Dermatitis

Dermatitis is an irritation of the skin. If you’re experiencing dermatitis, you may notice a rash, redness, itching, or general discomfort on your skin’s surface. The intensity of your symptoms and the duration will vary depending on the type of dermatitis.

Depending on the type of dermatitis you’re experiencing, symptoms will appear in different areas of the body. The appearance, frequency, and severity of symptoms vary from person to person. Regardless of the type of dermatitis you experience, common signs of dermatitis include:

• Itchy or painful skin
• Rash
• Blistering
• Dry or cracking skin
• Redness or swelling of the skin

The treatment for dermatitis varies greatly depending upon the type, affected areas, and severity of your symptoms. In some cases, dermatitis can clear up on its own after a few days to a week. Your doctor may also recommend:

• Calcineurin inhibitors applied as topical creams or ointments
• Topical steroids such as hydrocortisone or prescription creams or ointments
• Over-the-counter or prescription anti-fungal cream or ointment for yeast or fungal infections
• Prescription antibiotics if a skin infection has occurred
• Phototherapy, which entails exposing skin to a specific amount of natural or artificial light
• Using oral or injectable corticosteroids for advanced cases

You can chat with one of our doctors on Cedars-Sinai Connect to learn more about treatment and same-day prescriptions.