ABSTRACT
Skin inflammation characterises a number of common conditions. While infections and other disorders are invariably associated with varying degrees of inflammation, this chapter focuses on psoriasis, eczema, urticaria and miliaria; disorders that are sometimes classified as eruptions. Emollients are the first-line treatment for dermatitis and dry skin conditions. They soothe and hydrate dry, scaly skin and by increasing skin hydration this may have an anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic effect through the inhibition of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 alpha. The disease picture features simultaneous hyperproliferation of the epidermis, vascular tissues and ibroblasts, an acute inflammatory reaction and an acceleration in the rate of dermal breakdown and repair. The term dermatitis covers a wide variety of non-infectious skin conditions characterised by red, sore and itchy skin. These include atopic dermatitis and irritant or allergic reactions to household substances. Skin permeability in psoriatic skin is increased due to the changes in epidermal structure and increased vascularisation.
