Introduction to Dermatitis and Eczema

Dermatitis means inflammation of the skin. Dermatologists use the term to describe a
specific group of inflammatory skin diseases, or rashes. Dermatitis is also known as
eczema; in medical circles, the words are often used interchangeably. However, eczema
is usually associated with atopic dermatitis.

Dermatitis can occur in many forms. The most common forms are atopic and contact. Up
to 25 percent of all patients with skin disease in the United States have a form of
dermatitis. The most common symptoms are itchy, swollen, and reddened skin.
There are three stages of dermatitis: acute, subacute, and chronic. The disease may start
at any of these stages, remain in one stage, or evolve to another.
• Acute dermatitis can occur quickly with symptoms of itching, redness, and
swelling of the skin that may progress to scratch marks.
• Subacute dermatitis is characterized by scaliness, peeling, scratch marks, and skin
redness.
• Chronic dermatitis is characterized by moderate to intense itching, crustiness,
thickened, discolored, scaly, and painfully cracked skin. These symptoms usually
develop slowly and persist over long periods of time. Scratching and rubbing can
become a habit.

Acute dermatitis may be treated with cool, wet compresses, oral steroids, and
antihistamines. Topical corticosteroids are often the treatment of choice for subacute and
chronic dermatitis. This type of medicine is used to reduce inflammation and to help
relieve the itching, swelling, redness, and discomfort of many skin problems. Ask your
doctor if topical corticosteroids may be right for you.

Atria Skin Care Recommendations
􀀹 Nurture Skin System (Regardless of your skin type, your coarse of action is:
􀀹 Calming Skin Lotion mix with Cell Renewing Crème Vitamin C)
􀀹 A.M Nurture Skin Cleanser
􀀹 P.M Active Skin Cleanser
􀀹 Chamomile based products with added Aloe
*Nurture Skin Cleanser, Rinse, Night Crème and Light and Lovely Whipped
Foundation to protect and soothe.