Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin condition resulting in persistent itching with inflammation of the outer lying layers of the skin. It is common in those with an allergic constitution and is often seen in conjunction with conditions like hay fever (allergic rhinitis) and asthma. Atopic dermatitis is commonly known as eczema, particularly infantile eczema when it occurs in children. However eczema describes a wide range of inflammatory conditions and is synonymous with the term dermatitis.
Contact dermatitis is a skin rash that occurs due to contact with irritants or chemicals. This skin condition may be short term (acute) or long term (chronic) and is often referred to as ‘chemical rash’ or ‘housewife’s eczema’. Usually clearly evident patches occurs on the area of the body that makes contact with the irritant or chemical that causes the rash.
In contact dermatitis, the skin inflammation may occur as a result of irritation to the skin or as an allergic response to the chemical.
Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease where scaling of the skin occurs. Seborrheic dermatitis is not usually a dry skin condition as the skin is producing its normal oil (sebum). However the appearance of skin scaling often leaves sufferers to believe that the condition occurs due to excessively dry skin or a lack of sebum.
There are two main types of fungi (singular ~ fungus) that affect the human skin :
- Dermatophytes (also called molds)
- Skin yeasts (also called thrush or candida)
Both types of fungi (mold-like and yeast link fungi) are not threatening to human skin unless there is damage or irritation of the area or the health of the skin cannot be maintained due to poor circulation, lowered immunity or use of toxic chemicals.
A skin fungus can occur on any part of the body but it is prevalent in areas that are covered (dark), warm and moist.