Dermatitis is a general term that describes
an inflammation of the skin. Dermatitis can have many causes and occurs in many
forms. It usually involves an itchy rash on swollen, reddened skin.
Skin affected by dermatitis may blister,
ooze, develop a crust or flake off. Examples of dermatitis include atopic
dermatitis (eczema), dandruff, and rashes caused by contact with any of a
number of substances, such as poison ivy, soaps and jewelry with nickel in it.
Dermatitis is a common condition that's not
contagious and usually isn't life-threatening. Even so, it can make you feel
uncomfortable and self-conscious. A combination of self-care steps and
medications can help you treat dermatitis.
Symptoms
Each type of dermatitis may look a little
different and may tend to occur on different parts of your body. The most
common types of dermatitis include:
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema). Usually beginning in infancy, this
red, itchy rash most commonly occurs where the skin flexes — inside the
elbows, behind the knees and the front of the neck. When scratched, the
rash can leak fluid and crust over. People with atopic dermatitis may
experience improvement and then flare-ups.
- Contact dermatitis. This rash occurs on areas of the body that
have come into contact with substances that either irritate the skin or
cause an allergic reaction, such as poison ivy. The red rash may burn,
sting or itch. Blisters may develop.
- Seborrheic dermatitis. This condition causes scaly patches, red
skin and stubborn dandruff. It usually affects oily areas of the body,
such as the face, upper chest and back. It can be a long-term condition
with periods of remission and flare-ups. In infants, this disorder is
known as cradle cap.
Causes
A number of health conditions, allergies,
genetic factors and irritants can cause different types of dermatitis:
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema). This form of dermatitis is likely
related to a mix of factors, including dry skin, a gene variation, an
immune system dysfunction, bacteria on the skin and environmental
conditions.
- Contact dermatitis. This condition results from direct contact
with one of many irritants or allergens — such as poison ivy, jewelry
containing nickel, cleaning products, perfumes, cosmetics, and even
preservatives in many creams and lotions.
- Seborrheic dermatitis. This condition may be caused by a yeast
(fungus) that is in the oil secretion on the skin. People with seborrheic
dermatitis may notice their condition tends to come and go depending on
the season.
Remedies for Dermatitis
1.
Coconut Oil
The amazing
antimicrobial and moisturizing properties of coconut oil can greatly help deal
with the problem of dermatitis. It can significantly reduce redness, scaling
and dryness within a few days.
Gently apply
some warm coconut oil on the affected area to soften the skin. For best
results, use virgin coconut oil daily before going to bed.
2.
Oatmeal
An oatmeal
bath can help treat skin irritation, itching and rashes. It will also help keep
your skin moisturized.
- Mix one cup of fine powdered oatmeal
in lukewarm bath water.
- Soak in this bath water for 15 to 20
minutes daily.
- Repeat this remedy daily for one
month.
3. Apple
Cider Vinegar
Another
effective ingredient that can be used for treating dermatitis is apple cider
vinegar. It will relieve inflammation and itchiness.
- Mix equal parts of apple cider vinegar
and water. Use a cotton ball to apply this solution on the affected
skin. Allow it to sit for about 30 minutes, and then clean the area with a
damp cotton cloth. Repeat this remedy daily for a few weeks to see positive
results.
- Another option is to consume two
teaspoons of apple cider vinegar mixed in a glass of water two or three
times daily.
4. Aloe
Vera
Aloe vera is
widely used in the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions like dermatitis.
This will help to restore the pH balance of your skin and relieve the itching
sensation and skin irritation. It also has moisturizing and antimicrobial
properties.
- Apply fresh aloe vera gel several
times a day for a few months to get rid of dermatitis.
- You can also drink a few ounces
of aloe vera juice to enjoy healthy and glowing skin.
5.
Vitamin E
One of the
best and easiest home remedies for dermatitis is vitamin E oil. This oil
promotes healing and provides relief from itching and inflammation.
So, apply
vitamin E oil on your skin, especially at night before going to bed. You
can also try lotions and creams containing vitamin E.
Regular
consumption of foods rich in vitamin E, such as sunflower seeds, wheat
germ oil, peanut butter and corn, can also help prevent eczema.
6. Honey
Honey is a
very commonly used ingredient that can help reduce the inflammatory condition
of the skin. It also has antiseptic and antibacterial properties.
- Mix equal parts of raw honey, beeswax
and olive oil. Heat the mixture in a double-boiler to make an
ointment. When it cools, apply it to your skin and leave it on for several
hours. Do this daily for several weeks to notice positive improvement
in your skin condition.
- When dealing with radiation-induced
dermatitis, applying manuka honey twice daily has been found to be
beneficial.
7.
Chamomile
The
therapeutic properties of chamomile flowers can have a soothing effect on
the affected skin.
- Steep two or three teaspoons of
chamomile flowers in a cup of water for 10 to 15 minutes. Cool the
solution. Now, dip a piece of clean cloth in it, place on the affected
area and leave it on for 20 minutes. Do this a few times daily until you
are satisfied with the results.
- Alternatively, you can use a chamomile
cream a few times a day or mix five to 10 drops of chamomile essential oil
in your bath water and soak in it for about 20 minutes daily until you get
relief.
Note: Perform
a patch test before using chamomile on your skin to rule out the possibility of
it causing an allergic skin reaction.
8. Neem
Indian lilac
or neem leaves can also be used to treat the problem of dermatitis to a great
extent. It will help restore your skin’s health and protect it from various
infections.
- Mix one tablespoon each of sesame oil
and turmeric powder in one tablespoon of ground neem leaves. Apply this
paste on the affected skin and leave it on for a few hours before washing
it off. Do this daily for a few months.
- Another option is to add a few drops
of neem oil to warm bath water and soak in it for about 20 minutes daily
until you get relief.
REMEMBER
A number of
factors can increase your risk of developing certain types of dermatitis.
Examples include:
- Age. Dermatitis can occur at any age, but atopic
dermatitis (eczema) usually begins in infancy.
- Allergies and asthma. People who have a personal or
family history of eczema, allergies, hay fever or asthma are more likely
to develop atopic dermatitis.
- Occupation. Jobs that put you in contact with certain
metals, solvents or cleaning supplies increase your risk of contact
dermatitis. Being a health care worker is linked to hand eczema.
- Health conditions. You may be at increased risk of seborrheic dermatitis if you have one of a number of conditions, such as congestive heart failure, Parkinson's disease and HIV infection