!

Content

Inflammation of the skin is called dermatitis (eczema). This disease is caused by internal or external agents and often develops in the presence of stress or heredity. There is no universal therapy for all types of eczema. Treatment of the disease directly depends on the symptoms and pathogenesis.

Dermatitis - causes

Dermatitis is a reaction of the skin to various irritants. All forms of the disease are the result of provoked or acquired origin. The causes of dermatitis due to a genetic predisposition:

  1. Heredity. In newborns, skin inflammation in 50% of cases is a consequence of the allergy of one of the parents.
  2. Acquired disposition. The disease develops against the background of defective immunity.
  3. Physical illness. Under unfavorable living conditions or with constant mental anxiety, eczema develops.
  4. After the transferred infections. Infectious dermatitis provokes chronic diseases. This is not a contagious pathology.

Acquired reasons when the body, under the influence of pathogenic factors, suffers from skin inflammation:

  • stress;
  • contact of blood with allergens (food, animal hair, pollen);
  • solar radiation;
  • prolonged exposure to low temperatures on the skin;
  • corrosive liquids;
  • insect bites.

Symptoms

Skin pathologies are closely associated with allergic and inflammatory reactions, therefore, signs of dermatitis are characterized by a chronic course and seasonal exacerbations. For most types of the disease, regardless of the cause, the same manifestations are inherent. Mandatory symptoms of dermatitis:

  • itching (prurigo), the intensity of which depends on the level of irritation of the nerve endings (especially with red dermatitis);
  • redness, which, in the acute form of the disease, is observed on the skin with fuzzy edges and / or with swelling;
  • rashes, in which the skin over the joints, the groin, the face, the sides of the trunk, the scalp is especially affected;
  • exudation, which is characterized by thickening of skin areas, xerosis, self-scratching (excoriation), cracks in the skin;
  • peeling of the skin (desquamation), due to increased dryness with insufficient sebaceous glands and dehydration;
  • redness of the eyelids, burning in the eyes with ocular dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis - symptoms

Prolonged, intractable, but not contagious disease. Its occurrence is associated with heredity or with an allergic reaction of the body. Neurodermatitis sometimes develops against the background of dysfunction of digestion, intestinal dysbiosis, and enzyme deficiency. In 90% of cases, the first symptoms of atopic dermatitis appear in childhood (up to 5 years). For any type of rash, it is focal or diffuse itching of the skin. In infancy, it looks like vesicles (wet blisters with crusts). In adulthood - irritation, cracking of the dermis, focal lichenification.

Allergic

As the name implies, the development of this type of skin pathology occurs after contact with various allergens. They can be phototoxic substances (drugs, essential oils), cosmetics, solvents, alkalis, acidic solutions or dryness in the room. The main symptoms of allergic dermatitis in adults are reddening of the dermis after contact with an allergen. Further, this area becomes blistery and swollen, the bubbles burst, and in this place the skin exfoliates. What dermatitis of this type looks like, you can look at the photo on the Internet.

Contact

Like food dermatitis, this is a type of allergic form of the disease. It occurs after contact with substances that cause an inflammatory response in the body. These can be chemical reagents, UV rays (photocontact or photodermatitis), X-rays, high / low temperatures, or mechanical factors. Stinging cells, pollen, plant sap, caterpillar larvae can provoke a skin reaction. The main difference between such eczema is that it does not have an incubation period. Contact dermatitis symptoms:

  • swelling;
  • hemorrhages, microhematomas;
  • pronounced hyperemia;
  • small papules, vesicles;
  • oozing, scales, crusts;
  • large bubbles;
  • zones of necrosis.

Seborrheic

Inflammation of the skin as a result of high secretion of altered sebum or after exposure to microbes is called seborrheic or fungal dermatitis. It is not a contagious disease and therefore cannot be transmitted from person to person. The activity of opportunistic fungi manifests itself in stress, endocrine or immune disorders, various forms of damage to the nervous system. They concentrate on areas of the skin inhabited by sebaceous glands: face, chest, back, ears, head. Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, which can be seen in the photo on the network:

  • red plaques with clear boundaries (with dry dermatitis);
  • high blood circulation in the dermal capillaries (erythema);
  • weeping in the groin, behind the ears;
  • the appearance of cracks, serous crusts;
  • exudative inflammation;
  • itchy dermatitis;
  • uneven peeling on the head, dandruff, alopecia;
  • damage to large areas of the skin in severe cases;
  • the occurrence of other types of eczema (ear dermatitis and others).

Diaper

Often in the photo of a baby, you can see skin inflammations that develop in conditions of high humidity (under diapers, in a diaper). When air access is difficult and skin friction occurs, ammonia, uric acid and enzymes contained in urine and feces enter these places. The child's body reacts to them with irritation and other symptoms of diaper dermatitis:

  • redness, peeling;
  • bubbles;
  • swelling;
  • abscesses.

Dermatitis - treatment

To completely cure dermatitis - the symptoms and treatment, which depend on the type, is quite possible. To do this, you need to take adequate therapy, change the diet and give up bad habits. Treatment of dermatitis includes eliminating the irritant, destroying harmful microorganisms, taking sorbents, excluding sucrose, using special ointments and other measures.

In children

The main therapy is the elimination of the connection with the allergen, the use of medications, and preventive measures. Used medicinal shampoos, creams, preparations based on dexpanthenol (Bepanten, Dessetin). The child additionally needs vitamin therapy to strengthen the immune system. Treatment of dermatitis in children is also carried out using alternative methods.

In adults

Traditional therapeutic methods are identifying the cause of the disease, observing the rules of personal hygiene, taking anti-inflammatory and antihistamines. If the symptoms are pronounced, then hormonal therapy with corticosteroids (Dexamethasone, Prednisolone) is added to the main treatment of dermatitis in adults. With a simple contact form of the disease, the lesions are treated with hydrogen peroxide, a solution of potassium permanganate (weak) or alcohol.

Dermatitis treatment

Local therapy is carried out using disinfecting lotions, powders, photoprotective agents, corticosteroid aerosols, ointments. Common medications for the treatment of dermatitis include ascorbic acid, diuretics, enterosorbents, potassium orotate, calcium pangamate, calcium pantothenate, and in severe cases, neohemodesis and corticosteroids.

Folk remedies

How to treat dermatitis with natural ingredients? You can independently prepare an ointment to eliminate pathology, which is kneaded on the basis of glycerin and St. John's wort juice (1: 1) or with petroleum jelly and cranberry juice (4: 1). Treatment of dermatitis with folk remedies is carried out at night. Ointment should be applied to the affected areas and covered with gauze. Lotions with tincture of birch buds are effective (1 tbsp. L. Per glass of boiling water). It is necessary to apply funds daily until the problem is completely eliminated.

Diet for dermatitis

The menu for eczema should be limited. The main point of the diet for dermatitis is the difference in food products in terms of their degree of allergenicity. It is important to remove salty, fried, fatty, spicy foods, canned food and convenience foods from the diet. It is better to eat low-allergenic foods: turkey, rabbit meat, zucchini, cabbage, green apples. Medium allergenic foods are also suitable: pears, rice, carrots, bell peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, peaches. You can not eat foods with high allergenic activity during a diet:

  • alcohol;
  • coffee;
  • smoked meats;
  • fatty meats;
  • confectionery;
  • packaged juices.

Video

Attention! The information presented in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials of the article do not call for self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can diagnose and give recommendations for treatment, based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.

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Dermatitis is a chronic skin disorder that manifests itself as a response to an irritant. In dermatology, this disease can often be found under the term neurodermatitis, eczema, in which there are similar symptoms, manifested in the form of itching, rashes on different parts of the body. It is quite difficult to treat dermatitis in adults, because in order to achieve a stable remission, it is necessary to determine the cause of the disease, its type and stage of development.

Depending on the etiological factor, dermatitis is divided into several types, each of which requires an individual approach to treatment. The danger of dermatitis is that with improper treatment or its complete absence, the risk of extensive inflammation with the addition of bacterial flora increases. This condition can cause deep damage to the skin, purulent - inflammatory processes, which greatly complicates the treatment and the course of the disease itself.

Very often, the first symptoms of dermatitis appear in childhood, but over time, the disease returns and worries at a more mature age.

What it is?

Dermatitis is a skin disorder caused by external or internal (physical, chemical, biological) agents, often associated with hereditary predisposition and stress. The disease is manifested by local and general reactions. Depending on the nature and severity of pathogenesis, the disease is accompanied by a decrease in skin functions, impaired homeostasis of the body.

Causes of occurrence

The main types / forms of the considered skin disease can develop for distant and close reasons. The first category of reasons includes a predisposition:

Close causes of dermatitis (they are also classified as provoked):

  • the entry into the blood of irritants that can cause dermatitis - chemicals, plant pollen, food, drugs, and more.
  • stressful condition. Many people believe that stress is a simple malaise that quickly disappears after a good rest. In fact, a stressful state is a complex defense reaction of the body, which proceeds under the influence of hormones.

Even if irritants have entered the blood, this does not at all mean the instant development of dermatitis - it is necessary that favorable factors are present:

  • high air temperature;
  • severely weakened immunity - for example, against the background of a long-term illness;
  • receiving radiation - for example, from the sun or quartz lamps;
  • prolonged exposure to cold on the skin - for example, dermatitis can appear after weaning gloves during a cold winter.

Classification

Depending on the cause of development, the following types of dermatitis are distinguished.

  1. Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic pathology of the skin rich in sebaceous glands, resulting from the activation of the opportunistic lipophilic yeast Malassezia furfur.
  2. Photodermatitis - skin rashes that occur due to increased sensitivity to sunlight (visible light rays and UV radiation).
  3. Contact allergic dermatitis is a classic delayed-type reaction that develops due to the body's increased sensitivity to the allergen and the involvement of T-lymphocytes in the immune process.
  4. Simple contact dermatitis is an immediate skin reaction resulting from direct exposure to an irritant.
  5. Toxic-allergic dermatitis (toxidermia) is an acute inflammation of the skin that occurs under the influence of a toxic allergenic agent that enters the body through the digestive, respiratory tract or by injection.
  6. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic polyetiological skin pathology that is inherited.

People who are under constant stress are more susceptible to the disease. People with dry skin are also at risk, especially in windy and cold weather.

Dermatitis symptoms

For each of the above types of dermatitis in adults, characteristic symptoms have been identified (see photo). But doctors also distinguish several common signs that will be characteristic of each of the existing types of the disease:

  1. Redness (erythema). Erythema - increased blood circulation in the dermal capillaries. In the acute form, redness with fuzzy edges and swelling is observed. For the chronic course of dermatitis, erythema is not necessary. When pressed, the area of ​​hyperemic skin turns pale for a while. Erythema should not be confused with hemorrhage (bleeding under the skin). Hemorrhage is considered as a separate manifestation in skin pathologies - hemorrhagic diathesis;
  2. Itching (prurigo). Its intensity depends on the strength of irritation of the skin nerve endings. The discrepancy between the strength of prurigo and skin manifestations (severe itching with minor rashes) is a sign of allergy in atopic dermatitis. In contact dermatitis, itching at the site of application of the pathogen is adequate to damage;
  3. Exudation. In acute forms of dermatitis, exudative inflammation with abundant discharge is possible. In chronic forms - lichenification (thickening of skin areas with a rough pattern), cracks in the skin and excoriation (self-scratching);
  4. Peeling of the skin (desquamation). Pathological desquamation is caused by increased dryness (xerosis) of the skin with dehydration and insufficiency of the sebaceous glands. Desquamation and xerosis are noted in chronic dermatitis with allergic and inflammatory processes.
  5. Rash (eczema). The morphology of the rash and its localization are typical for a particular dermatitis. The most common localization of rashes is the moving parts of the body (skin over the joints), face, scalp, sides of the body, groin.

Additional symptoms are important in the differential diagnosis of specific dermatitis, they are revealed during questioning, examination, laboratory tests and functional tests.

What does dermatitis look like, photo

The photo below shows how the disease manifests itself in adults.

Atopic dermatitis

The pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis is based on genetically determined features of the immune response. Most often, the disease develops in children with a hereditary predisposition at the age of 1 to 5 years.

Food products (proteins of animal and plant origin), stress and other unfavorable exogenous factors, UV radiation, as well as aggressive meteorological influences provoke the development of the pathological process.

Atopic dermatitis occurs with periods of exacerbations and remissions and is characterized by the development of skin inflammatory reactions, increased reactivity to various irritants, itching and rashes. The disease begins in early childhood, however, over time, its clinical manifestations weaken, and by the age of 30-40 a spontaneous cure occurs, or a regression of symptoms occurs.

Seborrheic dermatitis

Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, which can be seen in the photo on the network:

  • red plaques with clear boundaries (with dry dermatitis);
  • high blood circulation in the dermal capillaries (erythema);
  • weeping in the groin, behind the ears;
  • the appearance of cracks, serous crusts;
  • exudative inflammation;
  • itchy dermatitis;
  • uneven peeling on the head, dandruff, alopecia;
  • damage to large areas of the skin in severe cases;
  • the occurrence of other types of eczema (ear dermatitis and others).

Inflammation of the skin as a result of high secretion of altered sebum or after exposure to microbes is called seborrheic or fungal dermatitis. It is not a contagious disease and therefore cannot be transmitted from person to person. The activity of opportunistic fungi manifests itself in stress, endocrine or immune disorders, various forms of damage to the nervous system. They concentrate on areas of the skin inhabited by sebaceous glands: face, chest, back, ears, head.

Allergic dermatitis

Inflammation manifests itself as a result of the body's reaction to a specific pathogen. The causative agents can be dust, pollen of plants, animal hair, odors of perfumes or chemicals, medicines, food, liquids, etc. Often associated with seasonal manifestations of allergies. Intoxication can occur as a result of the production of certain substances in diseases of the kidneys, liver, thyroid gland, helminthic invasions, and the development of tumors.

How it manifests itself:

  • the skin becomes covered with large red spots;
  • small bubbles form on their surface;
  • then they burst, forming weeping wounds;
  • the rash is very itchy;
  • accompanied by sneezing, coughing, lacrimation, increased sensitivity to light.

The allergen can penetrate into the bloodstream with food, through the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract, through injections. It is located on any part of the skin or mucous membranes.

Contact dermatitis

These are inflammatory processes on the skin caused by contact with a certain irritant. These are friction, pressure, exposure to temperature, radiation, burns and other strong irritants. With this type, direct damage to the skin occurs, the symptoms occur immediately, contact with the irritant must be eliminated as soon as possible.

Contact dermatitis symptoms:

  • swelling;
  • hemorrhages, microhematomas;
  • pronounced hyperemia;
  • small papules, vesicles;
  • oozing, scales, crusts;
  • large bubbles;
  • zones of necrosis.

Like food dermatitis, this is a type of allergic form of the disease. It occurs after contact with substances that cause an inflammatory response in the body. These can be chemical reagents, UV rays (photocontact or photodermatitis), X-rays, high / low temperatures, or mechanical factors. Stinging cells, pollen, plant sap, caterpillar larvae can provoke a skin reaction. The main difference between such eczema is that it does not have an incubation period.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of dermatitis consists of an initial blood test. To exclude the possible attachment to the current processes of mycotic skin lesion, sowing and microscopic examination of scales from the area that has been affected is also carried out.

Allergic dermatitis requires various types of allergological tests, mainly for this purpose, skin tests are used. In frequent cases, the allergic nature of the factor acting as an irritant is determined by a blood test (increased lg E). Based on the results of the studies carried out, an appropriate assessment of the patient's condition is made.

Dermatitis treatment

In the case of dermatitis, the effectiveness of treatment depends on its form, and is always selected individually.

It is necessary to start treatment of dermatitis in adults by determining the cause. It is necessary to identify the irritant (allergen, toxic substance, microbial pathogen) and eliminate it. If the irritant is not identified, as is often the case with allergic and especially neuro-allergic dermatitis, the treatment will be only symptomatic, i.e. aimed at eliminating symptoms and maintaining the stage of remission.

Treatment of dermatitis is conservative, it consists of local and general therapy. Acute dermatitis and dermatitis in children, as a rule, are treated only with local remedies, and chronic forms require a combination of general and local therapy. Local therapy for dermatitis consists of treating the affected skin. Skin rashes are treated with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial drugs in the form of talkers, powders, ointments, solutions - depending on the form of the inflammatory element and its stage. Dermatitis on the face (seborrheic) is treated with antifungal ointments. Chronic dermatitis is treated with corticosteroid anti-inflammatory drugs, acute dermatitis is treated with aniline dyes. Deep ulcerative lesions are treated in a hospital setting.

The general treatment for dermatitis is to take immunomodulatory, antihistamines, sedatives, depending on the cause of the disease. It is also necessary to eliminate all sources of chronic infection, such as teeth destroyed by the carious process, chronic sinusitis, tonsillitis, etc.

Diet for dermatitis

With allergic dermatitis, a special diet and balanced nutrition are included in the patient's health improvement system. Properly organized nutrition and hypoallergenic foods in the patient's diet are the key to the non-intake of new doses of allergens into the body. Before visiting a doctor, you must independently determine the minimum list of products that can be consumed without the risk of exacerbating allergic reactions.

Foods that often cause allergies:

  • Protein - pork, fatty beef, milk, chicken eggs, fish, seafood, caviar, smoked meats, delicacies, stew;
  • Vegetable - legumes, sauerkraut, pickled vegetables, all red berries, all tropical fruits, mushrooms, dried fruits (dried apricots, raisins, dates, figs);
  • Drinks - sweet carbonated water, filled yoghurts, cocoa, coffee;
  • Desserts - caramel, marmalade, chocolate, honey;
  • Condiments, sauces (ketchup, mayonnaise, soy sauce), canned soups, and any prepared food containing dyes, emulsifiers, preservatives and other food additives

Medium allergenic products:

  • Drinks - black tea, green apple juices, herbal teas;
  • Protein - lamb, horse meat, rabbit;
  • Vegetable - rye, buckwheat, corn, green fruits, potatoes;
  • Desserts - yoghurts, mousses, curds.

Low allergenic products:

  • Protein - some types of fish (cod and sea bass), lean veal, offal (liver, tongue), low-fat cottage cheese, butter;
  • Vegetable - cereals (rice, pearl barley), green salad, cucumbers, zucchini, rutabagas, fresh cabbage, spinach, vegetable oil, pears, gooseberries, white cherries and white currants;
  • Desserts - dried fruits from dried pears and apples, prunes.
  • Drinks - fermented milk without added dyes, pear and apple compotes, rhubarb decoctions, green tea of ​​low concentration, still mineral water;

With dermatitis without allergic stress, proper nutrition is more important. The main principle is the inclusion of low-calorie, easily digestible food in the diet. There are no universal recommendations. For more information about the products recommended for you personally, please contact your doctor and dietitian.

Answers on questions

1) Is dermatitis contagious?

  • No, such dermatitis is not contagious, but to exclude the addition of a secondary infection, skin scrapings are necessarily taken for mycological examination.

2) Is contact dermatitis inherited?

  • Of all the dermatitis caused by external factors, only allergic dermatitis can be inherited.

3) Is it possible to reuse the irritating factor (chains, buckle belt, rings) that caused the dermatitis after normalizing the skin condition?

  • Contact dermatitis will recur with virtually every contact with an irritant.

4) Can contact dermatitis develop into a systemic allergic disease such as bronchial asthma?

  • No, it cannot, only atopic dermatitis develops into bronchial asthma.

Nodular dermatitis is a relatively young disease, which is more susceptible to animals in countries with warm climatic conditions, in particular, African, East European, Asian countries. Due to unsuitable climatic conditions, the Russian Federation is not included in the risk group and there are few cases of the spread of nodular in Russia, however, due to the constant change of climate and mutation of viruses, a more detailed study of such a question as: "Infectious nodular dermatitis, how to treat it?" farmers and practicing veterinarians.

Additional Information! According to the data of veterinary practice, modular dermatitis was first recorded at the beginning of the 20th century on the island of Madagascar. 16 years later, a case of cattle lesions with modular dermatitis took place in the South African state of Transvaal. In 1963, the infection manifested itself in Romania. Today animals of the African continent and India suffer from natural dermatitis.

The article provides information on the causes of the manifestation of the disease, its symptoms, course and localization places. You will also be able to find out how lumpy skin disease is treated and prevented, what pathological changes are characteristic of animals that died from the disease. The material contains information about whether there is a vaccine against lumpy dermatitis and how effective it is.

Disease prevention measures from the Department of Veterinary Medicine of the Russian Federation

  • tagging livestock;
  • vaccination;
  • ensuring the biological safety of farms;
  • in case of detection of a disease, restrict the movement of animals.

Causes of nodular infectious dermatitis (tubercles)

Nodular dermatitis has a viral nature, therefore, the main reason for the spread of the disease is the ingress of DNA-containing viruses into the body of an animal, in particular Orphan orphan, as well as viruses of the nitling and allerton group belonging to the Poxviridae family. At the same time, viruses of the nitling group, structurally similar to the smallpox virus in goats, are the main causative agents of the disease.

Additional Information! Neethling, is quite stable, which is confirmed by its ability to withstand three times freezing and thawing, as well as to maintain vital functions even at low temperatures for six months.

The main distributor and at the same time the source of infection with lumpy dermatitis are insects, in particular mosquitoes and horseflies, so an animal can become infected even if sanitary standards are observed, for example, during grazing.

Note! The virus does not pose a danger to humans, evidence of this is the fact that no cases of lumpy dermatitis in humans have been recorded at the moment.

The virus enters the external environment through:

  • particles of the skin of individuals infected with dermatitis;
  • milk;
  • discharge from the salivary glands;
  • blood;
  • seed.

Additional Information! The infection persists in the semen of the animal for another 60 days from the moment of cure. Nodules formed on the skin of affected individuals contain the virus for 4 months.

The danger of the disease is justified by its poor study, the lack of a clear understanding of the patterns of its distribution. Thus, a cow next to an infected animal may not get sick, while an animal that grazed a few kilometers from an infected individual was exposed to the disease.

Important! The risk group includes animals located in places of accumulation of insects from the category of bloodsucking (mosquitoes, fish soup, mosquitoes). Moreover, cases of the spread of the virus by birds (herons) have been recorded.

Additional ways of spreading the disease:

  1. the virus can be transmitted from one animal to another through respiration;
  2. the source of infection may well be the water that the infected animal drank, or food.

Symptoms and signs of nodular dermatitis nodosa

The minimum period that can pass from the moment the virus enters the animal's body until the first symptoms of the disease appear is 3 days, the maximum is 30.

Note! The longer the incubation period, the greater the risk of unhindered spread of the virus, since the infected animal was not isolated in a timely manner and was freely in contact with other individuals.

The first signs of infection are:

  1. high body temperature of the animal, which, in most cases, reaches 40 degrees;
  2. excessive fluid from the eyes and nose;
  3. increased saliva production.

Symptoms of lumpy skin disease (photo):

  • unnatural drowsiness, lethargy of the animal, rapid weight loss;
  • decreased appetite;
  • increased nervousness, manifestations of aggression;
  • change in gait, it becomes more constrained, unnatural;
  • volumetric seals (nodules) form on the skin, the diameter of which can reach 4 cm;
  • the initial stage is characterized by the appearance of tubercles on the abdomen and limbs, neglected - on the udder, which over time leads to a decrease in milk yield and the development of mastitis;
  • a mild form of dermatitis is characterized by an increase in temperature and a temporary decrease in appetite, the formation of nodules is not necessary (atypical form);
  • in advanced forms, tubercles appear in the pharynx, bronchi and trachea, which is the cause of the development of inflammatory processes, the formation of puffiness. As a rule, severe forms of natural dermatitis are fatal, as the animal simply dies from suffocation;
  • nodules can appear on the eyelids, as a result of which the cornea becomes cloudy and the cow loses all or part of her vision;
  • milk takes on a pink tint, it is very hard to milk, almost drop by drop. It is recommended to give such milk to calves after processing.

Important! If the first signs of infection with the lumpy skin disease virus are detected, you should immediately contact your veterinarian and take disinfectant measures. This will help save the lives of affected animals, as well as those nearby.

Methods for diagnosing pathology in cattle

Diagnosis of nodular dermatitis is carried out by an experienced veterinarian and involves the implementation of special measures to accurately determine the disease and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

It is worth noting that it is quite possible to cure animals affected by the dermatitis virus if effective drugs are used and disinfection measures are followed. Vaccination is recommended as a prophylaxis for the disease. The vaccine helps not only protect animals from the virus, but also resists its spread.

When examining an animal, an experienced veterinarian differentiates the disease from other pathologies with similar symptoms, in particular from:

  • hives, which are characterized by the appearance of blisters on the skin;
  • streptotrichosis, the signs of which are the formation of ulcers and fistulas on the skin;
  • epizootic lymphangitis;
  • lesions caused by bites of ticks and other insects, as well as gadfly larvae;
  • post-vaccination edema.

Methods for diagnosing tubercles:

  1. inspection of the animal;
  2. the study of clinical data;
  3. the study of histological and pathological changes by taking a biological sample and isolating the virus.

Changes in the body of animals that have died from lumpy dermatitis

In advanced cases, the diagnosis is made on the basis of the study of pathological changes in the body of the affected animal. If the individual died due to infection with the lumpy skin disease virus, after opening, the following changes can be detected:

  1. enlarged lymph nodes, the appearance of edema;
  2. the presence of traces of hemorrhages, the size of which reaches 1 cm, located under the visceral pleura, and also in some cases on the nasal passages;
  3. the formation of nodules on the skin and muscles;
  4. swelling in the lungs, the presence of nodules in them similar to those that formed on the skin;
  5. traces of hemorrhage in the intestinal area;
  6. joint damage;
  7. the presence of blood clots in the veins.

Lumpy skin disease, conventional treatment and prevention

Important! If the first signs of the disease are detected, you must immediately contact your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis and prescription of a course of treatment. Timely treatment of lumpy skin disease helps to avoid the progression of the pathology and its spread among other individuals.

It should be noted that, despite repeated studies of the features of the spread of the nitling virus and ways to combat it, there are no specific methods to combat the development of pathology. It has been established that in 90% of cases of lesions with lumpy dermatitis, animals are cured naturally.

Each country uses different techniques and means. Common to all is the use of the following techniques:

  1. carrying out a complete disinfection of the room in which the affected animal is kept. This can be done using a solution of ethyl and chloroform, an alkaline solution, a phenol solution, or by using a lysol solution. Sunlight has a destructive effect on the virus;
  2. treatment of nodules with disinfectants;
  3. to avoid re-infection, it is recommended to give the animals antibiotics and sulfonamides.

Additional Information! There are a number of countries, notably Madagascar and Mozambique, where the main way to control the disease is to slaughter the entire herd.

It is important to provide the infected animal with good care and adequate nutrition during the fight against the disease. The course of treatment is based on the use of traditional methods, however, the use of traditional medicine is also allowed. This is especially true in cases where traditional methods are powerless or, due to the remoteness of the farm from the pharmacy, the farmer does not have the opportunity to purchase the necessary drugs.

How to treat lumpy skin disease with folk remedies?

Folk recipes:

  • herbal tinctures.

A colorful example of such a remedy is nettle tincture. To make it, you need to take a bottle made of transparent glass, push chopped nettle there, pour in ethyl alcohol and close tightly. The remedy should be infused in direct sunlight for 14 days. After this period, the solution must be filtered, after which it can be used to wipe off the burst nodules and apply compresses to the lesions.

  • tincture based on calendula.

Crushed calendula flowers must be poured with alcohol and insisted in a dark place for 30 days. Application of the solution is similar to the previous one. It is recommended to dilute with 1 tsp before use. tinctures in one glass of water.

What is forbidden to do in case of infection of an animal with lumpy dermatitis:

  • transport animals;
  • use meat and milk of the affected individual for food, as well as implement them.

In case of death, the corpse of the animal should be burned or buried. This measure prevents the spread of the disease among other individuals as much as possible.

Lumpy dermatitis vaccine

The most reliable way to protect livestock from nodular dermatitis is a vaccine. As a rule, vaccination is carried out using the nitling strain, which allows you to protect animals from infection for 3 years. Along with the nitling strain, veterinarians and farmers use sheeppox virus to provide immunity. The duration of immunity in this case reaches one year.

Vaccination is performed subcutaneously. According to veterinary practice, 10% of vaccinated animals show signs of tuberosity, in particular, such as the formation of nodules on the skin and swelling. In most cases, symptoms disappear after two weeks.

Spread of natural dermatitis, possible consequences

The lumpy skin disease virus is one of the most dangerous, since from 5% to 100% of the livestock are infected. In the case of the timely appointment of the necessary drugs and disinfecting measures, it is possible to save up to 90% of the herd, while the result of neglect of the pathology may be its death.

In individuals who have overcome the disease, after recovery, a persistent immunity to this kind of infection appears, the presence of which is checked from year to year through the subcutaneous injection of a special antigen-allergen.

Important! Young, purebred and imported individuals are more susceptible to the disease, therefore they tolerate it harder than other animals and become infected first.

Along with the direct damage caused by increased animal mortality, dermatitis nodosa significantly reduces the economic benefits of cattle breeding. The skin of the affected individuals loses its qualities, holes appear in the places of formation of nodules after processing. As for the volumes of milk yield, they are also decreasing, moreover, over time, milk from cows may completely disappear. Males remain in a state of sexual sterility for some time after healing, while females do not have a state of hunting for a long time. Quite often, people take such a step as cutting animals that have had contagious nodular dermatitis.

Areas of distribution of the disease or in which regions cases of manifestation of natural cattle dermatitis were recorded:

  • African countries located in the southern and eastern regions of the continent;
  • in India;
  • in Australia;
  • in France;
  • in Hungary;
  • on the territory of Romania;
  • in Azerbaijan (2014).

Additional Information! It is believed that initially the virus, which is the cause of the development of dermatitis in animals, was introduced from the territories of Turkey and Iran.

Preventive measures

Strict adherence to sanitary rules is the main method for the prevention of lumpy skin disease. To avoid the appearance of the virus, it is necessary to carry out both disinfection of the room in which the animals are kept and disinfestation in a timely manner, since in most cases the spread of infection occurs through insects.

How can nodular dermatitis be prevented from spreading to the herd?

To prevent the spread of the disease, symptomatic treatment is carried out. Due to the presence of the properties of the tubercle, the properties will quickly spread, it is necessary to isolate the animal at the first manifestations of pathology and try to prevent the likelihood of contact with it.

Also, care should be taken to ensure that dead particles separated from the epidermis of the affected livestock are not taken out of the premises. To do this, it is necessary to carry out a thorough disinfection of machines leaving the farm. It is recommended to carry out similar actions with the overalls of the service personnel; this can be done with the help of formaldehyde vapors.

In some regions of the Russian Federation, on the territory of which cases of lumpy dermatitis have been documented, special centers have been created. If you suspect a manifestation of pathology, you can call the hotline of the center and get the necessary advice on further actions. Timely implementation of disinfection measures contributes to the preservation of the livestock and the cure of nodular infectious dermatitis.

View about lumpy dermatitis

Human skin performs the most important function - it prevents the penetration of pathogens into the body. But diseases happen to her: fungal, infectious, inflammatory. If a rash, peeling or ulcers appear after a person has been in contact with detergents, ate suspicious food, or has been in the sun for a long time, this may be a manifestation of a skin inflammatory disease. For adults with sensitive skin, a tendency to autoimmune diseases, allergies, it is important to know what dermatitis is in order to avoid damage to the skin.

general description

Skin dermatitis is a specific reaction of the skin of an adult or child that appears after contact with a pathogen. The causative agent can be any:

  • an external allergenic substance such as metal, cosmetic, food, chemical;
  • sun or extreme cold;
  • internal allergens, that is, substances that are produced by the body itself.

What does dermatitis look like?

Dermatitis of the skin can affect the surface of the entire body, but is more common in a specific area. Irritation occurs after exposure to a sensitizing agent, be it a metal used in jewelry, household chemicals, food, or a chemical such as dye.

In the early stages, the disease is characterized by reddening of the skin. Then itching begins, peeling occurs, dryness of the skin, from which the skin cracks, bleeds.

Inflammation of the skin provokes swelling of the affected area, the appearance of rashes, small rashes and large bubbles filled with liquid. The rashes are located exactly at the point of contact of the skin with the allergen, which caused the inflammatory reaction.

Dermatitis all over the body is rare. More often, the disease is localized in one area, for example, on the back, on the abdomen. Sometimes rashes appear on the lower back, affect the thighs, groin area, buttocks of an adult or child.

Dermatitis looks different depending on the species. The photo shows atopic dermatitis.

The prescribing doctor must determine what causes the dermatitis. Therapy begins with the elimination of the factor that caused the rash.

Types of dermatitis

There is no unified classification of a disease affecting the skin of the body. Therefore, what dermatitis are, is established in a practical way. Doctors distinguish between different types of dermatitis in adults and children. According to the origin, dermatitis is divided into:

  • atopic, contact, simple, or allergic;
  • phototoxic or photoallergic;
  • microbial (mainly provoked by a fungus, that is, seborrheic).

Adrift in adults and children, it is divided into:

  • spicy;
  • chronic.

It is important to differentiate atopic dermatitis from seborrhea, psoriasis, eczema and dermatomycosis (fungus). A rash on the body during exacerbation of psoriasis, seborrhea, eczema differs from dermatitis rashes. The affected skin turns red. With atopic dermatitis, the skin is covered with small or large vesicles that are filled with fluid. But, as a rule, there is no increased peeling of the skin at the site of the papules, as is the case with seborrhea or psoriasis.

Neurodermatitis is a type of disease associated with the harmful effects of stress factors on the body. The disease is activated if an adult or a child has experienced or is experiencing severe stress, mental discomfort, or has a history of mental illness, such as depression.

Causes of occurrence

Dermatitis in adults appears after contact with a potential allergen, for example, metal, paint, cosmetic product. The list of possible allergens includes:

  • metals such as aluminum, chrome, nickel;
  • medications (antibiotics, hormonal drugs);
  • preservatives, mineral and essential oils;
  • cosmetics, perfumery;
  • plants (ivy, hogweed, rue);
  • rubber, latex, products with the addition of rubber (gloves, toys, barrier contraception);
  • paints, hair and nail sprays;
  • synthetic adhesives;
  • household chemicals, detergents, washing powders.

Some products can increase your skin's sensitivity to UV radiation. A person develops photodermatitis when a rash occurs on areas of the body that are not protected from sunlight.

In adults, dermatitis may be due to occupational activity. Workers in hazardous industries, people who are forced to come into contact with chemicals every day, are more susceptible to skin disease.

In children, dermatitis often occurs from unsuitable food containing synthetic dyes and preservatives.

Skin inflammation is due to the action of harmful microorganisms, such as fungi. Most often it manifests itself as seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff).

Diagnosis

In the blood of an adult or a child who develops dermatitis, an increased level of Ig E is observed. A biochemical blood test is not the only way to diagnose.

Doctors define this disease by:

  • anamnesis data;
  • clinical picture of dermatitis.

Symptoms include signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling, redness of the affected skin, rash, and itching.

When diagnosing a disease in adults or children, it is taken into account:

  • exposure to the substance that provoked the reaction;
  • the time during which the symptoms of the disease appeared;
  • type of professional activity;
  • the presence of other skin pathologies;
  • hereditary factor;
  • possible photodermatitis due to exposure to the sun;
  • medicines that a person takes.

Dermatitis is determined by application tests:

  • Classic indoor. The test substance is applied to the forearm or back, secured with a gauze bandage and left on the skin for up to two days, after which the result is evaluated.
  • Open. A set of potential allergens is used. Do not seal the place of application. The results are evaluated after half an hour.
  • Semi-open. Use small amounts of potential allergens. It is applied to the skin, allowed to dry, covered with a bandage and left for 2 days, and then the result is tested.
  • Provocative. Carry out if the irritant is not detected during the skin tests.

The substance applied in the open or closed application test must be removed after 48 hours. If a person feels discomfort, burning, itching, then it is necessary to eliminate (remove) the potential allergen urgently. After that, you should contact your doctor.

How to treat dermatitis

General principles on how to cure dermatitis prescribe:

  1. As soon as possible, remove contact with the substance that provoked the rash, itching and burning.
  2. Apply pharmacotherapy: external and systemic.

Allergic dermatitis responds well to treatment with glucocorticosteroids (hormones).

Drug treatment

Hormonal drugs are not the only way to treat dermatitis in adults.


Treatment of dermatitis is conservative, it consists of local and general therapy. Acute dermatitis usually needs to be treated only with topical agents, while chronic forms require a combination of general and local therapy.

The doctor prescribes various means:

  • antimicrobial ointments and creams to prevent possible pustular complications: Pimafukort ointment, Cortomycetin, Fucidin, Triderm;
  • decongestants and anti-inflammatory drugs for external use to relieve puffiness and stop the inflammatory process: Flucinar N, Skin-cap;
  • antihistamines: Clemastine, Ketotifen, Zyrtec;
  • sedatives, psychotropic drugs, for example, antidepressants (help if dermatitis provokes a mental disorder or stress): Novo-passit, Persen;
  • immunocorrectors according to the indications of the immunogram: Elidel ointment, Chlorbutin.

Dermatitis associated with disturbances in the work of the gastrointestinal tract is treated with drugs that improve and stimulate the functioning of the digestive organs. Enzyme therapy (Pancreatin, Creon) and probiotics (Linex, Bifidumbacterin) helps to restore the number of beneficial microorganisms in the intestines of an adult, to strengthen the immune system.

Folk remedies

Treatment of dermatitis in adults includes compresses with decoctions of medicinal herbs or essential oils, herbal infusions, homemade ointments.

  1. Lotions from a decoction of birch buds are a safe and effective remedy for dermatitis. 1 glass of raw materials must be brewed with boiling water (250 ml) and insisted for a quarter of an hour. Cool to room temperature. Moisten gauze in broth and apply on damaged areas for 20 minutes. The tool can be used to wipe the rash three times a day.
  2. Helps with dermatitis a decoction of oak bark. 2 tbsp raw materials are brewed in a glass of boiling water. After the product is infused (this takes 15 to 20 minutes) and cools down, soak a cotton or gauze swab in the broth, gently apply to the affected areas. The procedure should be repeated three times daily.
  3. During an exacerbation, you can use Ivan tea lotions. Boil 10 dried leaves over low heat in a glass of water for a quarter of an hour. Cool and apply to the rash, securing a gauze or cotton swab with a plaster. Remove the lotions after 15-20 minutes. Repeat the procedure twice a day.
  4. From honey and Kalanchoe juice, you can prepare an ointment that will relieve itching. It is necessary to mix the components in equal proportions, insist for a week. Add the same amount of freshly squeezed aloe juice to the resulting composition and leave for another 7 days. The ointment can be applied to the affected areas.
  5. It is good to take medicinal baths with the addition of chamomile and lime decoctions. For 1 liter of boiling water, you need to take 4 tbsp. l. mixture of chamomile and linden flowers and simmer over low heat for a quarter of an hour. Pour the resulting infusion into a bath, which should be taken in the evenings for 15-20 minutes.
  6. Tea tree oil is suitable for lotions and medicated baths. Add 3-4 drops of essential oil to the bathing water and stir well. The procedure should not last longer than 15 minutes. For compresses and lotions in a glass of warm boiled water, you need to dilute 3 drops of oil. Moisten a cotton swab, disc, or gauze and rub over the damaged skin.

You can just make compresses with cold water. It is a safe remedy that relieves swelling, itching, and accelerates the regeneration processes of the skin.

Before using folk remedies, an adult should consult with a doctor, allergist or dermatologist.

Diet

Treatment for dermatitis in adults and children includes a strict diet. Your doctor will recommend avoiding foods that can cause severe allergic reactions. The diet should include hypoallergenic foods rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals.


Dermatologists and nutritionists draw the attention of their patients to the fact that a balanced diet for dermatitis is an important aspect of successful treatment.

What foods you can eat, a nutritionist will advise, who will help regulate your diet. You must refrain from:

  • fatty, fried foods, switch to boiled, steamed, stewed dishes in their own juice;
  • desserts, sweets, chocolate;
  • alcohol;
  • carbonated sweet drinks;
  • fruits and vegetables that cause allergies, such as strawberries, citrus fruits;
  • coffee;
  • pickled, salted, smoked, spicy dishes and products;
  • dairy products and eggs.

It is better to eat at home, avoiding catering establishments and fast food restaurants.

Spa treatment and physiotherapy

Doctors recommend that adults with neurogenic or allergic dermatitis, provoked by metabolic disorders, periodically undergo spa treatment.

Prolonged exposure to dry and warm climates has a health-improving effect. Climatotherapy helps to relieve the manifestations of dermatitis and prolong the period without rashes.

In the southern lane, heliotherapy or moderate air baths helps.

Other types of spa treatment:

  • balneotherapy, or treatment with baths (radon, mineral, sulfide);
  • sea ​​bathing, or thalassotherapy;
  • peloid therapy, or mud baths and applications of therapeutic mud.

During the treatment of atopic dermatitis, the doctor may prescribe physiotherapy for an adult:

  • phototherapy (exposure to light) helps to heal damaged skin;
  • acupuncture course of at least ten procedures;
  • magnetotherapy has a positive effect on tissue trophism and the autonomic nervous system;
  • EHF-therapy, or electromagnetic radiation, when it hits the surface layers of the skin, accelerates metabolism and reduces the immune response of cells to an irritant.

How to get rid of dermatitis forever: prognosis and prevention

How much dermatitis is treated depends on the individual characteristics of the person.


To prevent simple dermatitis, it is enough to avoid contact with high or low temperatures, friction, ionizing radiation, chemicals and other harmful factors.

Diet and simple prevention rules help to cope with the manifestations of dermatitis in adults:

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