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Symptoms of Dermatitis


What is dermatitis?

Dermatitis is a broad term to describe inflammation of the skin. While this inflammation can occur anywhere on the body, it may be concentrated in the foot area. In fact, the feet are one of the most common areas to experience this condition. Dermatitis symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause, type of condition, and severity. 

Contact Dermatitis

In the case of contact dermatitis, areas of the skin become irritated due to an exposure to a particular substance. Symptoms usually appear within 48 hours although stronger irritants may cause skin to react immediately while milder ones may need frequent exposure before they begin to be noticed. 

Initial symptoms of Contact Dermatitis include:

  •  Swelling
  • Redness
  • Itchiness
  • Pain
  • Cracked skin
  • Swollen skin 

In many cases, symptoms may only appear for a few hours and then clear up when the cause is removed. However, for some, these symptoms may be severe and persist for days and even weeks. 

Additional dermatitis symptoms may also be possible depending on the substance that's responsible for the reaction. In the case of allergen exposure, it's common to experience a burning or stinging sensation. If left untreated, the affected skin may even become infected. In the case of an infection, discharge and fever from the area may occur. While these symptoms of contact dermatitis are less common, they may occur. 

Atopic Dermatitis

This is a type of dermatitis that may also be known as eczema. With this type, dermatitis symptoms and signs vary widely from person to person. 

Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis include:

  • Itching, which can be severe, especially at night and red to brown patches on the feet and ankles. 
  • Small raised bumps, similar to mosquito bites. 
  • Thickened, dry, scaly, swollen, sensitive, and cracked skin. 

Scratching the area will also increase the severity of these symptoms. 

Although these symptoms may appear at any age, they most often begin before the age of five and can persist into adulthood. However, in most cases, symptoms will flare up periodically and then clear up for a time. 

Although atopic dermatitis symptoms are noticeable and occur primarily on the feet, hands, and chest, they may be misdiagnosed as an allergic reaction or other type of irritant. 

Allergic Dermatitis

The world is full of allergens, some which may pose no risk for you and others that might make you miserable. While many people are born with sensitivity to certain foods or substances, others may develop allergies later in life. Allergic contact dermatitis is defined as an allergic condition that occurs when your skin is contacted by an allergen that you are sensitive to. 

Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:

  • Rashes
  • Dry or scaly skin.


Common causes of allergic contact dermatitis of the foot are poison ivy, oak or sumac as well as particular dyes and chemicals that may be found in footwear. The first step in treating allergies of any kind is to identify the allergen. If you are experiencing new symptoms, take the time to evaluate what new substances or plants you may have come into contact with.

Recognizing Symptoms

 In all of these cases, the symptoms are hard to miss. While there may be some variation depending on the cause and the severity, every type displays discomfort and irritation of the foot which can be hard to miss. 

Treatment

Treatments vary and can be recommended by an expert. However, the best way to ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment method is seeing an expert promptly. 

Book an appointment at our Lawrence Square or Thornhill location to get an effective, personalized treatment plan.

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