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Dra. Caroline MinchioCRM-ES 15578 · SÃO MATEUS, ES
Illustrative consultation for itching and dry skin in an elbow crease
AI-generated illustrative scene using a supplied visual reference for the physician. Fictional patient; not a record of an actual consultation or outcome.

10 GUIDES · EVIDENCE AND CARE

Dermatitis.
Understand your skin.

Explore 10 dermatitis types, symptoms, risks of delay, safe care and when to seek assessment. Illustrated guides with scientific references.

Persistent itch, cracks and recurring flares deserve attention. Treatment depends on the cause.

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Explore the individual guides

Similar symptoms can have different causes. Use these guides to prepare for a consultation, not to choose a medicine or diagnose a rash from an image.

Illustrative consultation for itching and dry skin in an elbow creaseAtopic dermatitis →Chronic eczema: skin barrier changes, itching and recurring flares.Illustrative consultation assessing scalp scalingSeborrheic dermatitis →Scaling of the scalp, eyebrows, face and other oil-rich skin areas.Illustrative consultation about wrist irritation after contact with a braceletAllergic contact dermatitis →A delayed allergic reaction to substances that touch the skin.Illustrative assessment of dry hands with work gloves on the deskIrritant contact dermatitis →Skin barrier injury from irritants, friction and wet work.Illustrative consultation for small blisters and dry skin on the handsDyshidrotic eczema →Dyshidrosis: small itchy vesicles on the hands and feet.Illustrative consultation for round scaly patches on a lower legNummular eczema →Discoid eczema: round, dry, itchy patches of skin.Illustrative assessment of ankle swelling and pigmentation in an older womanStasis dermatitis →Venous eczema: skin inflammation associated with chronic venous insufficiency.Illustrative consultation for small lesions around the mouthPerioral dermatitis →Periorificial dermatitis: small papules around the mouth, nose or eyes.Illustrative consultation for itchy lesions on the outer elbowDermatitis herpetiformis →An autoimmune skin disease associated with coeliac disease.Illustrative consultation with a mother holding a fully clothed baby during skincare adviceDiaper dermatitis →Diaper-area irritation: moisture, skin barrier care and other possible diagnoses.

AI-generated illustrative consultation scenes; fictional patients.

Why should persistent dermatitis be assessed?

Active inflammation can sustain itching, cracks, pigment changes and lost sleep. Scratching and manipulation can cause wounds and contribute to secondary infection. Risks differ: venous eczema may be associated with ulcers, while dermatitis herpetiformis can signal gluten-related disease.

Not every rash is urgent, and some mild cases improve with appropriate care. Persistence, recurrence and effects on everyday life are reasons for assessment. Individual guides explain possible complications and warning signs.

Atopic dermatitis risks · Venous eczema risks · Skin and coeliac disease

Warning signs needing prompt care

Fever, pus, increasing pain, spreading redness, rapidly developing painful blisters or eye symptoms need medical assessment. Breathing difficulty, tongue or throat swelling and chest pain require emergency care. Do not wait for an appointment-form or booking-message response in these situations.

Specialist assessment and home care

Assessment helps distinguish eczema from fungal infection, allergy, infection and other conditions. Tests depend on the suspected diagnosis: patch testing, fungal tests or biopsy are not required for every dermatitis. Care combines inflammation control, barrier support and management of the cause when identified.

Do not replace assessment with irritating household remedies, borrowed medicines or cure claims. Clinician-guided gentle cleansing, moisturising and barrier protection are legitimate home care. Each guide explains what to avoid and how to prepare for an appointment.

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Useful related information

Itching and pruritus →When itching requires investigation beyond the visible rash.Specialties and care →Explore the clinic’s areas of care and patient information.Skin biopsy →Understand when a sample may help explain a lesion.

Sources and editorial approach

Each guide includes its own bibliography, in-text citations, practical questions and evidence limitations. Portuguese references use ABNT style and English references use Vancouver/NLM style. Content updated September 20, 2026; not an individual prescription.

  1. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ARTHRITIS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL AND SKIN DISEASES. Atopic dermatitis [Internet]. Bethesda: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ARTHRITIS AND MUSCULOSKELETAL AND SKIN DISEASES; 2022 [cited 2026 Sep 20]. Available from: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/atopic-dermatitis.
  2. Johnston GA, Exton LS, Mohd Mustapa MF, Slack JA, Coulson IH, English JSC, et al. British Association of Dermatologists’ guidelines for the management of contact dermatitis 2017. Br J Dermatol. 2017;176(2):317–329. DOI: 10.1111/bjd.15239. Read source.
  3. Yosipovitch G, Nedorost ST, Silverberg JI, Friedman AJ, Canosa JM, Cha A. Stasis dermatitis: an overview of its clinical presentation, pathogenesis, and management. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2023;24(2):275–286. DOI: 10.1007/s40257-022-00753-5. Read source.
  4. Görög A, et al. S2k guidelines (consensus statement) for diagnosis and therapy of dermatitis herpetiformis initiated by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV). J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2021;35(6):1251–1277. DOI: 10.1111/jdv.17183. Read source.

Skin allergies and urticaria

Browse the guides on skin allergies, urticaria and angioedema, with information on evaluation, care and warning signs.

Explore all skin allergy guides →