Dermatitis

Inflammation of the skin, sometimes due to an allergy. Dermatitis is the same as eczema, and the terms can be used interchangeably. Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a red, scaly, itchy rash that develops on the face, scalp, chest, and back. The rash often develops during times of stress and is probably caused by an excess growth of yeast on the skin. Corticosteroid drugs and/or drugs that kill microorganisms may help. Contact dermatitis results from a reaction to some substance that comes in contact with the skin. Common causes are detergents, nickel, certain plants, and cosmetics. It may be treated with topical corticosteroids. A patch test (see skin tests) may be done to identify the cause. Photodermatitis occurs in people whose skin is abnormally sensitive to light. A cluster of spots or blisters occurs on any part of the body exposed to the sun (see photosensitivity).