Wed 29 Nov 2006
Dermatitis is inflammation of the skin. It can produce scaling, flaking, thickening, itching, and color changes of the skin. There are many factors which can cause or contribute to dermatitis. These factors range from allergies to anything such as cosmetics, metals, plants, perfumes, etc. Stress and sunlight are other common skin irritants that cause and exacerbate dermatitis. Dermatitis caused by an allergy or irritant is called contact dermatitis. Hereditary dermatitis is called atopic dermatitis, and it is often present during infancy. Another type is called nummular dermatitis, and is considered chronic because of the large round legions that appear on the limbs.