What is dermatitis? How to treat dermatitis

Nowadays, people pay great attention to skin diseases, and dermatitis is the most common skin disease in life. So, what is dermatitis? How to treat dermatitis?

What is dermatitis?

Dermatitis is a general term for inflammatory skin diseases caused by various internal and external infections or non-infectious factors. It is not an independent disease, and its causes and clinical manifestations are complex and diverse.

The concept and classification of dermatitis and eczema has always been a controversial issue in the dermatology academic community. In the past, the two were used as synonyms without strict distinction. For example, some people also called atopic dermatitis atopic eczema. Most people now believe that dermatitis refers to inflammation of the skin, such as contact sensitization, skin infection, etc., while eczema refers specifically to certain non-infectious inflammations. At the same time, those with relatively clear pathogenesis or clinical characteristics are called "such and such dermatitis", while those whose cause is not yet clear are generally diagnosed as "eczema".

Clinically, a specific dermatitis is often defined as a certain dermatitis based on the cause, site of onset or other clinical characteristics. For example, dermatitis caused by contact with a certain substance is called contact dermatitis, and dermatitis caused by internal medication is called drug-induced dermatitis. Eczema is a temporary concept. Once the cause is identified, the eczema should be diagnosed as a certain dermatitis instead of eczema.

Treatments for dermatitis:

1. Systemic drug therapy

The purpose is to fight inflammation and relieve itching. Antihistamines, sedatives, etc. can be used, but glucocorticoids are generally not suitable. In the acute phase, calcium, vitamin C, etc. can be injected intravenously or procaine can be used for intravenous blockade. Antibiotics should be given appropriately for patients with extensive skin lesions and erosion, exudation or secondary infection. Immunosuppressants including azathioprine, cyclosporine A (CYA) and interferon can be used as appropriate.

2. Topical medication

Follow the principles for the use of topical medications. In the acute phase, if there is not much exudation, glucocorticoid cream can be used. If there is a lot of exudation, cold wet compress with 3% boric acid solution can be used. After the exudation decreases, glucocorticoid cream can be used, or it can be used alternately with oil. In the subacute phase, glucocorticoid emulsions and pastes can be used, and antibiotics can be added to prevent and treat secondary infection. In the chronic phase, ointments, plasters, and film-forming agents can be used. For stubborn localized skin lesions, intradermal injections of glucocorticoids can be used.