What is Spongiotic Dermatitis?

The term spongiotic dermatitis can seem overwhelming, but it's more common than you might think. In fact, this chronic skin condition is one that affects many people. However, it is often called a different name: eczema. The following is everything you need to know about spongiotic dermatitis.

Spongiotic dermatitis is a skin condition that generally affects the abdomen, chest, and back areas, though it can affect nearly any patch of a person's skin, though it generally does not affect one's head area. One can contract the condition early on in life – even as young as when they are infants – and it can continue into adulthood. The condition is chronic, which means it may come and go throughout one's lifetime. Most flare-ups of spongiotic dermatitis occur because of an allergy to anything from food to pollens to medication. Some doctors may be able to diagnose specific allergies whereas some allergies may remain unknown to the individual who has spongiotic dermatitis. The condition may or may not be hereditary. If you have it, you should monitor your children for spongiotic dermatitis so you can treat it if it appears.

The most common symptoms of spongiotic dermatitis are itching and a skin rash. This rash will generally begin pink in color and become more and more red with time. If the condition is left untreated, the rash will continue to grow darker. Some rashes can even morph into a black color. This will save a person from a great deal of discomfort and pain. Additionally, if the rash is not treated, it can become a blister, ooze, and even crust over. The itching can transform into severe pain and discomfort. Thus, it is important to treat spongiotic dermatitis outbreaks as soon as they appear.

Though it is likely that a person will deal with spongiotic dermatitis for their entire lives, there are treatment options to help make life much more comfortable. A person can go years between outbreaks of the rash.

There are two main types of the condition: subacute spongiotic dermatitis and acute spongiotic dermatitis. The subacute variety have smaller vesicles or cysts versus the acute version. Treatment is basically the same for each type of spongiotic dermatitis.

The basic type of treatment for the condition involves the continuous use of creams and lotions. At first, the lotions and creams will be menthol based and will be directly applied to the affected area. If this doesn't work or if the outbreak is especially severe, a corticosteroid cream will be used to help relieve the swelling, inflammation, and itching.