While all forms of dermatitis, or eczema, tend to result in itchy, inflamed, flaky or scaly skin, there are a number of different types.
Some of them are related to hereditary factors or are more likely to occur in the young – or the elderly. Others are more likely to affect people with poor working conditions.
The different forms of dermatitis include:
- Atopic dermatitis – this condition usually first appears in childhood and may be a hereditary condition. The sufferer tends to experience ‘flare ups’ that may result in cracked, weeping or blistered skin.
- Allergic contact dermatitis – this skin condition is caused by exposure to something that makes the body react to it. Over time, the body becomes extremely sensitised to the particular substance or chemical, and reacts quickly to its presence. It is commonly found in the workplace.
- Irritant contact dermatitis – this type of dermatitis is also commonly found in the workplace. In this case, however, the skin reacts not because it is allergic to a substance, but because the skin is actually damaged (irritated) by a substance.
- Neurodermatitis – neurodermatitis, also known as lichen simplex chronicus, is a chronic skin condition that is characterised by an ‘itch-scratch-itch’ cycle – it is very itchy, so you scratch it and damage the skin, making it even more itchy… The cycle is very hard to break.
- Perioral dermatitis – perioral dermatitis is a condition more commonly found in young women. It appears as a lumpy rash around the mouth.
- Seborrheic dermatitis – this condition is most common in young adults and tends to affect the head and upper body. It appears as a rash and can cause bad dandruff. A similar condition in babies is called cradle cap.
- Stasis dermatitis – also known as varicose eczema, this condition is often related to varicose veins. It is caused by problems in the circulatory system, often in the legs, which then result in changes to the skin.
If you suffer from a skin condition that has been caused or made worse by your working conditions, you could be entitled to make a compensation claim.
Call us on 0800 0891331 and take your first step towards compensation.
