Dermatitis is a general term that describes an inflammation of the skin. Dermatitis can have many causes and occurs in many forms. It usually involves an itchy rash on swollen, reddened skin.
Skin affected by dermatitis may blister, ooze, develop a crust, or flake off. Examples of dermatitis include atopic dermatitis (eczema), dandruff, and rashes caused by contact with any of a number of substances, such as poison ivy, soaps, and jewelry with nickel in it.
Dermatitis is a common condition that's not contagious, but it can make you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious. A combination of self-care steps and medications can help you treat dermatitis.
Each type of dermatitis may look a little different and tends to occur on different parts of your body. The most common types of dermatitis include:
See your doctor if:
A number of health conditions, allergies, genetic factors, and irritants can cause different types of dermatitis: