The small red bumps experienced in this type of dermatitis are usually about 1 cm in size, red in color and may be found symmetrically grouped or distributed on the upper or lower back, buttocks, elbows, knees, neck, shoulders and scalp. The symptoms of seborrhoeic dermatitis, on the other hand, tend to appear gradually, from dry or greasy scaling of the scalp (dandruff) to scaling of facial areas, sometimes with itching, but without hair loss. In newborns, the condition causes a thick and yellowish scalp rash, often accompanied by a diaper rash. In severe cases, symptoms may appear along the hairline, behind the ears, on the eyebrows, on the bridge of the nose, around the nose, on the chest, and on the upper back. Complications
People with eczema should not receive the smallpox vaccination due to risk of developing eczema vaccinatum, a potentially severe and sometimes fatal complication. Other major health risks for people with dermatitis are viral and bacterial infections because atopic dermatitis patients have deficiencies in their proteins and lipids that have barrier functions along with defects in dendritic cells and as a result are unable to keep foreign invaders out leading to recurring infections. If left untreated, these infections may be life-threatening, so skin barrier improvement (such as daily moisturizing to minimize transepidermal water loss) and anti-inflammatory therapy are recommended as preventative measures. Cause
The cause of dermatitis is unknown but is presumed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Diagnosis
Several tests can help to elucidate the underlying cause of a persons macrocytic anemia. A peripheral blood smear is often recommended as a first step in the evaluation to determine if the macrocytic anemia has megaloblastic features since the causes of megaloblastic and non-megaloblastic macrocytic anemia differ and making this distinction can narrow the list of differential diagnoses.For non-megaloblastic macrocytic anemias, a reticulocyte count may be helpful. Non-megaloblastic macrocytic anemias with a low reticulocyte count (indicating a poor bone marrow response to the anemia) suggest liver disease (e.g., cirrhosis), hypothyroidism, toxic effects of alcohol on the bone marrow, or myelodysplasia. In contrast, non-megaloblastic macrocytic anemias associated with a high reticulocyte count (reticulocytosis) may be caused by hemolysis or bleeding.For megaloblastic macrocytic anemias, useful tests may include serum levels of Vitamin B12, methylmalonic acid, and homocysteine. If there is no clear evidence of Vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency, additional causes of megaloblastic anemia include copper deficiency, medications, and certain inborn errors of metabolism. Epidemiology
Macrocytic anemias have several causes but with the implementation of folic acid fortification in North America, folic acid deficiency has become a rare cause of megaloblastic macrocytic anemia in that part of the world. In this region, Vitamin B12 deficiency is a far more common cause of megaloblastic macrocytic anemia. In countries that have not put such practices into place — including most European nations — folic acid deficiency remains a common cause of macrocytic anemia. See also
List of circulatory system conditions

References


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