Dermatitis: What Causes It?

Those of us who suffer from dermatitis , the itchiness redness and flare ups wish we knew what causes it and above all how to get rid of it forever.

Unfortunately the causes of dermatitis are poorly understood and are still the subject of active research. Modern research is showing that it develops as a result of interaction between our immune system, the environment, and genetics. The immune systems of the people with this condition are very sensitive and they are more prone to react to irritants and allergens. Most people who have dermatitis have a family history of allergic conditions.

A genetic predisposition may be aggravated by factors such as infections, food allergies, temperature, irritating chemicals, stress and humidity. In response to extreme temperature and humidity, dermatitis tends to flare-up. Sweating and psychological stress are other causes of dermatitis flare-ups.

Other causes of dermatitis are irritations. It seems to have the capacity to change the epidermal structure by allowing immunoglobulin E activity to increase. Even after the exposure to allergen has ended or even after it has been systematically controlled, the chronic skin irritation will consequently continue.

The Actual Causes of Dermatitis Are Still Unknown

Since the causes of dermatitis are still unknown, several theories attempt to explain its pathogenesis. Causes of dermatitis probably represent more than one condition.
The underlying metabolical or biochemical conditions suggests that induced skin disorder is genetically linked to elevate serum immunoglobulin E levels and is one of the theories, regarding the causes of dermatitis while defective T-cell function is the other theory.

Causes of dermatitis or the triggers of dermatitis include a number of health conditions, genetic factors, allergies, and irritants, mental and physical stresses. Working in the wet is one of the main causes of dermatitis. Direct contact with one of many irritants or allergens results to contact dermatitis.

Different substances cause dermatitis to develop in different people and allergic reactions are genetically determined. When you have burns and sunburn, these will increase the risk of dermatitis. The process and causes of contact dermatitis involved are much clearer, although little is known about what makes people susceptible to allergic dermatitis.

What Are The Main Types of Dermatitis

The three main types of dermatitis are atopic, contact allergy and contact irritant. These all have different triggers, although some are similar. Atopic dermatitis is a genetic disorder that is influenced by environmental factors. But little is known what makes people susceptible to allergic dermatitis. When a highly reactive chemical substance comes into direct contact with the skin, allergic contact dermatitis occurs. Nummular dermatitis usually occurs in cold weather and is common to people with dry skin. The root causes of all these are still unknown.

As modern science continues in its research, sufferers can avail of the various medications currently available both over the counter and through prescriptions . It is also a good idea to take a close look at what actually causes or irritates your dermatitis and stay clear of it thus reducing the likelihood of flare ups etc.