Learning About Subacute Spongiotic Dermatitis

Subacute spongiotic dermatitis is a form of dermatitis or eczema. It is not a common enough term that some dermatologists use to describe one of the general classifications of dermatitis. It is actually one of the three types of dermatitis that is a representation of a pathologic continuum where it its chronic and genetic.

These skin reactions can result to scars (due to excessive itching) which may remain for life. The application of lotions and other formulations which can alleviate the itching and inflammation caused by the dermatitis can help minimize scarring.

Difference Between Acute and Subacute Spongiotic Dermatitis

The difference between acute and subacute spongiotic dermatitis lies in the size of the vesicles developed by intercellular edema. The acute spongiotic dermatitis has larger vesicles compare to the subacute spongiotic dermatitis. Another difference between the two is the epidermal acanthosis. In the acute type of dermatitis it is just slight where as in the subacute spongiotic dermatitis, there is greater acanthosis of the epidermis.

These two are just the effects of dermatitis of your skin. Other than that all their causes and treatments are highly similar. It is the presentation of the final dermal effect of the dermatitis which is different from the others.

Prevention of Subacute Spongiotic Dermatitis

Dermatitis is usually aggravated by exposing a sensitive individual to irritants, allergens and other factors which may trigger the dermatitis flare up. Irritants are usually chemical elements that may be present in the environment or may be unsuspectingly used by the individual. These include solvents, smoke, dust, fragrance, alcohol and alcohol based products and many others.

Allergens may include but ate not limited to food, beverages and medications which the individual may be sensitive to. These could readily trigger both acute and subacute spongiotic dermatitis if the individual is not aware of his reaction to the food, beverage or medication. Sometime even the sun’s UVB and UVA rays can affect the skin of a person and induce flare up for those who have photosensitive skin.

Other factors which may trigger an acute or subacute spongiotic dermatitis flare up are climate changes, hormonal swings and stress of any kind. The fact that there are a variety of factors and reasons why a dermatitis flare up may occur only goes to show that there are also many irritants and allergens in the environment. Those who are prone to acute or subacute spongiotic dermatitis must learn to take care of their condition and also manage the condition well.