Dermatitis is a common skin condition that can have many causes. It is characterized primarily by swelling and irritation of the skin. Other symptoms of dermatitis can include:¹

• Itchiness.

• Pain.

• Dry, cracked, and scaly skin.

• Rash.

• Blisters, sometimes with oozing and crusting.

• Dandruff.

• Thickened skin.

• Small, raised bumps.

Dermatitis has many types and causes. Some of the most common types of dermatitis include:²

• Atopic dermatitis (eczema). Occurs when there is damage to the skin barrier and skin becomes inflamed, red, dry, bumpy and itchy.

• Contact dermatitis. When skin comes into contact with an allergen or irritant (e.g., poison ivy,) and causes a painful or itchy skin rash.

• Dyshidrotic dermatitis. Causes itchy and painful blisters on the edges of your fingers, palms, toes and soles of your feet.

• Neurodermatitis. Usually one or two patches of dry, itching skin. Intense itching and scratching irritate the nerve endings of the skin.³

• Nummular dermatitis. Characterized by circular or “coin” shaped patches of raised skin. Sometimes it can turn into blisters and ooze.⁴

• Periorificial dermatitis. Develops around the mouth, eyes and nose, and looks like acne or rosacea.

• Seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff). Appears as red, dry, flaky, itchy skin on your scalp and other parts of your body.

• Stasis dermatitis. Caused by a problem with blood flow in your veins. Your ankles may swell and there may be scaling, itching, pain and open sores.

Dermatitis triggers will vary among individuals. However, common causes fall into the following categories:⁵

• Immune system. Dermatitis can occur when the immune system overreacts to an irritant or allergen with inflammation. The irritant can be seemingly small.

• Genetics. If a member of your family has dermatitis, you are more likely to experience it.

• Environment. Certain elements in your environment can cause changes in the protective layer of your skin, causing dermatitis.

• Exposure. Dermatitis can be a reaction to exposure to chemicals or other irritants.

Additional factors can contribute to a dermatitis outbreak, including:

• Stress.

• Sleep deprivation.

• Depression.

• Anxiety.

• Asthma.

The length to recover from dermatitis symptoms depends on the individual, the type of dermatitis and the treatment. It can range from days to weeks to months. For some individuals, dermatitis is a lifelong condition that will flare up occasionally when triggered.⁶

Dermatitis is not contagious and cannot spread from person to person. The condition can occur on multiple parts of the body, but it does not spread from the rash itself. It may appear as if the rash is spreading with repeated exposure to the irritant or trigger.⁷

Dermatitis can appear anywhere on the body that has skin. Location will depend on the type of dermatitis.⁸

The best way to diagnose dermatitis or other skin rashes is to see a professional. Many rashes will have overlapping symptoms to dermatitis, but there are some skin rashes with identifying characteristics.

Rosacea vs. Dermatitis

Rosacea is a skin condition that occurs primarily on the face, while dermatitis can occur anywhere on the body. Identifying symptoms of rosacea include flushing, visible blood vessels and persistent redness that doesn’t go away.

Rosacea is also a lifelong condition. Dermatitis can be temporary depending on the type and cause.⁹

Cellulitis vs. Dermatitis

While dermatitis is caused by an inflammatory response in the body, cellulitis is a bacterial infection. It occurs when bacteria, usually streptococcus and staphylococcus, enter the body through a break in the skin.

Cellulitis signs and symptoms include irritated area of skin, swelling, tenderness, pain and warmth of the skin.¹⁰

Hives vs. Dermatitis

Both hives and dermatitis can be caused by an allergic reaction. Hives cause itchy, raised patches of skin that are often warm to the touch. Hives can also cause deep swelling, which is not common with dermatitis.

Hives will often appear and disappear quickly on their own, sometimes within 24 hours.¹¹

Heat Rash vs. Dermatitis

Heat rash is a skin condition that causes small, itchy bumps. It occurs when sweat is trapped in the skin. Unlike dermatitis, heat rash will usually resolve once skin cools down.¹²

Shingles vs. Dermatitis

Dermatitis is commonly caused by an outside allergen or irritant. Shingles is caused by the herpes zoster virus but can share some of the same triggers as dermatitis.

Shingles causes a painful rash that usually occurs on one side of the face and/or torso. Dermatitis can occur anywhere on the body.¹³

Scabies vs. Dermatitis

Scabies is unique from dermatitis because it is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mite. The mites burrow into the skin and lay eggs. The burrows from the adults and the larva cause an allergic reaction in the body that causes the itchy rash.

The main identifying symptom of scabies is tiny, wavy tunnels under the skin’s surface.¹⁴

No, dermatitis is not contagious.¹⁵

It some cases dermatitis will go away on its own. It varies by individual and type of dermatitis.¹⁶

The best way to prevent dermatitis is to avoid triggers. Triggers will vary among individuals. Some general triggers to avoid are stress, skin dryness, dry environments, allergens and chemicals.¹⁷

Dermatitis can be a lifelong condition for some individuals. There is no permanent way to avoid dermatitis, but you can reduce outbreaks by avoiding triggers.¹⁸

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There is no permanent cure or treatment that will eliminate dermatitis completely. Treatments will vary by individual and dermatitis type.

The best route is to seek a professional diagnosis on the type of dermatitis and follow your provider’s advice. Some common treatments for dermatitis include:¹⁹

• Moisturizing creams.

• Calcineurin inhibitors or immunosuppressants (cyclosporine).

• Corticosteroids (hydrocortisone cream, triamcinolone cream, triamcinolone ointment, methylprednisolone, prednisone).

• Antihistamines (cetirizine, hydroxyzine).

• Antibiotics (mupirocin ointment).

Treatment options will vary by individual and type of dermatitis. Talk to your provider about the best treatment for you.

Yes, dermatitis can be treated at home with over-the-counter remedies or with prescriptions. With RedBox Rx, you can get a prescription for dermatitis treatment online from the comfort of your home. If prescribed, medication is shipped directly to you. Start an online consult for dermatitis now.

If left untreated, dermatitis can cause complications. Excessive scratching that breaks the skin can lead to infections and scars.²⁰

Telehealth providers, like RedBox Rx, allow you to connect with a licensed medical provider anywhere you have an internet connection. If prescribed, we can ship prescription treatment for dermatitis to all 50 U.S., or you can select pick up at your local pharmacy. Take a quick assessment and one of our U.S. licensed medical providers will determine if medication is right for you.

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