e-Clinic

What is Dermatitis? Dermatitis is a general medical term used to describe inflammation of the skin. It typically involves an intensely itchy rash appearing on swollen, reddened, or dry skin. It is a very common condition that is strictly non-contagious , meaning you cannot catch it from or give it to someone else. However, chronic flares can be physically uncomfortable and cause significant self-consciousness. Common forms include Eczema, Seborrheic Dermatitis (Dandruff), and allergic contact rashes. Common Types & Symptoms Because "dermatitis" is a broad umbrella term, your specific symptoms will depend entirely on the type you are experiencing: 1. Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) Usually beginning in early infancy, this is a chronic condition. It typically appears as a red, itchy rash in areas where the skin flexes—such as the inside of the elbows, behind the knees, and the front of the neck. If the area is scr...

What is Dandruff? Dandruff is a highly common, chronic scalp condition marked by the rapid flaking of dead skin cells. It is not contagious and is rarely a serious medical issue, though it can be intensely frustrating and embarrassing. While it is often mistakenly blamed entirely on "dry skin," dandruff is actually most frequently caused by excess oil production or an inflammatory reaction to a naturally occurring scalp fungus called Malassezia . Symptoms Symptoms are often noticeably worse during the dry, cold winter months (due to indoor heating) and tend to improve during the humid summer. Signs include: White, sometimes oily-looking flakes resting on the hair, eyebrows, and shoulders. An intensely itchy, scaly scalp. Mild redness or inflammation on the scalp. In Babies: Cradle Cap In newborns and infants, this same condition is called Cradle Cap (infantile seborrheic dermatitis). I...