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Dermatitis & Eczema
Dermatitis and eczema are terms used to describe inflammations of the skin. They are not separate conditions as the terms are often used interchangeably to describe conditions where the skin becomes red, itchy and inflamed. Dermatitis is a symptom rather than a disease. Several types of dermatitis can occur but are usually caused by contact with chemicals or substances that cause an allergic reaction in the body resulting in scaling, flaking or thickening of the skin, rashes that can cause redness and ooze fluid as the body floods the skin with blood.
Most cases of dermatitis, especially contact dermatitis are caused by lifestyle factors such as household chemicals and plants. The cause of dermatitis must first be identified and removed before treatment can be successful. Keeping a symptom diary will help to pinpoint allergens in your diet or environment. If you suspect an allergy to a chemical or cosmetic, try an at-home patch test by applying a small amount of the suspected irritant to a spot on your arm or back for seven days. With suspected food allergies, try giving up the food and see if the symptoms go away. Then add the food back in to see if the symptoms return.
Types of Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis
Contact Dermatits is the most common form of dermatitis or eczema. It is usually caused by an allergic reaction to something that has touched the skin, such as dishwashing liquid or other household chemicals. The resulting rash is usually restricted to the area exposed to the irritant.
Nummular dermatitis
Nummular (or coin-shaped) dermatitis is common in middle-aged people who have dry skin or live in dry environments; it is characterised by red, itchy, circular sections of weeping, scaly, or encrusted skin It is also known as discoid eczema.. Small round or oval patches with tiny blisters, scabs, and scales can affect any part of the body, especially the lower legs. They can be itchy but not always. The patches last for weeks or months but clear up, leaving marks which can be either dark or pale. The cause is not known but may be a reaction of the body to overly dry skin. They are difficult to treat, but skin moisturisers may help. Other treatments include antibiotics taken by mouth, corticosteroid creams and injections, and phototherapy (exposure to ultraviolet light).
Nummular dermatitis can be caused by stress, living in a dry environment or even taking too many very hot showers To help dry the sores of nummular dermatitis, soak the area in salt water, then apply corticosteroid cream.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Cradle cap or seborrheic dermatitis occurs most commonly in babies and consists of greasy, yellowish scales on the scalp and eyebrows, behind the ears, and around the nose
- Seborrheic dermatitis or cradle cap has been linked to a deficiency of biotin (one of the B group of vitamins), and with over-production by oil glands. Stress may also play a role in seborrheic dermatitis.
- Seborrheic dermatitis may respond to coal tar-based shampoos and lotions.
Stasis Dermatitis
- Stasis dermatitis occurs on the inside of the lower legs and around the ankles, and is characterised by scaling, greasy-looking, sometimes ulcerated skin
- Stasis dermatitis is caused by poor circulation and pooling of the blood in the lower limbs.
- Wearing support stockings and regularly elevating the legs will help to improve blood flow and reduce the symptoms of stasis dermatitis.
Atopic Dermatitis
- Atopic dermatitis, or eczema normally starts in infancy and is an extremely itchy, allergic condition that normally occurs in the bends of the elbows and knees or on the face
- Atopic dermatitis is a hereditary allergic condition; other family members often have history of allergy or asthma. It may be triggered by stress, by food allergy (dairy foods and wheat products are common allergens), or by airborne allergens such as pet hair.
- Evening primrose oil has been shown in clinical trials to be of value in the reduction of symptom of atopic eczema such as skin dryness, itching and inflammation.
Other Natural therapies
- Taking a Zinc supplement can assist with skin healing
- Vitamin B Complex, along with magnesium is an effective way to improve your body's ability to cope with stress.
Preventive measures include:
- Wearing natural loose-fitting clothing
- Avoiding plated jewellery and watches
- Lubricating your skin after bathing using an unscented, preservative-free lotion or ointment
- Using a humidifier at home and at work to keep the air moist
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