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Causes of dermatitis

The causes of dermatitis (eczema), cannot be limited to just one, as there are several different types of this skin disease.

In its desire to find the causes AND a cure for eczema, science is looking at the roles played by filaggrin gene mutations, defects in the skin cells (keratinocytes), the immune system and skin surface microbes (bacteria, viruses and yeasts).

While science delves deeper into these possibilities, anyone suffering from this skin condition has an immediate need to find out what triggers flare-ups.

Common causes or triggers

• Adhesives (like band-aids and adhesive tape)

• Dry skin

• Fragrances, (in colognes, after shaves, deodorants, etc.)

• Skin cleaning or skin care products

• Jewelry

• Fabrics, clothing or shoes (rough, scratchy materials or fabric content)

• Soaps or detergents

• Household cleaning products

• Solvents

• Formaldehyde and other chemicals

• Rubber or latex

• Metals, such as nickel

• Tree or weed pollens

• Seasonal allergies (hayfever, for example)

• Extreme temperatures

• Proteins on cat and dog fur

• Feathers

• Weeds and plants (poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac - and other plants)

• Antibiotics, especially those applied to the surface of the skin (topical)

• Topical anesthetics or other topical medications

• A few airborne allergens, such as ragweed or insecticide spray, can cause contact dermatitis

• Emotional factors, like stress, anger and frustration can make the condition worse, but are not causes of dermatitis

Note: Some substances are both allergens (any substance, often a protein, that induces an allergy: common allergens include pollen, grasses, dust, and some medications.) and irritants (anything that irritates). Examples include ingredients in soaps, detergents and some skin and hair products

Causes of dermatitis you can control

• Keep your skin moisturized at all times. If your skin dries out, the outer, protective layer of skin loses some of its protective abilities.

Any itch accompanying a flare up gets worse when your skin is dry, increasing your urge to scratch. Scratching escalates the chances of bacterial infection.

Make it part of your routine to moisturize after every shower or bath. Moisturize regularly if you live in a dry area or in a climate where you're often indoors in heat or air-conditioning.

Overheated indoor areas and long or HOT baths and showers can dry skin, as can alternately sweating and chilling.

The "causes of dermatitis" mentioned here can trigger flare-ups and bacterial infections and increase the severity of the outbreak.

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