Dermatitis: Skin Inflammation causes and symptoms

Skin and Soft Tissue Disease

Dermatitis

• A general term for conditions that cause skin inflammation
• Examples: atopic dermatitis (eczema), contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff)
• Caused by genetics, an overactive immune system, infections, allergies, irritants, and more
• Common symptoms: dry skin, redness, and itchiness
• Causes:
  • Allergic Contact Dermatitis: caused by contact with allergens like metals, plants, cosmetics, or medications
  • Irritant Contact Dermatitis: caused by exposure to irritants like soaps, detergents, solvents, or chemicals
  • Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): associated with genetic predisposition and triggered by environmental factors

Urticaria (Hives)

• A skin reaction that causes itchy welts
• Chronic hives: welts that last for more than 6 weeks and return often over months/years
• Caused by:
  • Allergic Reaction: triggered by exposure to allergens like certain foods, medications, insect stings, or environmental factors
  • Non-Allergic Reaction: caused by physical stimuli like pressure, cold, heat, or sun exposure
  • Autoimmune Disorders: rarely associated with autoimmune conditions like lupus or thyroid disorders
• Symptoms: itchy patches that turn into swollen welts that vary in size

Eczema

• Also known as atopic dermatitis
• An inflammatory skin condition that might have an immune component
• Often occurs together with primary immunodeficiency diseases and has been associated with allergies and asthma
• Typically develops in childhood and may resolve with age
• Affects 20% of children, but only 1% - 3% of adults
• Causes:
  • Atopic Dermatitis: associated with genetic factors and a hypersensitive immune response to environmental triggers
  • Contact Dermatitis: similar to allergic and irritant contact dermatitis, eczema can result from exposure to allergens or irritants
  • Nummular Dermatitis: characterized by coin-shaped patches of eczema, often triggered by dry skin, environmental factors, or stress

Psoriasis

• An autoimmune condition with a genetic component
• Causes skin cells to grow at an abnormal speed, resulting in scaly, red skin lesions that may burn or itch
• Typically develops between the ages of 15 – 25 years old
• Affects more than 125 million people worldwide
• Causes:
  • Genetic Predisposition: family history of psoriasis increases the risk of developing the condition
  • Immune Dysfunction: T-cells and cytokines play a crucial role in the pathogenesis, leading to hyperproliferation of keratinocytes and inflammation
  • Triggers: factors like trauma to the skin, infections, stress, medications, or environmental factors can trigger psoriasis flare-ups

Clinical and Morphological Features

Dermatitis

• Pruritus: itching is a hallmark symptom of dermatitis
• Erythema: redness and inflammation of the skin
• Blisters: fluid-filled lesions in acute cases
• Scaling: dry, flaky skin in chronic cases

Urticaria

• Hives: raised, itchy welts that come and go
• Pruritus: intense itching, often associated with hives
• Angioedema: swelling of deeper skin layers, particularly around the eyes, lips, and throat

Eczema

• Pruritus: severe itching, often gets worse at night
• Erythema: redness and inflammation of the skin
• Skin lesions vary depending on the stage and type of eczema
• Thickening and hyperpigmentation of the skin due to chronic scratching

Psoriasis

• Plaque / Patches of thick, red skin with silvery-white scales that itch/burn
• Pruritus: itching may be present but is usually less severe compared to eczema
• Dry, cracked skin that itches or bleeds
• Nail Changes: thick, ridged, pitted nails
• Joint Symptoms: psoriatic arthritis may occur in some cases, presenting with joint pain, swelling, and stiffness
• Poor sleep quality

A quiz about dermatitis, a condition that causes skin inflammation, including its causes, symptoms and types such as atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis.