Suffering from dermatitis? How to find relief this winter
If you’re struggling with dry skin this winter, we know it can feel like an uphill battle to keep your skin moisturized. Throw dermatitis into the mix, and the frustration compounds. No one wants to go about the day dealing with an uncomfortable, itchy rash.
Dermatitis refers to a number of skin conditions driven by inflammation, including atopic dermatitis (a type of eczema) and contact dermatitis. Dermatitis isn’t always curable, but it’s definitely treatable. With the help of prescription topical medications and a whole lot of moisturizing, it’s possible to keep symptoms under control.
What is dermatitis?
There’s lots of different kinds of dermatitis, but atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis are among the most common, says Dr. Christina Boull, a dermatologist with M Health Fairview and the University of Minnesota Medical School. A clinical diagnosis of dermatitis will always come from your primary care doctor or dermatologist, she says.
Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a chronic skin condition that causes dry, itchy red patches to appear on different parts of the body, including the elbows, knees and neck. When atopic dermatitis is more severe, the rashes may ooze or weep clear fluid. The condition typically stems from early childhood, affecting as many as 25% of children, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
Like other chronic conditions, the symptoms of atopic dermatitis come in waves. We don’t always know what causes flares of atopic dermatitis, but it’s thought to be a mix of genetics, immune responses to allergens and irritants, and environmental factors (such as dry, winter weather), per the National Health Service in the U.K. In most cases, atopic dermatitis does slowly get better over time, says Boull.
Contact dermatitis occurs when your skin is exposed to a substance that irritates it or prompts an allergic reaction, causing an itchy, red rash. Irritant contact dermatitis could be triggered by a number of things, including regular exposure to cleaning materials with harsh chemicals; fragrances and preservatives found in cosmetic products; and frequent hand washing. Similarly, allergic contact dermatitis has a wide range of potential triggers, such as certain metals found in jewelry, latex and plants (such as daffodils and tulips), per the NHS.
It’s possible to experience more than one kind of dermatitis at the same time, adds Boull. Having atopic dermatitis actually predisposes you to other forms of dermatitis, like contact dermatitis, because your skin barrier isn’t as intact as you’d like it to be. It can also leave you vulnerable to various skin infections, she says.
Will dermatitis go away eventually?
“Eczema is something that's chronic. So, it’s not something that we treat one time and it goes away and stays away; it’s something that we manage,” says Boull. If someone has atopic dermatitis during childhood, it’s likely they’ll have recurrent flares and need recurrent treatment. However, parents can help minimize their child’s flares by following a consistent skincare routine that moisturizes and protects the skin.
When it comes to irritant contact and allergic contact dermatitis, avoidance is the cure. However, if the product or ingredient that’s causing the dermatitis is something that you have to be regularly exposed to (particularly if it’s at your workplace), this can be a little trickier. However, there are a few steps you can take to manage your symptoms.
How do I get rid of dermatitis?
Dermatitis is typically treated with a skincare plan tailored to your individual needs. This usually includes a combination of consistent moisturizing and prescription medication.
When it comes to finding a good moisturizer, be sure to choose a product that’s hypoallergenic and a bit thicker in consistency. “A good rule of thumb would be choosing a moisturizer that comes in a jar as opposed to a lotion with a pump, something that's more oil-based, as opposed to water-based,” recommends Boull. The best time to apply the cream is right after getting out of the shower, which will help lock in hydration.
The most common prescription treatment for dermatitis is a topical corticosteroid, says Boull. In most cases, the use of corticosteroids can help eliminate the need for systemic treatment. However, if the dermatitis is more severe, or if it isn’t responding well to topical treatments, a doctor may prescribe oral corticosteroids or an injectable medicine called dupilumab, per Mayo Clinic.
There are a few other steps you can take to minimize the possibility of aggravating your skin barrier. When taking a shower, for instance, don’t use blazing hot water. You should also try to avoid exfoliating affected areas of the skin with loofahs or harsh wash cloths, which could further strip the skin of natural oils and cause additional irritation, suggests Boull. Additionally, be thoughtful of the ingredients that go into your skin and hair products. Plant-based ingredients can be a common culprit for skin allergies, she says.