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Home > Patients & Visitors > Diseases & Conditions > Skin > Dermatitis

Dermatitis

Doctors listing
Definition
Symptoms
When to seek medical advice
Treatment and drugs
Immunomodulators
Appointment and Enquiry

Doctors Listing

Consultant

Dr Derrick Aw Chen Wee

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Definition

Dermatitis is a general term that describes an inflammation of the skin. There are different types of dermatitis, including seborrheic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis (eczema). Though the disorder can have many causes and occur in many forms, it usually involves swollen, reddened and itchy skin.

Dermatitis is a common condition that isn't life-threatening or contagious. But, it can make you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious. A combination of self-care steps and medications can help you treat dermatitis.

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Symptoms

There are several types of dermatitis, including:

Contact dermatitis, a rash that results from either repeated contact with irritants or contact with allergy-producing substances, such as poison ivy
Neurodermatitis, a chronic itchy skin condition localized to certain areas of the skin
Seborrheic dermatitis, a common scalp condition that often causes dandruff
Stasis dermatitis, a skin condition that's caused by a buildup of fluid under the skin of the legs
Atopic dermatitis, more commonly known as eczema or atopic eczema, a chronic itchy rash that tends to come and go
Perioral dermatitis, a bumpy rash around the mouth

Each has distinct signs and symptoms. Common signs and symptoms include:

Redness
Swelling
Itching
Skin lesions

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When to seek medical advice

See your doctor if:

You're so uncomfortable that you're losing sleep or are distracted from your daily routines
Your skin becomes painful
You suspect your skin is infected
You've tried self-care steps without success

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Treatment and drugs

Dermatitis treatment varies, depending on the cause:

Contact dermatitis. Treatment consists primarily of identifying the cause of the rash and then avoiding it. Sometimes, creams containing hydrocortisone or other stronger steroidal creams with or without wet dressings may help relieve redness and itching. It can take as long as two to four weeks for this type of dermatitis to clear up.
Neurodermatitis. Getting you to stop scratching and to avoid further aggravating your skin are the treatment objectives. Accomplishing this may mean covering the affected area to prevent you from scratching it. Hydrocortisone and similar lotions and creams may help soothe your skin. You also may find that wet compresses provide relief. Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications are helpful for some people. Also, counseling can help you learn how your emotions and behaviors can fuel - or prevent - itching and scratching.
Seborrheic dermatitis. Medicated shampoos are usually the first treatment choice. Commonly used shampoos contain tar, pyrithione zinc, salicylic acid or ketoconazole as the active ingredient. Hydrocortisone creams and lotions may soothe nonscalp seborrheic dermatitis. If you develop a secondary infection, you may need treatment for this, too.
Stasis dermatitis. Treatment consists of correcting the condition that causes fluid to accumulate in your legs or ankles for extended periods. This may mean wearing elastic support hose or even having varicose vein surgery. You may also use wet dressings to soften the thickened yet fragile skin and to control infection.
Atopic dermatitis. Treatment typically consists of applying hydrocortisone-containing lotions to ease signs and symptoms. If your skin cracks open, your doctor may prescribe wet dressings with mildly astringent properties to contract your skin, reduce secretions and prevent infection. If itching is severe, your doctor may suggest you take antihistamines. Light therapy, which involves exposing your skin to controlled amounts of natural or artificial light, also may help prevent recurrences.
Perioral dermatitis. Treatment for this condition is usually with the oral antibiotic tetracycline. You may need to continue this treatment for several months to prevent a recurrence. Your doctor may prescribe a very mild corticosteroid cream in the initial phase of treatment to reduce signs and symptoms of perioral dermatitis. When stronger corticosteroids are used, the condition may return temporarily and even worsen when the medication is stopped.

For all types of dermatitis, occasional use of over-the-counter antihistamines can reduce itching.

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Immunomodulators

A class of nonsteroidal medications called immunomodulators, such as tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel), may help treat seborrheic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis. These medications affect the immune system and have anti-inflammatory and mild antifungal properties.

Due to possible concerns about the effect of prolonged use of these medications on the immune system, the Food and Drug Administration recommends that Elidel and Protopic be used only when other treatments have failed, or if someone can't tolerate other treatments.

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Appointment and Enquiry

Dermatological Procedures

Our dermatologists and dermatology nurse clinician perform a variety of skin biopsies, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemical peeling, intralesional steroid injections, carbon dioxide laser surgery etc. A new and experimental treatment for acne scarring (dermaroller) is also available.

Phototherapy
We have broadband ultraviolet A and narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy units for full body as well as local treatments. Multiclear, a targeted phototherapy treatment for localized psoriasis and vitiligo as well as acne is available.

Nurse Wart Clinic

Our Dermatology nurse clinician runs a weekly intensive clinic treating warts with a combination of paring and cryosurgery. Option for electrocautery (or carbon dioxide laser) can also be discussed.

Investigations

Skin prick tests
Patch tests
Fungal / scabies microscopy
Tzanck smear
Various skin biopsies
Autologous serum skin testing

Nurse-led chronic skin diseases clinic

New or difficult, both inpatient and outpatient cases of chronic skin conditions, receive personalized counseling with our dermatology care nurse. Our Dermatology nurse clinician runs a chronic skin diseases clinic every Tuesday afternoon, which caters specifically to eczema and psoriasis.

For patients seeking advice on common dermatological conditions,

Contact Senior Staff Nurse Shirlyn Toh

Email: dermatology@nuhs.edu.sg (we will try to reply as soon as possible)

University Dermatology Clinic

Main Building Level 3, Lift Lobby 1

Tel : 6772 5733 (For Appointments)

Email: appointment@nuhs.edu.sg

Operating Hours:

8.30am - 5.30pm (Mondays - Fridays)

Closed on Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays

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