What is contact dermatitis/ how is it caused? “Contact dermatitis is a condition characterised by inflammation of the skin that occurs when it comes into contact with certain substances or allergens. It can be caused by exposure to irritants like chemicals, soaps, detergents, cosmetics, or allergens such as metals, or certain plants.”
How is it identified? “Contact dermatitis is typically identified by the presence of red, itchy, and sometimes swollen patches or blisters on the skin. The affected area may also feel warm or tender to the touch.”
How can it be treated? “Treatment for contact dermatitis involves avoiding the irritant or allergen that triggered the reaction. Additionally, over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams or calamine lotion can help alleviate itching and inflammation. Avoid soap and alcohol-based toners, which disrupt the pH of the skin and dry it out, increasing trans-epidermal water loss and making all inflammatory skin conditions from acne and rosacea to eczema and dermatitis worse. Severe cases may require prescription-strength corticosteroid creams or oral medications, such as antihistamines, to manage symptoms.”
Small red bumps over your body
What it could be: Folliculitis
What is folliculitis / how is it caused? “Folliculitis is an infection or inflammation of the hair follicles, the small openings in the skin where hair grows. It can be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, or even physical irritation.”
“Folliculitis is identified by the presence of small, red bumps or pustules around hair follicles. These bumps may be itchy, painful, or filled with pus. Folliculitis can occur anywhere on the body where hair is present, including the scalp, face, chest, back, or groin.”
How can it be treated? “Treatment for folliculitis depends on the underlying cause. Mild cases may resolve on their own, but in some instances, topical or oral antibiotics, antifungal medications, or antiviral drugs may be prescribed. It’s important to keep the affected area clean and avoid further irritation or trauma.”
Patchy purple/red sore patches
What it could be: Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
What is atopic dermatitis / how is it caused? “Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that is often associated with allergies and a compromised skin barrier. It can be triggered by various factors, including irritants, allergens, stress, or genetic predisposition. People with eczema have less ceramides in their skin, plus a disruption in the ceramides that are there, with lower levels of larger size ceramide and higher levels of smaller ceramides. This disrupts the skin barrier function, contributes to trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) and makes the skin dry and prone to injury and infection. Lots of studies have found that adding ceramides to skin care helps with eczema and dermatitis, making it less dry, inflamed and itchy as well as reducing TEWL, increasing moisture content, and restoring skin barrier function.”
How is it identified? “Atopic dermatitis is identified by the presence of itchy, dry, red, and inflamed patches of skin. The affected areas may also develop blisters, crusts, or scales, and the condition can occur anywhere on the body.”