Types of dermatitis.

There are a variety of names used to describe the different types of dermatitis. These categories can be based on the location, cause or appearance of the condition. Sometimes these terms are used interchangeably, which can lead to some confusion, but in treating it's helpful to identify the basic type before choosing a treatment plan. Here are the most common types described:

Atopic dermatitis – Long-lasting disease of the skin that that may have a hereditary component in individuals who also have hay fever and asthma. Atopic dermatis is the most common form of eczema. Skin irritation includes dry, itchy, red, and cracked skin behind the ears, on cheeks, arms, and legs.

Contact dermatitis – A skin rash resulting from repeated and direct contact with an allergen such as poison ivy or other irritant-containing substance such as cleaning products. The rash is very itchy but usually confined to the area of allergenic contact. It can start with a mild redness and itch then progress to a severe itch with blisters and severe swelling.

Hard water dermatitis – (not technically a type — but, worth of mention in the discussion of dermatitis) A common cause of dry skin and often a significant contributor to seborrheic dermatitis (and cradle cap), atopic dermatitis (eczema) and contact dermatitis outbreaks. The culprit is alkaline (high pH) water that contains high levels of iron, magnesium and/or calcium ions.

Nummular dermatitis – An extremely itchy red rash characterized by its coin-shaped patches on the skin. The discoid patches may contain oozing blisters, scaling, and scabs. It most often affects the backs of arms and lower legs, as well as the buttocks.

Perioral dermatitis – A red bumpy rash with blisters and scaling that occurs around the mouth and chin region. It can resemble and be confused with acne or the skin condition rosacea.

Pompholyx – Chronic dermatitis with itchy blisters that develop on the sides of the fingers, palms of the hands, and soles of the feet.

Seborrheic dermatitis/cradle cap – Most often affects the scalp and face but may be found on other areas of the body where hair is present. It can present with dry, yellow, greasy, or scaly patches of the skin sometimes starting as dandruff.

Stasis dermatitis/venous eczema – An inflammation of the skin caused by the pooling of blood underneath the skin in the ankles or varicose veins in the lower legs. The inflammation will start in the ankle and can work its way up to just under the knee. A non-painful but itchy, red scaly rash can develop. Increased scratching of the rash can cause painful ulcers to develop.