Dermatitis Herpetiformis - Picture, Causes, Symptoms And Treatment of Seborrheic or Atopic Dermatitis

Dermatitis is the term used to signify an inflammatory condition of the skin. The skin lesions appear in various forms, such as vesicles or papules.

Dermatitis and eczema are a common problem all over the world. Their incidence is 2-3 per cent of all medical problems seen in practice (about 30 per cent of all the dermatoses). Because of the jungle of terminology, definition and classification of the subject are .often controversial. Despite this confusion, the two terms 'Dermatitis' and 'Eczema' are being used synonymously by most dermatologists.

Hence, they are being lumped together. In the practice of dermatology, the first step is to establish the clinical diagnosis of dermatitis and eczema. Then decide the clinico-morphological pattern, viz., Contact, Atopic, Neuro-dermatitis, Gravitational, Endogenous or Seborrhoeic. The final and most important step is to make an etiological diagnosis i.e. establishing the role of the different causes or cause responsible for the dermatitis.

Dermatitis literally means inflammation of the skin and as such can include all inflammations of the skin except by specific infections.

Causes of Dermatitis

Basically, two factors cause dermatitis and eczema: Firstly, an allergic or a sensitive skin; and secondly, exposure to an irritant. Darier has correctly said that, "there is no eczema but an eczematous patient."

The general predisposing causes are: age, familial predisposition, allergy, debility, climate and psychological factors. Eczema sometimes occurs in infancy, at puberty and at the time of menopause. Familial sensitiveness is an important factor. There is usually a personal or family history of allergy, viz., asthma,, eczema, hay fever, etc.

Genetic predisposition is responsible for the preponderance of eczemas in certain families and their absence in others. General physical debility predisposes to eczemas by lowering the resistance of the individual and hence, the threshold.

Climatic extremes like heat, dampness and severe cold and also psychological stresses, promote the development of eczema. Besides the above mentioned conditions, local factors like xeroderma or ichthyosis, a greasy skin, hyperhidrosis, varicose veins causing congestion and focus of lowered resistance, hypostasis or chilblains predispose to eczema development.

Factors responsible for causation of dermatitis

1. Irritants-Physical, chemical or electrical.
2. Sensitizers-Plants, cosmetics, clothing, medicaments and occupational hazards,
3. External infections-Streptococci, staphylococci, fungus etc.
4. Mental and emotional conflicts, strains and stresses.
5. Internal septic focus shedding toxins or causing bacteraemia.
6. Diet and state of digestion.
7. Diathesis - Allergic, xerodermic, hyperhidrotic or seborrhoeic.
8. Drugs- given for the disease, or otherwise.
9. State of local or general nutrition.
10. Climate-temperature and humidity.

Treatment of Dermatitis herpetiformis

To relieve itching and promote healing, mix goldenseal root powder with vitamin E oil, then add a little honey until it is consistency of a losse paste. Apply this mixture to the affected area. This will helps to reduce itching and heal dermatitis herpetiformis.

Dapsone, an antibiotic, may help the majority of patients, but had a side effects. Oregon grape root detoxides the body and reduces inflammation. Ultrapotent topical steroids may helpful.

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