‘Dermatitis’ and ‘eczema’ are two terms that often overlap. While dermatitis and eczema both refer to skin conditions that cause irritation, there are differences between the two in terms of their causes. To put it simply, dermatitis is one of the causes of eczema. Dermatitis is a chronic skin condition of red, inflamed and itchy skin. Rather than being a condition itself, eczema refers to a group of skin diseases that causes skin inflammation, which includes dermatitis. So what are the causes of eczema and dermatitis? How do the seasons affect your eczema and dermatitis? How do we treat them?
Causes of dermatitis vs. eczema
The causes of dermatitis varies between different types. One of the most common types of dermatitis is called atopic dermatitis. It is a chronic condition usually caused by a combination of genetic mutation and environmental factors. Atopic dermatitis is most common in children and those with allergies. Contact dermatitis occurs when your skin reacts to irritating substances it comes in direct contact with chemicals such as bleach, soap or certain metals. Other types of dermatitis include seborrheic dermatitis, neurodermatitis, nummular dermatitis, et cetera. Triggers such as dry skin, stress, hormonal changes, heat and sweat can also cause dermatitis to flare.
Eczema, on the other hand, is caused by several distinct types of skin conditions, which includes atopic and contact dermatitis, fungal infections, scabies, pompholyx, to name just a few. In many cases, eczema refers to atopic dermatitis specifically. In fact, many dermatologists use the terms ‘atopic dermatitis’ and ‘eczema’ interchangeably.
How do the seasons affect your eczema and dermatitis?
For people with eczema and dermatitis, summer and winter are not always so sweet. In winter, harsh, windy conditions outside followed by dry, centrally heated environments inside can wreak havoc on the skin. In summer, the soaring temps and hot weather activities, like swimming and spending hours in the sun, can be eczema triggers. Healthy skin acts as a barrier to protect you. But when you have eczema and dermatitis, that barrier just doesn’t work as well. It leaks moisture, so your skin can get dried out and gets more irritated by heat, cold, humidity, wind, and more.
What are the symptoms of dermatitis and eczema?
Although symptoms of signs may vary from person to person, dermatitis and eczema are typically characterised by the below symptoms:
- Itchy skin
- Blisters as a result of scratching or rubbing
- Redness caused by extra blood flow in the affected area
- Dry, cracked and flaky skin
- Stinging, burning or painful skin
- Rashes and swelling
- Pale patches and pigmentation
These symptoms can occur on different parts of the body, such as palms, fingers, eyelids, joints, legs and neck, and some people experience more severe symptoms than others.
What are the treatments for dermatitis and eczema?
Although the causes of dermatitis and eczema are complex, itchy skin is the most common and noticeable symptom experienced by most patients. The main goal of treatment, therefore, is to reduce itchiness. This can be managed by applying topical steroids and avoiding sources of irritation. Taking shorter baths, using mild soaps and avoiding hot water are also recommended by dermatologists. Occasionally, doctors may prescribe medications.
Another daily home remedy that effectively helps prevent dermatitis and eczema is applying a gentle moisturiser at least twice a day. This helps to retain the skin’s moisture and prevent dry skin. It also soothes existing itchiness.
Our DU’IT Tough Hands Fragrance Free is an intensive hand moisturiser designed for sensitive skin. DU’IT Tough Hands is Australia’s No.1 hand cream* (IRI data, Grocery & Pharmacy, 2019). It is a functional skincare product scientifically formulated with 10% Urea to repair the skin’s protective barrier and seal cracked skin. It contains natural vitamin E to soothe stressed hands and replenish moisture. Dimethicone acts as a protective coating that shields the skin from irritating substances and environmental aggressors. When it comes to eczema or dermatitis prone skin, it is important to retain the skin’s moisture and prevent chronically dry skin.
Tough Hands Fragrance Free contains no fragrance, allergens or irritants. It’s one of the best hand creams for eczema, dermatitis and sensitive skin. It is an Australian made hand cream recommended by Diabetes Australia and the Australian Eczema Association. It is clinically tested to improve dry, sensitive skin in 1 day.
Consumer reviews
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Eczema and dermatitis can cause skin itchiness, dryness and irritation. If you suffer from these skin conditions and are looking for an effective hand cream for your dry hands, try our Tough Hands Fragrance Free. It helps soothe the skin during a flare-up and prevents loss of skin hydration. Tough Hands Fragrance Free is now available at our e-shop.
DU’IT Tough Hands Fragrance Free 150g
DU’IT Tough Hands Fragrance Free intensive hand cream is a clinically proven, intensive strength hand cream for dry hands that works to seal cracks, replace lost oils, condition the skin and form a protective barrier to keep hands in top condition. It repairs dry, rough, cracked, irritated and calloused hands, with visible effects in 1 day. Especially designed for sensitive skin, it contains no nasties and is Australian made and owned.