A number of health conditions, allergies, genetic factors, physical and mental stress, and irritants can cause dermatitis. Contact dermatitis results from direct contact with one of many irritants or allergens. Common irritants include laundry soap, skin soaps or detergents, and cleaning products. Possible allergens include rubber, metals such as nickel, jewelry, perfume, cosmetics, hair dyes, weeds such as poison ivy, and neomycin, a common ingredient in topical antibiotic creams. It takes a larger amount over a longer time for an irritant to cause dermatitis than it takes for an allergen. If you're sensitized to an allergen, just brief exposure to a small amount of it can cause dermatitis. Neurodermatitis can occur when something such as a tight garment rubs or scratches your skin. This irritation may lead you to rub or scratch your skin repeatedly. Common locations include ankles, wrist, outer forearm or arm, and the back of your neck. Seborrheic dermatitis is often an inherited tendency. It's common in people with oily skin or hair, and it may come and go depending on the season of the year. It may occur during times of stress or in people who have neurologic conditions such as Parkinson's disease. Stasis dermatitis can occur when fluid accumulates in the tissues just beneath your skin. The extra fluid initially thins out your skin and interferes with your blood's ability to nourish your skin. Varicose veins and other chronic conditions in your legs can cause fluid buildup. Atopic dermatitis often occurs with allergies and frequently runs in families in which other family members have asthma or hay fever. It usually begins in infancy and may vary in severity during childhood and adolescence. It tends to become less of a problem in adulthood, unless you're exposed to allergens or irritants in the workplace. The exact cause of this disorder is unknown, but it may be due to a malfunction in the body's immune system. Stress can exacerbate atopic dermatitis, but it doesn't cause it. Perioral dermatitis may be a form of the skin disorder rosacea, adult acne or seborrheic dermatitis involving the skin around the mouth or nose. The exact cause is unknown, but makeup, moisturizers or some dental products may play a role. |