Inflammatory Skin Conditions

Key facts

• Inflammatory skin conditions are a broad group of disorders, including eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, and seborrhoeic dermatitis, in which the immune system triggers redness, itching, and skin barrier breakdown.
• They are among the most common reasons people see a dermatologist.
• Flares are usually treated with a topical corticosteroid such as triamcinolone, used in short courses to reduce inflammation without thinning the skin.
• Regular moisturising between flares helps preserve the skin barrier and reduces how often treatment is needed.

What triggers a flare

Flares are commonly set off by contact with irritants or allergens, dry air, sudden temperature changes, stress, and skin infections. Eczema tends to run in families alongside asthma and hay fever, while psoriasis is an immune-mediated condition in which skin cells are produced faster than they can shed. Contact dermatitis, by contrast, is a direct reaction to something touching the skin, a chemical, metal, or plant, and usually clears once the trigger is identified and avoided.

Calming flares with corticosteroid treatment

The backbone of treatment for most inflammatory skin conditions is a topical corticosteroid. These medicines reduce the immune-driven inflammation that causes redness and itch, allowing the skin to recover. Triamcinolone is a mid-potency corticosteroid widely used for stubborn patches on the body; it is generally applied in short courses to avoid thinning the skin. Moisturising regularly between flares helps preserve the skin barrier and reduce how often treatment is needed. For a broader look at products available, see the skin care category.

When to see a doctor

If a rash spreads rapidly, becomes infected, or does not improve after two weeks of treatment, a doctor should review it.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.