Natural Treatment for Dermatitis

Treatment for Dermatitis

Treatment for dermatitis depends on the type, severity of symptoms, and causes. The first step is to avoid anything that causes dermatitis. It can be stress, chemicals, tobacco smoke, and/or a range of other irritants that cause or worsen your dermatitis. The second step is to try medications. The third step is your medication being prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Below are different approaches to the treatment of dermatitis:

• Medications help to reduce allergies and itching, like an antihistamine such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
• Phototherapy, or exposing affected areas to controlled amounts of light
• Topical creams with a steroid, like hydrocortisone, to relieve itchiness and inflammation
• Creams or lotions for dry skin
• Antibiotics or antifungal medications are given only if an infection has developed. 
• Home remedies may include applying cool, wet cloths to the skin to reduce itching and discomfort. 

Natural remedies are another treatment for dermatitis that has been proven to be effective in treating the different types of dermatitis.

What is Dermatitis?

“Dermatitis” is a word used to describe a number of skin irritations and rashes caused by genetics, an overactive immune system, infections, allergies, irritating substances, and more. In the word “dermatitis,” “derm” means “skin” and “itis” means “inflammation.” The word as a whole means “inflammation of the skin.” The rashes range from mild to severe and can cause a variety of problems, depending on their cause.

Dermatitis is a general term that describes skin irritation. Dermatitis is a common condition that has many causes and occurs in many forms. It usually involves itchy, dry skin or a rash on swollen, reddened skin. Or it may cause the skin to blister, ooze, crust, or flake off.

Don’t be confused if your doctor calls your condition eczema. Generally speaking, dermatitis and eczema are almost the same conditions and not always we can separate one from another. Examples include atopic dermatitis (eczema), contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff). These conditions cause red rashes, dry skin, and itchiness among other symptoms.

Dermatitis isn’t contagious, but it can make you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious. It causes no serious harm to your body. It is not contagious, and it does not mean that your skin is unclean or infected.

Types of Dermatitis

The types of dermatitis include, but are not limited to:

Atopic dermatitis

Also called eczema, this skin condition is usually inherited and develops during infancy. Someone with eczema will likely experience rough patches of dry, itchy skin.

Contact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis happens when a substance touches your skin and causes an allergic reaction or irritation. These reactions can develop further into rashes that burn, sting, itch, or blister.

Dyshidrotic dermatitis

In this type of dermatitis, the skin can’t protect itself. This results in itchy, dry skin, often accompanied by small blisters. It occurs mainly on the feet and hands.

Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is also called dandruff, seborrheic eczema, and seborrheic psoriasis. For infants, the condition is known as cradle cap and causes crusty, scaly patches on the scalp.

Neurodermatitis

This type involves an itchy patch of skin, often triggered by stress or something irritating the skin.

Nummular dermatitis

Nummular dermatitis involves oval sores on the skin, often occurring after a skin injury.

Stasis dermatitis

This type involves skin changes due to poor blood circulation.

Dermatitis neglecta

Dermatitis neglecta refers to a skin condition that results from not practicing good hygiene habits.

Symptoms of Dermatitis

The symptoms of dermatitis depend on the type of dermatitis. You may have one type of dermatitis, or you may have several at the same time. Each type may have one or more of the following symptoms:

• Red rashes and bumps.
• Rashes that look and/or feel like a burn.
• Dry skin.
• Fluid-filled blisters.
• Thickening, hardening, and swelling skin.
• Crusting, scaling, and creasing the skin.
• Itching

Common Types of Dermatitis:

• Atopic dermatitis (eczema). Atopic dermatitis happens when there is damage to the skin barrier. This causes the skin to become inflamed, red, dry, bumpy, and itchy.
• Contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is an allergic or irritant reaction that causes a painful or itchy skin rash. As the name suggests, you get contact dermatitis from coming into contact with an allergen. Examples include an allergen like poison ivy and an irritant like a chemical.
• Cradle cap (infant seborrheic dermatitis). A cradle cap is a harmless skin condition on the scalp of a baby that appears as yellow scaly patches surrounded by a red rash.
• Diaper dermatitis (rash). As the name suggests, diaper dermatitis is when a rash appears on any part of a baby’s skin covered by a diaper. The skin gets broken down by wetness, movement, and waste products.
• Dyshidrotic dermatitis. This type of dermatitis causes itchy blisters on the edges of your fingers, palms, toes, and the soles of your feet. The blisters can be painful.
• This type of dermatitis is caused by intense itching that irritates the nerve endings of the skin.
• Nummular dermatitis. If you have circular, itchy spots on your skin, you might have nummular dermatitis. Your skin gets dry and itchy and you may get open sores.
• Periorificial dermatitis: Periorificial dermatitis looks like acne or rosacea. It develops around your mouth, eyes, and nose.
• Seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff). Seborrheic dermatitis (called dandruff when it’s on your head) appears as red, dry, flaky, itchy skin on your scalp and other parts of your body.
• Stasis dermatitis. Dermatitis of this type is caused by a problem with blood flow in your veins. Your ankles may swell and there may be scaling, itching, pain, and open sores.

Causes of Dermatitis

The causes of dermatitis vary depending on the type. Some types, like dyshidrotic eczema, neurodermatitis, and nummular dermatitis, may have unknown causes. The common causes of dermatitis include:

Immune system.

Sometimes your immune system overreacts. If you have atopic dermatitis, your immune system reacts to seemingly small irritants or allergens. This causes inflammation.

Genetics.

Researchers have observed that if others in your family have dermatitis, you’re more likely to have it. Additionally, experts have identified changes to genes that control a protein that helps your body maintain healthy skin. Your skin cannot remain healthy without normal levels of that protein.

Environment.

Your environment may make your immune system change the protective barrier of your skin. That causes more moisture to escape, and that can lead to dermatitis. Possible environmental factors include exposure to tobacco smoke and some types of air pollutants. Fragrances in some skin products and soap are also possible.

Exposure.

Some types of dermatitis are caused by exposure to chemicals and other irritants. Perioral dermatitis, for example, maybe caused by exposure to fluoride in water or toothpaste.

Natural Treatment for Dermatitis  

Eczema and dermatitis sufferers commonly use ointments and creams, natural herbal products, and a special diet to control or prevent flare-ups of dermatitis, especially in winter, when symptoms are worst. Natural substances such as aloe vera gel and coconut oil can moisturize dry, damaged skin. They can also fight inflammation and harmful bacteria, reducing swelling and preventing infection.

Natural remedies can cure dermatitis, but in most stubborn cases, they can help manage symptoms and prevent flare-ups. In this article, we will look at the best natural remedies for dermatitis. Based on the results of the research published in the journal Trials, “The foundation of all treatments is the regular use of leave-in emollients to preserve and restore skin’s moisture.”

Treatments for eczema and treatment for dermatitis usually fall into two categories:

• Moisturizers to relieve dryness and itching
• Anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling, itching, and redness

People often apply moisturizers and anti-inflammatory creams directly to the skin, such as creams or ointments. It is possible to take some anti-inflammatory drugs by mouth. Some common approaches to the natural treatment for dermatitis are listed below:

Natural Treatment for Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis, also known as dandruff, is an inflammatory skin disease. It most often affects the scalp and causes scaly, red patches to appear. These patches may also appear on the face and upper body. These are areas with many sebaceous glands, which produce oil. Natural treatment for seborrheic dermatitis can limit the exposure of seborrheic dermatitis, with fewer side effects. Natural treatment for seborrheic dermatitis can help you find relief more quickly.

Home Remedies for Seborrheic Dermatitis

Home remedies are one of the natural remedies for seborrheic dermatitis that can help reduce the symptoms.

Warm olive oil

• Applying warm olive oil to the scalp is a home remedy for seborrheic dermatitis that can help soften and loosen itchy crusts and scales on the surface of the skin. Warm up the olive oil in the hands before applying it to the scalp, and massage it into the skin. Leave the olive oil on the scalp for several hours before washing it out using a medicated shampoo such as coal tar or salicylic acid.

Apple cider vinegar

• Apple cider vinegar contains high levels of a natural substance called acetic acid. People have used this acid as a wound disinfectant for thousands of years due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. Apple cider vinegar may be particularly effective in relieving psoriasis-related scalp itch. The National Psoriasis Foundation says that some people dilute the vinegar in water using a ratio of 1 part vinegar to 1 part water. Wash it out with warm water after a few minutes or after it has dried.

Peppermint oil

• Peppermint oil contains a high concentration of a natural substance called menthol. Menthol has a cooling effect on the skin, and it may be particularly helpful in relieving itching caused by skin allergies.

Home Remedies for Atopic Dermatitis

Home remedies for atopic dermatitis can help relieve the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Some natural products can help lock in moisture and relieve itchiness. According to the National Eczema Association, common home remedies for atopic dermatitis that evidence has shown to be effective include:

Coconut oil

• Apply virgin or cold-pressed coconut oil directly to eczema to moisturize the area and reduce bacteria. Use it once or twice per day on damp skin.

Sunflower oil

• Sunflower oil may help improve the skin’s protective barrier and reduce inflammation. Apply it twice a day.

Cardiospermum 

• Cardiospermum is a plant extract that can reduce inflammation, itchiness, and bacteria on the skin.

Acupuncture for Seborrheic Dermatitis – An Ancient Chinese Treatment for Dermatitis

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine-based approach to treating a variety of conditions including seborrheic dermatitis. In research carried out among 30 people, acupuncture for seborrheic dermatitis shows the relief of symptoms in 26 people out of the 30. This shows that acupuncture for seborrheic dermatitis is an effective treatment for SB.

Homeopathy for Seborrheic Dermatitis – #1 Natural Treatment for Dermatitis

Homeopathy is a holistic treatment for seborrheic dermatitis that works wonderfully well in treating seborrheic dermatitis. Homeopathy for seborrheic dermatitis treats both acute and chronic seborrheic dermatitis effectively. To start with, homeopathy for seborrheic dermatitis reduces the intensity and frequency of flare-up of seborrheic dermatitis.

In time, the condition is treated. Also, these medicines boost the self-healing mechanism of the body, thus making it strong enough to fight seborrheic dermatitis on its own. Below are homeopathic remedies for seborrheic dermatitis:

Kali Sulphuricum 

• Kali Sulphuricum is the top choice of medicine for homeopathy for seborrheic dermatitis. It works wonders in seborrheic dermatitis cases with prominent yellow flakes on the scalp.

Thuja Occidentalis 

• Thuja Occidentalis is a well-indicated medicine for seborrheic dermatitis with white flakes on the scalp. The hair may be dry in such cases. In a few cases, split ends and falling of hair may be noted.

Graphites Naturalis 

• Graphites Naturalis is an effective medicine for seborrheic dermatitis where the scales on the scalp are accompanied by intense itching. The scales reduce after washing but reappear.

Homeopathic Remedies are the Safest Approach to Treatment for Dermatitis

Perioral dermatitis refers to a rash that appears on the skin around the mouth. In some cases, the rash may even spread to the nose or eyes. Homeopathic remedies for perioral dermatitis help to heal the rash and bumps (either with watery content of pus) on the skin in perioral dermatitis in a very effective manner. 

Homeopathic remedies for perioral dermatitis also help to control the attending symptoms of burning and itching excellently. Below are homeopathic remedies for perioral dermatitis:

Apis Mellifica

• Apis Mellifica is an excellent homeopathy remedy for dermatitis when there is marked burning and stinging sensation in the rash.

Graphites

• Graphites is the next beneficial homeopathic remedy for dermatitis. Its use is considered when sticky discharge from eruptions is prominent in perioral dermatitis.

Rhus Tox

• Homeopathic medicine Rhus Tox is prepared from fresh leaves of a plant named Rhus Toxicodendron. Rhus Tox is another helpful medicine for treating perioral dermatitis with the presence of fluid-filled eruptions around the mouth.

Naturopathic Treatment for Dermatitis in Philadelphia

The above-mentioned natural remedies for dermatitis can effectively reduce the discomfort caused by the symptoms and also treat the condition. After continued treatment, you will see a drastic improvement in your condition. These drugs have no known side effects and can be particularly helpful for people who are allergic to or cannot tolerate certain allopathic drugs.

If you still don’t see any results, you need to contact a specialist right away as this may be an indication of more serious problems. For a professional holistic evaluation with Dr. Tsan and to discuss which treatment approach is the best for you, contact the Philadelphia Acupuncture Clinic or use our online scheduling application.