What causes dermatitis?

Dermatitis is caused by a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, and immune system responses. Common triggers include allergens like nickel, fragrances, latex, and plant pollen that provoke inflammatory reactions when they contact your skin. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly biotin (Vitamin B7) deficiency, can also cause dermatitis by weakening skin barrier function and making your skin more vulnerable to inflammation and irritation.

What is the best test for dermatitis?

The Biotin (Vitamin B7) test is the most important test for dermatitis because it identifies nutritional deficiencies that directly contribute to skin inflammation and barrier dysfunction. Low biotin levels can cause various skin problems including dermatitis, making this test essential for finding treatable underlying causes. For suspected allergic dermatitis, allergen-specific IgG tests like the Allergen Specific IgG Goose Feathers test or comprehensive panels like the Respiratory Allergy Profile can identify specific environmental triggers causing your skin reactions. These tests detect elevated antibody levels to allergens such as pollen, feathers, and grasses that provoke contact dermatitis.

When should I get tested for dermatitis?

You should get tested if you experience persistent red, itchy, or inflamed skin that does not improve with over-the-counter treatments. Testing is especially important if you notice your skin flares up after exposure to specific materials like bedding, outdoor activities, or certain environments, which suggests allergic triggers. You should also consider testing if you have recurring skin rashes, scaling, or blistering that interferes with your daily life, or if you suspect nutritional deficiencies might be contributing to your skin problems.

What are the symptoms of dermatitis?

Dermatitis symptoms include red, inflamed skin that appears swollen and irritated. You might notice intense itching that worsens at night, along with dry, flaky, or scaly patches on your skin. In more severe cases, dermatitis causes small fluid-filled blisters that may ooze or crust over, thickened or leathery skin from chronic scratching, and burning or stinging sensations in affected areas.

Who is at risk for dermatitis?

People with a family history of allergies, asthma, or eczema have a higher genetic risk of developing dermatitis. Those who work in industries with frequent exposure to irritants like hairstylists, healthcare workers, cleaners, and construction workers are at increased risk. Individuals with weakened immune systems, nutritional deficiencies, or who frequently use harsh soaps and detergents are also more susceptible to developing dermatitis.

What happens if dermatitis is left untreated?

Untreated dermatitis can lead to chronic skin thickening and discoloration that becomes harder to reverse over time. Constant scratching creates open wounds that increase your risk of bacterial, viral, or fungal skin infections like staph or herpes simplex. Long-term inflammation can cause permanent scarring, sleep disturbances from nighttime itching, and significant impacts on your quality of life and mental health due to visible skin changes and constant discomfort.

Can dermatitis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Dermatitis is primarily diagnosed through physical examination of your skin and reviewing your medical history, but blood tests play an essential supporting role. Blood tests cannot directly diagnose dermatitis itself, but they identify underlying causes like biotin deficiency through the Biotin (Vitamin B7) test or allergen sensitivities through IgG antibody testing. These tests help your healthcare provider develop targeted treatment plans by pinpointing specific nutritional deficiencies or environmental triggers contributing to your skin inflammation.

How is dermatitis treated?

Dermatitis treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and avoiding triggers identified through testing. Your doctor may prescribe topical corticosteroids to reduce swelling and itching, along with moisturizers to restore your skin barrier. If blood tests reveal biotin deficiency, supplementation can improve skin health, while identifying and avoiding specific allergens through IgG testing helps prevent flare-ups. Antihistamines may help control itching, and in severe cases, immunosuppressant medications or phototherapy may be recommended.

How can I prevent dermatitis?

Prevent dermatitis by identifying and avoiding your specific triggers through allergen testing and keeping a symptom diary. Maintain your skin barrier by using gentle, fragrance-free cleansers and applying moisturizer immediately after bathing while your skin is still damp. Wear protective gloves when handling potential irritants, choose breathable cotton fabrics over synthetic materials, and ensure adequate nutrition including biotin and essential fatty acids to support healthy skin function.

What natural remedies help with dermatitis?

Natural remedies that help manage dermatitis include applying colloidal oatmeal baths to soothe inflamed skin and reduce itching. Coconut oil acts as a natural moisturizer with antimicrobial properties that can help prevent skin infections in damaged areas. Aloe vera gel provides cooling relief and promotes healing, while omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil supplements support skin barrier function and reduce inflammation. Cold compresses can provide immediate relief from itching and swelling during flare-ups.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Dermatitis Blood Test | Private MD Labs

Dermatitis Blood Test

What is Dermatitis?

Dermatitis is inflammation of the skin that causes redness, itching, swelling, and sometimes blistering or scaling. It is caused by allergen exposure, nutrient deficiencies like biotin, or immune system reactions to environmental triggers. The Biotin (Vitamin B7) test is the most important test for dermatitis because it identifies nutritional deficiencies that directly contribute to skin inflammation.

Written by Private MD Labs Medical Team

Last updated: December 30, 2025

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]