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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Dermatitis is a general term that describes an inflammation of the skin. There are different types of dermatitis, including seborrheic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis (eczema). Although the disorder can have many causes and occur in many forms, it usually involves swollen, reddened and itchy skin.

Dermatitis is a common condition that usually isn't life-threatening or contagious. But, it can make you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious. A combination of self-care steps and medications can help you treat dermatitis.

Symptoms
References
  1. Ferri FF. Atopic dermatitis. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2009. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/158735320-3/885237613/1701/68.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-04134-8..50004-5--subchapter63_1354. Accessed Sept. 10, 2009.
  2. Gober MD, et al. Contact dermatitis. In: Adkinson NF, et al. Middleton's Allergy: Principles and Practice. 7th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/158735320-3/885237613/1806/67.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05659-5..00063-2_2114. Accessed Sept. 10, 2009.
  3. Boguniewicz M, et al. Atopic dermatitis. In: Adkinson NF, et al. Middleton's Allergy: Principles and Practice. 7th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/158735320-7/0/1806/66.html?tocnode=56310489&fromURL=66.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05659-5..00062-0_2052. Accessed Sept. 10, 2009.
  4. Contact dermatitis and patch testing. In: Habif TP. Habif: Clinical Dermatology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/158735320-3/885237613/1195/18.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-01319-8..50006-6--cesec1_243. Accessed Sept. 10, 2009.
  5. Eczema and hand dermatitis. In: Habif TP. Habif: Clinical Dermatology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/158753110-10/885313293/1195/9.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-01319-8..50005-4_88. Accessed Sept. 10, 2009.
  6. Self-inflicted dermatoses. In: Habif TP. Habif: Clinical Dermatology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/158753110-3/885286073/1195/14.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-01319-8..50005-4--cesec85_173. Accessed Sept. 10, 2009.
  7. Seborrheic dermatitis. In: Habif TP. Habif: Clinical Dermatology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/158735320-5/885242504/1195/47.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-01319-8..50010-8--cesec145_873. Accessed Sept. 10, 2009.
  8. Stasis dermatitis and venous ulceration: Postphlebitic syndromes. In: Habif TP. Habif: Clinical Dermatology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/158735320-6/885243757/1195/16.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-01319-8..50005-4--cesec106_194. Accessed Sept. 10, 2009.
  9. Acne, rosacea, and related disorders. In: Habif TP. Habif: Clinical Dermatology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/158735320-7/885244285/1195/43.html#4-u1.0-B0-323-01319-8..50009-1--cesec141_708. Accessed Sept. 10, 2009.
  10. Wasserbauer N, et al. Atopic dermatitis. The American Journal of Medicine. 2009;122:122.
  11. Skellchock LE. Atopic dermatitis. In: Rakel RE. Integrative Medicine. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/158753110-16/885357855/1494/115.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2954-0..50072-7--cesec13_3504. Accessed Sept. 10, 2009.
  12. Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 16, 2009.

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Dec. 8, 2009

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