Dermatitis refers to an inflammation of the skin, both external and internal. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat and pain or itching. Any part of the body may be affected by this disease. The exposed areas such as the eyelids, forearms, face and neck are more likely to be involved.
Substances which produce inflammation of the epidermis or dermatitis by mechanical or chemical disruption of the horny layer are called irritants. Degreasing agents like soaps, if used too frequently over a short time, will cause dryness, redness, fissuring and irritation of the skin in almost everyone.
The first symptom of dermatitis is erythematic or redness. This is usually followed by swelling of the skin due to edema (excessive fluid retention). Vesicles may appear thereafter. In case of their rupture, their bases exude serum. This condition is known as weeping dermatitis. Later, the serum dries up to form crusts. In some people the disease seems to come and go without making any great change in the skin itself.
Chemical substances usually give rise to dermatitis. They may reach the skin from outside or from inside through the bloodstream. About 100 different plants are known to be capable of causing dermatitis in susceptible persons. The onset is usually acute and begins an hour or tow after contact with mineral irritants. This includes most cases of industrial dermatitis which arise on the hands or forearms which actually come in contact with the irritants.
Certain drugs applied externally such as atropine, belladonna, carbolic acid, iodine, mercury, penicillin, sulphonamides, sulphurs, tars and turpentine sometimes cause dermatitis. Other substances causing this disease includes hair dyes, bleaches, skin tonics, nail polish, perfume, wool, silk, nylon, floor wax, and various detergents. Other causes of this disease are indiscretion in diet, deficiency of vitamin A and pantothenic acid, and nervous and emotional strains.
Substances which produce inflammation of the epidermis or dermatitis by mechanical or chemical disruption of the horny layer are called irritants. Degreasing agents like soaps, if used too frequently over a short time, will cause dryness, redness, fissuring and irritation of the skin in almost everyone.
The first symptom of dermatitis is erythematic or redness. This is usually followed by swelling of the skin due to edema (excessive fluid retention). Vesicles may appear thereafter. In case of their rupture, their bases exude serum. This condition is known as weeping dermatitis. Later, the serum dries up to form crusts. In some people the disease seems to come and go without making any great change in the skin itself.
Chemical substances usually give rise to dermatitis. They may reach the skin from outside or from inside through the bloodstream. About 100 different plants are known to be capable of causing dermatitis in susceptible persons. The onset is usually acute and begins an hour or tow after contact with mineral irritants. This includes most cases of industrial dermatitis which arise on the hands or forearms which actually come in contact with the irritants.
Certain drugs applied externally such as atropine, belladonna, carbolic acid, iodine, mercury, penicillin, sulphonamides, sulphurs, tars and turpentine sometimes cause dermatitis. Other substances causing this disease includes hair dyes, bleaches, skin tonics, nail polish, perfume, wool, silk, nylon, floor wax, and various detergents. Other causes of this disease are indiscretion in diet, deficiency of vitamin A and pantothenic acid, and nervous and emotional strains.
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