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Understanding Dermatitis - Symptoms
What Are the Symptoms?
Dry, reddish, itchy skin indicates some type of dermatitis, or skin inflammation, of which there are many types.
- A red rash that is limited to the area of skin exposed to an irritant is probably contact dermatitis, an allergic reaction.
- Red, itchy, circular patches of weeping, scaly, or encrusted skin signal nummular dermatitis, common in older people who have dry skin or live in dry environments.
- Greasy, yellowish scales on the scalp and eyebrows, behind the ears, and around the nose indicate seborrheic dermatitis; in infants it is called cradle cap.
- Scaling, sometimes ulcerated skin appearing inside the lower legs and around the ankles may indicate stasis dermatitis.
- Extreme, persistent itchiness may signal atopic dermatitis (eczema). Many times, however, itchiness results simply from dry skin.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Your skin has oozing sores or other signs of infection. You may need treatment with antibiotics or other drugs.
- The affected skin does not respond to treatment with over-the-counter creams or medicated shampoos. You should have a medical diagnosis and treatment.
During a flare-up of eczema, if you are exposed to anyone with herpes simplex virus infection, you are at increased risk of contracting the viral disorder.
WebMD Medical Reference
Reviewed by
Norman Levine, MD on November 23, 2008
© 2008 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
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