Relieving dermatitis

Ebony, Nov, 2004

Q I am a 39-year-old woman who has been told that I have a skin condition called dermatitis. It has destroyed my once-pretty, healthy skin. What causes dermatitis, and is there a possible cure?

T.M., Wichita Falls, Texas

A Simply put, dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that's characterized by itching, swelling, redness and blistering. Doctors say it is usually the result of an allergic condition, contact with an irritant (soap or detergents, poison ivy, etc.), or fungus, which causes seborrheic dermatitis and usually manifests itself as a red, scaly rash that appears primarily on the forehead, scalp, chest and around the nose and eyebrows.

Treatment, which depends on the kind of condition you are experiencing, includes application of moisturizers and emollients, corticosteroids, antihistamines, topical preparations and simply avoiding conditions that could trigger uncomfortable symptoms.