Types, Forms, Systems and Patterns of Dermatitis

The simple definition of dermatitis is inflammation of the skin. Many people think of dermatitis as synonymous with eczema but this is actually not true. Almost any rash can be thought of as a dermatitis based on this definition - including psoriasis, skin cancer, and seborrhea. However, not every rash is dermatitis.

Rosacea is a hereditary, chronic (long term) skin disorder that most often affects the nose, forehead, cheekbones, and chin (Dr. Berasques). Groups of tiny microvessels (arterioles, capillaries, and venules) close to the surface of the skin become dilated, resulting in blotchy red areas with small papules (a small, red solid elevated inflammatory skin lesion without pus, that is minor when the size is of a small measles lesion, moderate when about the size of a pencil eraser, and severe when the papule is the size of a small currency coin or the tip of the little finger) and pustules (pus-filled inflammatory bumps). The redness can come and go, but eventually it may become permanent.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, Acne is the term for plugged pores (blackheads and whiteheads), pimples, and even deeper lumps (cysts or nodules) that occur on the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders and even the upper arms. Acne affects most teenagers to some extent, but can also affect adults in their 20s, 30s and 40s. While there is no permanent cure for acne, it is controllable.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, Psoriasis causes the skin to become inflamed, while producing red, thickened areas with silvery scales. This persistent skin disease occurs most often on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. In some cases, psoriasis is so mild that people don't know they have it. At the opposite extreme, severe psoriasis may cover large areas of the body.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the word Eczema is used to describe all kinds of red, blistering, oozing, scaly, brownish, thickened, and itching skin conditions.
The word atopic describes a group of allergic or associated diseases that often affect several members of a family. These families may have allergies such as hay fever and asthma, but also have skin eruptions called Atopic Dermatitis. The disease can occur at any age, but is most common in infants to young adults.

Eczema/Atopic Dermatitis in infants occurs mainly on the face and scalp, although spots can appear elsewhere. In teens and young adults, the eruptions typically occur on the elbow bends and backs of the knees, ankles and wrists and on the face, neck and upper chest.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, Poison Ivy Rash is caused by a substance called urushiol, found in the sap of Poison Ivy, Poison Oak and Poison Sumac. In those who are sensitive, urushiol causes a reaction in the form of a line or streak of rash (sometimes resembling insect bites) within 12-48 hours. Redness and swelling will be followed by blisters and severe itching. In a few days, the blisters become crusted and begin to scale. The rash will usually take about ten days to heal, sometimes leaving small spots. The rash can affect almost any part of the body, especially areas where the skin is thin.

Insect Bites and Stings can produce local inflammatory reactions that may vary in appearance. Acute reactions may appear as hives; more chronic reactions may appear as inflammatory papule (circumscribed, solid elevations on the skin) or may be characterized by a blister or blisters.