Dermatitis

Inflammatory processes in the skin that arise from external irritants - chemicals, physical influences, as well as from substances of plant origin. Most often, dermatitis occurs upon contact with various chemicals in everyday life and at work - when working with acids, alkalis, soda, turpentine, aniline dyes and others. Dermatitis is often observed as a result of external use of various medicinal substances (especially during self-medication).

Dermatitis can develop from iodine, mercury, novocaine, syntomycin, streptocide and others, used in the form of solutions, ointments, pastes, emulsions, if hypersensitivity of the skin develops to these substances (see Drug rashes). Dermatitis often develops from mechanical irritation, such as friction or pressure from poorly fitting shoes (see Abrasion).

Dermatitis caused by temperature irritants includes burns, chills, and frostbite. Dermatitis is often caused by sun rays (sunburn) or electric current. Sometimes dermatitis occurs upon contact with primrose, geranium, parsnip, sedge and some other plants.

The intensity and duration of the inflammatory process depend not only on the type and duration of exposure to the irritant, but also on the place of its application and the general condition of the body. The sensitivity of the skin varies from person to person: an irritant that is harmless to one person can cause severe dermatitis in another person; this is explained by increased sensitivity to this irritant (see Allergy).

In addition, areas of the skin that have a thicker stratum corneum (for example, palms, soles) are less sensitive to the effects of chemical and physical irritants; The skin of adults is less sensitive than the skin of children. The condition of the skin may also be significant for the development of some dermatitis (dermatitis develops faster on damp, sweaty skin).

Dermatitis is characterized by redness, swelling, swelling and increased skin temperature, accompanied by a feeling of heat, itching, burning. On reddened skin, bubbles filled with transparent contents may appear, when opened, weeping areas of skin, scales, and crusts are formed.

Treatment is carried out as prescribed by the doctor. Self-medication may cause further skin irritation. It is necessary to quickly eliminate the cause that caused the inflammatory process - remove chemical residues from the surface of the skin, eliminate mechanical irritants, and more.

In the future, during treatment, the affected skin should not be washed (especially with soap) to avoid exacerbation of the process. In the prevention of dermatitis, compliance with the rules of personal hygiene is important; When working with irritating substances, with electric current, in conditions of high and low ambient temperatures, etc., protective equipment should be used (protective ointments for the skin of the hands, gloves, overalls, etc.).

Repeated use of external medications (ointments, creams, etc.) should be avoided if skin irritation has previously been observed from them.