Dermatitis is a general term for skin that is red, itchy and irritated. It can be caused by allergies, contact with things that bother your skin or other skin problems. The skin may feel dry and rough and can sometimes crack, peel or look scaly.
There are two common types of dermatitis:
• Contact dermatitis happens when your skin touches something that irritates it, like soap, metal or certain plants
• Atopic dermatitis is a long-term type of eczema that often runs in families and can flare up from time to time
You do not always need to see a doctor first. In many cases our pharmacists may be able to prescribe topical treatments to calm the itch and help the skin heal.
Please note that an appointment with the pharmacist does not guarantee a prescription. The pharmacist will assess your symptoms and decide if treatment at the pharmacy is right for you, or if you should be referred to a doctor.
