Understanding Dermatitis -- Diagnosis and Treatment

How Do I Know If I Have Dermatitis?

Most types of dermatitis can be diagnosed by a doctor's observation of the irritation and its location on the body. Sometimes a skin scraping will be taken for microscopic analysis. To identify causes of contact dermatitis, a doctor may try patch tests, applying suspected allergens to areas of skin on the back.

What Are the Treatments for Dermatitis?

The first step in treating dermatitis is identifying and eliminating the cause. Most mild skin inflammations respond to over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream.

Seborrheic dermatitis may respond to dandruff shampoo. These products may contain tar, salicylic acid, zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole, sulfur, or selenium, any of which may be effective.

Once chemicals causing contact dermatitis are identified, treatment will be based on avoidance, allergy relief, or other coping mechanisms.

To help clear the lesions of nummular dermatitis, apply a moisturizing lotion and a prescription-strength corticosteroid cream.

If you suffer from stasis dermatitis, wear support stockings and elevate your legs to reduce their swelling. Also, the underlying condition that is causing the leg swelling should be controlled.

To reduce inflammation and heal the irritation of most types of dermatitis, a doctor usually recommends a prescription corticosteroid cream and might prescribe an oral antihistamine to relieve severe itching and an antibiotic if a secondary infection develops. Severe cases of dermatitis may call for corticosteroid pills or injections.