What Causes Dermatitis? Common Triggers and How to Manage Them

Dermatitis can make your skin itchy, dry, irritated, or inflamed, and figuring out what set it off isn’t always easy. A product you’ve used for years can suddenly bother your skin, while weather, stress, or something you touch every day may contribute to a flare. Knowing your triggers can make recurring skin irritation easier to manage.

At Chevy Chase Dermatology in Chevy Chase, MD, Dr. Sommerville is board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology and has over 15 years of private practice experience in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. She evaluates conditions such as atopic and contact dermatitis and helps you calm your skin and reduce future flare-ups.

What Can Cause Dermatitis?

Dermatitis has several forms, so the reason behind your irritated skin can vary. Atopic dermatitis involves a complex mix of factors, including genetics, the immune system, and changes in the skin barrier. Contact dermatitis develops when your skin encounters an irritant or an allergen.

Some common dermatitis triggers include:

• Soaps and detergents: Frequent exposure can irritate and weaken your skin barrier.
• Fragrances and cosmetics: Ingredients in perfumes, skin care, and personal care products can trigger reactions.
• Metals: Nickel in jewelry, clothing fasteners, and other everyday objects can cause allergic contact dermatitis.
• Plants: Poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac can cause an allergic skin reaction.
• Weather and sweat: Heat, cold temperatures, dry air, and sweating may aggravate atopic dermatitis.
• Stress: Emotional stress can contribute to atopic dermatitis flare-ups in some people.

How Can You Manage Dermatitis Triggers?

Start by paying attention to when your skin reacts and what it recently came into contact with. Using fragrance-free skin care products, moisturizing regularly, taking short warm showers, and avoiding known irritants can help protect sensitive skin.

When the cause remains unclear, a dermatologist can help identify possible triggers. Patch testing may also be useful when allergic contact dermatitis is suspected.

Find Help for Dermatitis in Chevy Chase, MD

Recurring dermatitis can be frustrating, especially when you can’t pinpoint what keeps bothering your skin. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Sommerville at Chevy Chase Dermatology in Chevy Chase, MD, call 301-656-7546.

Category: Dermatitis

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