Dermatitis is the medical term for a variety of skin conditions that typically cause swelling, itching, and sometimes peeling or peeling of the skin. Skin papules are small raised bumps on the skin. Thus, papular dermatitis is any skin condition that involves itchy, inflamed bumps on the skin. There are several skin conditions, such as chickenpox, eczema, and inflammatory acne. While treatment always begins with identifying the root cause of papular dermatitis, medications such as anti-itch ointments or oral antibiotics are often used.
Chickenpox is a common form of papular dermatitis that is most common in children, although it can appear at any age. Chickenpox symptoms include small red bumps that usually start on the abdomen, back, or face. These bumps can spread throughout the body, causing intense itching. These bumps, or papules, sometimes break open, excreting a clear fluid before drying up and forming a crust. Chickenpox is usually a mild illness and tends to resolve on its own without medical treatment, although anti-itch creams often help keep the patient more comfortable for the duration of the illness.
Eczema is another type of papular dermatitis. Eczema causes a red, swollen rash that can cause skin crusts or papules, which can ooze fluid once they break open. The exact cause of eczema is unknown, but it is believed to have a genetic component in some patients or to be related to allergies to foods or other substances in others. Topical steroid ointments are often used to treat this form of papular dermatitis. Skin infection is common with this disorder, so oral antibiotics are often prescribed as well.
Another type of papular dermatitis is a type of acne known as inflammatory acne. In this type of acne, large papules can appear, sometimes causing permanent scarring. Topical antibiotic and steroid ointments are often prescribed to help relieve these symptoms and prevent serious scarring. Oral medications, often including hormone therapy in female patients, may also be used.
A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating skin disorders. This type of doctor is experienced in diagnosing the various types of papular dermatitis. Once an accurate diagnosis has been made and the underlying medical conditions have been identified, an individualized treatment plan can be created to address the root cause as well as the individual symptoms caused by papular dermatitis.