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- What is dermatitis?
- Symptoms of dermatitis
- Causes of dermatitis
- Prevention of dermatitis
- Risk factors for dermatitis
- Complications of dermatitis
- When to see a doctor about dermatitis
- Diagnosis of dermatitis
- Conventional treatment of dermatitis
- Alternative/complementary treatment of dermatitis
- Living with dermatitis
- Caring for someone with dermatitis
The cause of dermatitis is not known, but some theories have been proposed to the reason why it occurs:
Allergens
Research suggests that a large number of cases of dermatitis are caused, at least in part, to an allergic reaction to a substance, which is known as an allergen. Underlying this allergic reaction is a faulty immune system, which does not recognise the allergen as harmless and over-reacts with symptoms of dermatitis. The most common allergens that can produce dermatitis on the skin include: foods, medication, dust, pets, plants, rubber, latex, nickel.
Genetics
Research shows that children with a family history of either asthma or allergic rhinitis (hay fever) are also more likely to develop dermatitis either in childhood or as adults. In addition to this, if there are family members with any of these conditions, it is another factor in likelihood of developing some form of dermatitis too.
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Immune system
Another theory proposed about the cause of dermatitis is a faulty immune system that reacts abnormally, causes an inflammatory reaction (production of too many prostaglandins) to destroy the allergen or irritant and this produces symptoms of dermatitis.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis, while it is thought to be due to an overgrowth of a fungus, it is the immune system that is not functioning properly which enables the fungus to grow out of control and produce the symptoms of Seborrhoeic dermatitis.
Irritants
Research suggests that many cases of dermatitis can also be caused, at least in part, to some type of irritant substance that touches the skin. This causes the immune system to over-react and produce symptoms of dermatitis. The most common irritants that can produce dermatitis on the skin include: environmental chemicals, laundry powders (or liquids), skin care lotions (or creams), dish dish washing liquids, laundry softeners, cleaning products, soap, shampoo, conditioner, perfume, cosmetics.
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