Diseases and Conditions

Dermatitis

Complications

Scratching the itchy rash associated with dermatitis can cause open sores, which may become infected. These skin infections can spread and may very rarely become life-threatening.

In skin of color, dermatitis might cause the affected area to darken or lighten (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation). It might take months or years to return to your usual skin tone.