Dermatitis is a general term that describes an inflammation of the skin. There are several different types of dermatitis, including seborrheic dermatitis and atopic dermatitis (eczema). Though the disorder can have many causes and occur in many forms, it usually involves swollen, reddened and itchy skin. Atopic or Contact Dermatitis are common conditions that aren't life-threatening or contagious.

Itching and rashes may develop as the result of infection or irritation, or from a reaction of the immune system. Some rashes occur mostly in children whereas others almost always occur in adults. Sometimes an immune reaction is triggered by substances a person touches or eats.
The diagnosis of most noninfectious skin rashes is based on the appearance of the rash. The cause of a rash cannot be determined by blood tests, and tests of any kind are rarely performed. However, persistent rashes may lead the doctor to perform a skin biopsy, or if the doctor suspects a contact allergy as the cause skin tests may be performed

Contact dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that results from direct contact with certain substances, such as soap, cosmetics, jewelry or plants. The resulting red, itchy rash isn't contagious but it can be very uncomfortable.
Although the variety of substances that can cause contact dermatitis is almost limitless, it often can be effectively managed with the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Successful contact dermatitis treatment consists primarily of identifying what's causing the inflammation: if you can avoid the offending agent the rash usually resolves in two to four weeks. Self-care measures, such as wet compresses and anti-itch creams, can help soothe your skin and reduce inflammation.

Atopic Dermatitis, often call eczema, is a very common skin condition in infants and children. Atopic Dermatitis is characterized by sensitive, dry skin that itches and which, when scratched, turns into a red, scaly rash. These rashes usually occur in certain areas on the skin, and can very easily become infected. Oral antibiotics are often needed to treat these infections. Generally, atopic dermatitis becomes less severe in late childhood and adolescence. Children with more severe disease usually have symptoms longer and may develop other allergic diseases like hay fever or asthma.

Dyshidrotic Dermatitis is a skin condition characterized by small blisters on the hands or feet. Recurrence is common and for many can be chronic.
This condition is not contagious to others, but due to its unsightly nature can cause significant distress in regards to social interaction.
There are a number of different factors which may trigger the outbreak of dyshidrosis such as allergens, stress or seasonal changes. Emotional stress may also further aggravate the condition.
Individual treatment varies depending on how severe the condition is. Most of the time no treatment is required and the rash or blisters will clear up on their own.

Skin cancer is a malignant growth on the skin which can have many causes. Fortunately, most skin cancers can be detected in their early stages since skin tumors are more visible than tumors of the internal organs.
Basal cell carcinoma is by far the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for 80% of cases. These slow-growing tumors occur most commonly on areas of the body that are exposed to sun and may take several forms. A raised, reddish, pearly nodule is the most common appearance of basal cell carcinoma, but it may also appear as a pink or red scar or area of irritated skin.
The most dangerous type of skin cancer is malignant melanoma. This form of skin cancer is causing the major part of all skin cancer fatalities.
Most skin cancers can be treated by removal of the lesion, making sure that the edges (margins) are free of the tumor cells. These excisions provide the best cure for both early and high-risk disease. For low-risk disease, radiation therapy and cryotherapy (freezing the cancer off) can provide adequate control of the disease; both, however, have lower overall cure rates than surgery.