Dermatitis

Itching, redness, rashes or other skin changes may occur for various reasons and are often associated with an inflammatory process. It is important to consider that these symptoms are not accidental. Even if the manifestations quickly disappear or seem insignificant, without clarifying the cause they may recur and gradually progress to a chronic course.

At the medical center «Oxford Medical», experienced dermatologists work, who help determine the cause of skin changes and select effective treatment taking into account the features of the course of the disease. Make an appointment at a time convenient for you by phone or through the online form on the website.

Dermatitis — is not one disease, but a group of conditions characterized by inflammation of the skin in response to the influence of external or internal factors. Inflammation may occur due to irritation, an allergic reaction or weakening of the natural protective barrier of the skin.

Dermatitis can occur at any age — both in children and in adults. In some cases, manifestations appear suddenly and disappear after the elimination of the provoking factor, in others — the process acquires a prolonged or chronic course with periods of exacerbation and remission. That is why it is important to timely determine the type of skin lesion, because the choice of treatment and further prevention depend on this.

The development of dermatitis is usually associated with the influence of one or several factors that disrupt the protective barrier of the skin or trigger an inflammatory reaction.

The main causes include:

• External irritants. Contact with household chemicals, detergents, cosmetics, solvents or other aggressive substances may damage the skin and cause inflammation. Frequent hand washing, cold or friction also have a negative effect.
• Allergic factors. In some people, skin lesions develop as a reaction of the immune system to certain substances. These may be cosmetic products, perfumes, metals, latex, medicinal products for external use, plant pollen or animal fur.
• Individual features of the skin. Dryness, increased sensitivity or disruption of the barrier function make the skin more vulnerable to irritants and allergens.
• Concomitant diseases. Disorders of the digestive, endocrine or immune system may affect the condition of the skin and contribute to the development of rashes and other symptoms.
• Hormonal changes and stress. Emotional tension, chronic stress or hormonal fluctuations may provoke or intensify manifestations of the disease.
• Hereditary predisposition. In some cases, increased skin sensitivity and a predisposition to allergic reactions are transmitted genetically.

It is important to understand that in most cases dermatitis occurs as a result of a combination of several factors. That is why, for effective treatment, it is necessary to determine the main provoking factor and, if possible, eliminate or minimize its influence.

Diagnosis begins with an examination of the skin. The doctor assesses the nature of the changes, their localization, prevalence and features of the course. The external appearance of the lesion often helps to determine the probable form of the disease.

A mandatory stage is a detailed collection of anamnesis. During the consultation, it is clarified when the symptoms appeared, with what events they may be associated, whether skin care changed, whether there were new cosmetic products, medications or contact with potential irritants. It is also clarified whether similar reactions occurred earlier.

If necessary, differential diagnosis with other skin diseases is carried out. If there is suspicion of an allergic mechanism, special tests may be recommended to identify a possible allergen. Additional examinations are prescribed individually, depending on the clinical situation.

Treatment of dermatitis depends on its form, severity of manifestations and individual features of the patient. There is no universal scheme — therapy is selected after examination and clarification of the cause of the inflammatory process.

The main directions of treatment include:

• elimination or limitation of contact with the provoking factor — the basic stage of therapy, without which it is difficult to achieve a stable result;
• local treatment — use of anti-inflammatory agents in the form of creams or ointments taking into account localization and degree of damage;
• restoration of the barrier function of the skin — regular use of moisturizing and restorative agents to reduce dryness and increase resistance to irritants;
• anti-itch therapy — prescription of medications to reduce the intensity of itching and improve well-being;
• systemic treatment — use of internal-action medications in widespread or severe course.

During the period of exacerbation, it is important to follow recommendations for skin care, avoid aggressive cosmetic products and not engage in self-treatment. Properly selected therapy allows controlling the course of dermatitis, reducing the frequency of exacerbations and maintaining a healthy condition of the skin.

Prevention is aimed at reducing the influence of provoking factors and maintaining a healthy condition of the skin. This is especially important for people with increased sensitivity or a tendency to repeated exacerbations.

The main preventive measures include:

• avoiding contact with known irritants and allergens;
• using protective gloves when working with household chemicals or detergents;
• regular moisturizing of the skin to maintain its barrier function;
• choosing hypoallergenic care products without aggressive components;
• limiting prolonged stay in the sun in the presence of photosensitivity;
• control of concomitant diseases and reduction of the influence of stress.

Following these recommendations helps reduce the risk of developing dermatitis and decrease the frequency of possible exacerbations.

The price of dermatitis treatment is determined individually and depends on the form of the disease. You can familiarize yourself with the cost of doctors' appointments on here. During the consultation, the dermatologist conducts an examination, if necessary recommends additional examinations and prepares a personal treatment plan.

At the clinic «Oxford Medical», modern medical services for the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases are available. Appointments are conducted by doctors in different districts of the capital — in particular, a dermatologist in Osokorky, Pozniaky, Podil and in other districts of Kyiv, as well as in Irpin, is available. To make an appointment, use the online appointment form or contact the contact center.