Dermatitis

Background

Normal dermal anatomy.

• Dermatitis, also known as eczema
• Defined as a group of diseases that result in inflammation of the skin.

Dermatitis Types

• Atopic dermatitis
• Candida dermatitis
• Cercarial dermatitis
• Contact dermatitis
  • Poison Oak, Ivy, Sumac dermatitis
• Dermatitis herpetiformis
• Diaper dermatitis
• Dyshidrotic dermatitis
• Neonatal seborrhoeic dermatitis
• Nummular dermatitis
• Perianal streptococcal dermatitis
• Perioral dermatitis
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Stasis dermatitis

Clinical Features

• Caracterized by itchiness, red skin and a rash.
• In cases of short duration, there may be small blisters, while in long-term cases the skin may become thickened.
• The area of skin involved can vary from small to covering the entire body.

Images

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  Dermatitis of the hand (mild)

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  Dermititis of hands (moderate)

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  Dermatitis of bilateral arms (severe)

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  Contact dermatitis

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  Contact dermatitis

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  Poison oak

Differential Diagnosis

Erythematous rash

• Positive Nikolsky’s sign
  • Febrile
    • Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (children)
    • Toxic epidermal necrolysis/SJS (adults)
  • Afebrile
    • Toxic epidermal necrolysis
• Negative Nikolsky’s sign
  • Febrile
    • Toxic shock syndrome
    • Kawasaki disease
    • Scarlet fever
    • DRESS syndrome
    • Cellulitis
    • Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis
  • Afebrile
    • Alcohol intoxication
    • Anaphylaxis
    • Cellulitis
    • Dermatitis (multiple types)
    • Drug rash
    • Erysipelas
    • Erythema multiforme
    • Exfoliative erythroderma
    • Scombroid
    • Vancomycin infusion reaction

Evaluation

• Typically a clinical diagnosis

Disposition

• Typically outpatient

See Also

• Erythematous rash
• Topical steroids