What causes dermatitis?
Dermatitis is a broad term for a number of skin conditions. Although symptoms overlap between these conditions (such as with eczema and contact dermatitis), they often have different causes.
Contact dermatitis is usually caused by an irritant you’re using like a soap or detergent. Sometimes, your skin reacts to chemicals in cosmetic products that you’re sensitive to.
Seborrheic dermatitis, which usually affects your scalp, can have a number of causes, making it difficult to determine. Stress, hormonal factors, and changes of season are all thought to contribute to the inflammatory response that causes it. Another factor involved in the condition is a yeast called Malassezia, which lives on skin. The exact role of this yeast and how it contributes to seborrheic dermatitis isn’t clear, but people who have the condition are known to produce more of it.
A clinician can explain more to you about the different causes of dermatitis, and give you more information about what might be causing yours.
What are the symptoms of dermatitis?
Dermatitis can affect people differently, but there are lots of symptoms that overlap between skin conditions involving inflammation and irritation.
Contact dermatitis can cause dryness, soreness and stinging that can sometimes lead to blisters. Allergic contact dermatitis can cause similar symptoms, but can cause itchiness and stinging. It mainly affects the hands, and sometimes can cause a delayed reaction.
Eczema causes patches of skin to be inflamed and sore, and often causes cracks to form on the skin’s surface. The symptoms you experience might align with more than one dermatitis condition, so a healthcare professional can help you identify the exact cause of your symptoms.
Can dermatitis lead to other problems?
Left untreated, dermatitis can cause skin problems that might be harder to manage than your initial symptoms. Eczema can cause cracks in your skin, and these broken areas might become infected as bacteria enter.
If irritants are making your dermatitis worse, then trying to identify them will help you avoid them and reduce your flare-ups. Things to look out for include specific foods that might be causing a reaction, materials you might be sensitive to, or environmental factors such as hay fever or changes in weather.
Skin inflammation, dryness and irritation can also have an impact on your mental well-being. These sorts of symptoms can make you feel stressed, but are often worsened by stress. Getting the right treatment and managing flare-ups can improve your self-confidence and put you in control of your condition.
This page was medically reviewed by
Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell, Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer on July 31, 2023. Next review due on July 31, 2025.
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