Comparing allergic, irritant, and atopic dermatitis

Overview:

Dermatitis is a term used to describe certain inflammatory skin conditions which manifest in different forms at different times. There are many varieties of dermatitis in existence and among them the broad categories would include contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, stasis dermatitis, perioral dermatitis and neurodermatitis. But, there can be many other classifications and sub-classifications in relation to dermatitis and these should be most likely to be context specific in contrast to the broader classifications mentioned above.

Contact dermatitis:

Within this broad classification, there are several sub groups and among them, allergic dermatitis and irritant dermatitis can be regarded as the two commonest contact dermatitis of all time. Although there are distinct features between the two, its manifestation can look similar to a person unless they are quite familiar with the two manifestations.

In comparison, the irritant dermatitis would be the result of continued irritation of the skin for a prolonged duration to substances which are considered irritant towards the skin. These substances would include, soap, detergents, cleaning products…etc and the duration and the frequency of contact would influence the outcome of these manifestations. In contrast, the allergenic substances would sensitize a person with relatively low level of exposure and following this, even a minimal exposure would be enough to give rise to a full blown allergic reaction in relation to the area which was exposed to the allergenic substance. Among the substances which can give rise to allergic dermatitis rubber, perfumes, cosmetics, plants, animal stings and bites, certain topical medications and metallic items used for wrist watches, bangles…etc could be readily recognized.

Furthermore, the allergic contact dermatitis would most likely to be lifelong although the irritant dermatitis may not manifest for a second time once the initial irritation is cured and the irritant material avoided for a prolonged duration. But, continued exposure to the same irritant substance may induce a similar attack at a later time.

Atopic dermatitis:

In contrast, atopic dermatitis refers to an inflammatory skin conditions which could run in families and would most often develop in the childhood and continues to exacerbate from time to time throughout life. Although the condition is less of a problem in the adulthood, it can get worse when in contact with an allergic substance, an irritant or else due to stressful conditions. All in all, the atopic dermatitis would not have a definite underlying cause as clear-cut as it was with allergenic and irritant dermatitis and the treatment protocols to follow in this instances would additionally include, treatment aimed at averting a possible infection at the site of the dermatitis and light therapy in hope of preventing a recurrence of the same. Furthermore, atopic dermatitis would also be benefit.

Source:Dr Pandula Siribaddana