If you suffer from Dermatitis in Louisville, you are not alone. This fairly common skin condition affects millions of people worldwide. Despite advancements in the field of dermatology over the years, the exact cause of the condition is unknown. But it’s widely presumed that dermatitis is due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Regardless of the root causes, if you’re experiencing symptoms of dermatitis in Louisville, chances are your on the lookout for relief. In this article, we’ve compiled 9 helpful tips that aim to provide you with at least some relief. But first, let’s answer some questions about dermatitis in general.
What is dermatitis?
Commonly referred to as eczema, dermatitis is dermatological condition characterized by inflammation of the skin. The condition often presents as varying degrees of itchiness, redness, flaking, and/or rash. Dermatitis encompasses a series of often chronic skin conditions that produce noticeable irritation that can be located almost anywhere on the body. It most frequently appears on the face, creases of the arms/legs, and hands, however. Itchiness is the most common symptom of dermatitis, and when scratched, lesions may begin crust over. In instances of prolonged dermatitis, painful cracks in the affected tissue can begin to form.
Who is most often affected by dermatitis in Louisville?
Dermatitis affects people of all races, genders, ages, and geographical regions. It’s believed to be hereditary and is not contagious. Even though the cause of dermatitis remains unknown, there’s evidence that physical, environmental, or lifestyle triggers lead to outbreaks. When someone comes into contact with a trigger, such as a particular environmental factor or an allergy-producing substance, the telltale rash forms on the skin. Although it is possible to have a bout with dermatitis only once, most people with the condition experience chronic intermittent flare-ups throughout their lifetime.
What are the different types of dermatitis in Louisville?
Dermatitis can manifest in several different forms based on individual triggers and location of the rash. The most common forms include the following seven types:
- Atopic Dermatitis – the most common form of dermatitis that usually starts in childhood most likely attributed to abnormal immune function.
- Contact Dermatitis – manifests when the skin comes into contact with an allergy-producing agent or irritant, such as certain chemicals.
- Dyshidrotic Dermatitis – most often affects the palms of the hands and soles of the feet with small blisters.
- Neurodermatitis – chronic skin inflammation caused by a continuous cycle of scratching and itching that most often occurs on the head, lower legs, wrists, or forearms.
- Nummular Dermatitis – appears as round patches of irritated skin on the arms, back, buttocks and lower legs characterized by crusted, scaly, and extremely itchy skin.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis – common condition that causes yellowish, oily, and scaly patches on the scalp, face or other body parts.
- Stasis Dermatitis – form of eczema that usually appears on the lower legs of middle-aged and elderly people.
Now that some light has been shone on dermatitis and its many forms, let’s examine some methods that may help provide some welcomed relief.
9 At-Home Remedies for Easing Symptoms of Dermatitis In Louisville
1. Avoid scratching. Scratching only worsens dermatitis and could potentially lead to an infection. If you can’t keep from scratching it, consider applying a dressing to the area. Also, trim your nails and wear gloves while you sleep to prevent scratching at night.
2. Avoid known irritants or allergens. Try to identify triggers for your dermatitis and remove them and other factors from your environment. Also, avoid rough and scratchy clothing.
3. Keep the affected area moisturized. By routinely applying a well-formulated moisturizer, you may help alleviate dermatitis symptoms. At Vibrant Med, we feature a variety of medical-grade skincare moisturizing products. You can browse our selection here.
4. Apply cool, damp compresses. Doing this to the affected area intermittently may help soothe your skin.
5. Try anti-inflammatory or anti-itch products. Hydrocortisone cream might temporarily relieve your symptoms, while oral antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, may help reduce the itching associated with dermatitis in Louisville. These products are most often available without a prescription.
6. Take a comfortably warm bath with baking soda or finely ground oatmeal. Sprinkle one of these substances into your bathwater and soak for up to 10 minutes, then gently pat dry and apply unscented moisturizer while your skin is still damp.
7. Use specially medicated shampoos for affected scalp. For seborrheic dermatitis (referred to as dandruff), use over-the-counter shampoos that contain selenium sulfide, coal tar, zinc pyrithione, or ketoconazole.
8. Choose fragrance-free products that come into contact with your skin. Laundry detergents, cleansers, makeup, and other products that contain certain chemicals and fragrances often exacerbate dermatitis symptoms. Be on the lookout for products that are free of fragrances and dyes and are specially formulated for sensitive skin.
9. Manage your stress level. When you’re stressed, it can absolutely contribute to dermatitis and cause more flare-ups. If you find yourself stressed out more often than not, consider implementing daily stress management techniques, such as relaxation or meditation.
If these methods don’t provide any relief and your dermatitis persists, then it’s time to consult with a dermatologist or other skin expert. It’s likely they will prescribe stronger medicine, oral steroids (corticosteroids), antibiotic pills, or antifungal creams to treat your individual condition.
Vibrant Med is ready to help relieve your dermatitis in Louisville!
If you battle with dermatitis in Louisville and are struggling to find relief on your own, we may be able to help. The team at Vibrant Med Spa is standing by ready to help guide you on your journey of finding the relief you deserve. Call us at (502) 618-0995 to set up your private consultation and find out all the wonderful ways we can help.