Dermatitis is a broad term used to define many scaly red sometimes vesicular, reactions of the skin. Often the cause of dermatitis is not known. Listed below are the most common forms of dermatitis.
Contact dermatitis is an irritant or allergic response of thc skin caused by direct contact with some irritant or allergen such as poison oak, poison ivy, paints, or detergents. Most cosmetics are uncommon causes of contact dermatitis. Resulting skin eruptions can appear as small, slightly inflamec flat spots on the skin or as dark red patches covering larger areas of the body.When the white blood cells in the body attack an allergen the skin becomes red, inflamed, itchy, and sensitive.
Medical Treatment: Topical and systemic cortisone derivatives relieve many of the symptoms of an allergic reaction by reducing inflammation.
Cosmetic Treatment: In rare instances repeated contact
dermatitis can cause scarring. Camouflage makeup can be useful in concealing this type of scarring, but the camouflage therapist must be aware of the possibility that the patient may be allergic to one or several of the ingredients in the makeup. All products used on sensitive skin patients should be patch tested prior to application. The cosmetician should place a small amount of the cover cream solution on a gauze square and then tape it to the inside of the patient's forearm. The test patch should be left in place for forty-eight hours and examined for reaction one or two days later. In order to decrease the possibility of skin irritation caused by the corrective makeup, recommend that the patient purchase cover creams only in small quantities to insure freshness and to prevent prolonged exposure to bacteria.
Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is an inherited skin condition. Individuals with a family history of asthma, hay fever, or dry skin seem to be more likely to develop (it is not contagious) this form of dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis causes itching, erythema, inflammation, fine scaliness, irritated papules, and crusty erosions.
Medical Treatment: There is no cure for atopic dermatitis. Most cases resolve as patients enter adulthood. Anti-inflammatory medications such as corticosteroids, both topically and systemically, may be prescribed by dermatologists to relieve the symptoms of this skin condition. Antihistamines are also prescribed because they may be effective in temporarily controlling itching. Antibiotics may be used in secondary infection.
Cosmetic Treatment: Patients afflicted with atopic dermatitis may be benefited by the use of camouflage techniques after the weeping, crusted, erythematous (red) patches heal. Hypo- or hyperpigmentation may result. Corrective makeup should be applied over a moisturizer because patients with this type of skin disorder generally have dry skin. Light, creamy cover creams will provide the best coverage, as opposed to thicker, more opaque coverups that would emphasize the skin's tightness and look unnatural. Makeup should be free from fragrance, waterproof, and resistant to sunlight.
Seborrheic dermatitis most commonly affects the central facial and scalp areas, which proportionally contain a greater number of oil glands. It is characterized by dry, scaly patches. It is most frequently seen on the forehead, on the front and sides of the hairline, on the eyebrows and eyelids, in the facial creases, on both sides of the nose, above and behind the ears, on the scalp, on the chest and back, under the armpits, and around the groin. Seborrheic dermatitis in its mildest form is called dandruff. Dry, cold weather and lack of sun all appear to aggravate the problem, triggering flareups. It is more common in certain neurological disorders and in HIV infection. Certain normal yeast organisms may be contributory.
Medical Treatment: The general method of treatment is topical corticosteroids (cortisone) or anti-yeast medication. Mild coal tar or zinc pyrithione shampoos are used frequently.
Cosmetic Treatment: While patients afflicted with this form of dermatitis appear to have dry skin, in actuality they have normal or oily skin with surface scales. The clinical cosmetician must be careful not to use too thick or rich skincare products when cleansing, toning, or moisturizing the patient's skin.
Photodermatitis, most often acute but sometimes chronic, is an inflammation of the skin due to hypersensitivity or overexposure to light or sunlight. It may be due to topical or systemic medications. The common sunburn is the most recognized form of photodermatitis. Patients who are extremely sensitive to sunlight can experience such symptoms as blisters and hives.
Medical Treatment: The best treatment for this condition is to prevent it from occurring by avoiding sunlight, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreens consistently.
Cosmetic Treatment: Cover creams will successfully conceal scarring, telangiectasias, and hypo-/hyperpigmented areas resulting from photodermatitis. A sunscreen should be applied at least twenty minutes before the camouflage makeup is applied. Corrective makeup that is waterproof and resistant to sunlight will provide additional protection from the sun.
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