What is Spongiotic Dermatitis

Spongiotic dermatitis is associated with eczema. The condition appears as patches of inflamed skin. It’s persistent, irritating, and may damage your self image, especially if it appears on a particular visible part of the body. If any of these symptoms sound familiar, you probably suffer from spongiotic dermatitis.

Spongiotic Dermatitis Symptoms

We’ve already mentioned the primary visible symptom of this condition. However, there are plenty of other problems that go hand in hand with the inflamed patches of skin. You may notice dry, scaly skin in the affected area. It often itches, and scratching creates bright red inflammation. Rashes appear near joints, like the insides of your elbows, or behind the knee, but these aren’t the only areas spongiotic dermatitis may inflame. These rashes may create blisters, and in extreme cases, these may start to weep fluids. Together, these symptoms may look like a bizarre mix of extreme dry skin with a second degree burn.

Spongiotic Dermatitis Causes

Eczema is almost always responsible for a spongiotic dermatitis breakout, but doctors still don’t understand what causes the condition. Most agree that it is some form of allergic reaction, but environmental and genetic factors may also play a significant role in determining who will or will not suffer from eczema. Some scientists believe spongiotic dermatitis sufferers have a mutation in the gene that creates filaggrin, a protein that helps protect the top layer of your skin. Without this barrier, moisture leaves and allergens come in. This may create the strange effects we described above. Although inflammation frequently leads to swelling, the lack of available moisture in the surrounding skin may make this impossible.

There are almost too many potential eczema triggers to list. They range from stress to food choices. Medication, dyes, soap, latex, and cheap jewelry are all risks. If you live in a particularly dry or humid environment, the very air around you may be causing your symptoms. Some doctors even believe that simply sweating too much can create a spongiotic dermatitis rash. Children are particularly vulnerable to this condition, and family history, as we mentioned earlier, may be the deciding factor.

Spongiotic Dermatitis Treatment

So, now you understand the condition, but what can you really do about it? For starters, go see your doctor. Any time you have a long lasting or inexplicable rash, you need the opinion of a medical professional. They can help discover new allergies and determine if you really do have spongiotic dermatitis. There are many prescription treatments, including steroids and calcineurin, that you can only get from your doctor.

There are ways to help the condition through your skincare regimen, too. First, stop using harsh soaps, body wash, and other potential irritants on the area of the rash. Wash it with moisturizer instead, and make sure to apply lots of soothing lotion and powerful moisturizers throughout the day. Double check to ensure these products aren’t adding to the problem first, though. The ingredients list is your friend. To help your skin recover, try adding extra vitamin A and fish oil to your supplement intake. They can help you feel better all over, regardless of whether or not you have a rash.

Until doctors uncover the source of spongiotic dermatitis causes, there will never be a perfect cure. Giving the rashes a little extra attention in your skincare routine can help you avoid making the problem worse, however. It may also help reduce the length and intensity of break outs. To make sure you’re using the right products, however, you need to stop by your doctor’s office and test for allergies.