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Make this my homepageDermatitis
Dermatitis is a general term meaning inflammation of the skin. There are several types of dermatitis and they are usually caused by an allergic reaction after contact with a substance such as a detergent, watch strap or metallic jeans button. Spongiotic dermatitis is a pattern of skin reaction that includes many other subtypes: irritant dermatitis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, thermal induced dermatitis and drug induced dermatitis.
Allergic contact dermatitis
Contact dermatitis is a local rash or irritation of the skin caused by contact with a foreign substance such as a fragrance or a plant like poison ivy. Only the superficial regions of the skin are affected. The burning and itchy rash can take days or even weeks to heal, but only if the skin no longer comes in contact with the allergen or irritant.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis
Seborrhoeic dermatitis is popularly known as dandruff, which appears as a rash of the scalp and face and sometimes also the chest and groin. It is associated with a yeast called Pityrosporum and is treated with an anti-inflammatory or antifungal agent or both.
Sources
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/eczema-(contact-dermatitis)/Pages/Introduction.aspx (last accessed May 2010)
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dandruff/pages/symptoms.aspx (last accessed May 2010)
