Herbal Remedies for Dermatitis

21 Jun

Posted by Dr John Anne as Uncategorized

Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that causes itching, redness, and skin lesions. It’s difficult even for dermatologists to uncover the source of this bothersome skin problem. Some obvious causes, though, are contact with an irritant such as poison oak or ivy, harsh chemicals, or anything to which one is allergic. Stress also seems to be a contributing factor in many types of dermatitis. Essential oils that counter stress, soothe inflammation and itching, soften roughness, and are both antiseptic and drying are used to treat these skin conditions.

Different Types Of Dermatitis:

Contact dermatitis: Refers to an allergic reaction to something that irritates the skin and is manifested by one or more lines of red, swollen, blistered skin that may itch or be watery. This commonly appears within 48 hours after coming into contact with a substance to which the skin is sensitive. The condition is more common in adults than in children.

Atopic dermatitis is characterized by itching, scaling, swelling, and sometimes blistering. In early childhood it is called infantile eczema and is characterized by redness, oozing, and crusting. It is usually found on the face, inside the elbows, and behind the knees.

Stasis dermatitis: This type is distinguished by scaly, greasy-appearing skin on the lower legs and around the ankles. Stasis dermatitis generally affects the inner side of the calf.

Possible Causes of Eczema / Dermatitis:

Atopic eczema is the most common form of eczema and is closely linked with asthma and hay fever. Atopic eczema can affect both children and adults, and it usually runs in families. One of the most common symptoms of atopic eczema is its itchiness (or pruritis), which can be almost unbearable. Other symptoms include overall dryness of the skin, redness and inflammation. Constant scratching can also cause the skin to split, leaving it prone to infection. In infected eczema, the skin may crack and weep (‘wet’ eczema). Treatments include emollients to maintain skin hydration and steroids to reduce inflammation.

Allergic contact dermatitis develops when the body’s immune system reacts against a substance in contact with the skin. The allergic reaction often develops over a period of time through repeated contact with the substance. For example, an allergic reaction may occur to nickel, which is often found in earrings, belt buckles and jeans buttons. Reactions can also occur after contact with other substances, such as perfumes and rubber. In order to prevent repeated reactions it is best to prevent contact with anything that you know causes a rash.

Irritant contact dermatitis is a type of eczema caused by frequent contact with everyday substances, such as detergents and chemicals, that irritate the skin. Irritant contact dermatitis most commonly occurs on the hands of adults and can be prevented by avoiding the irritants and keeping the skin moisturized.

Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to treat skin disorders including contact dermatitis. An experienced herbalist can recommend the remedies that will be most effective for an individual’s condition. Among the herbs often recommended are:burdock (Arctium lappa) minimizes inflammation and boosts the immune system. It is taken internally as a tea or tincture (a concentrated herbal extract prepared with alcohol). calendula (Calendula officinalis) is a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agent. It is applied topically in a lotion, ointment, or oil to the affected area. aloe (Aloe barbadensis) soothes skin irritations. The gel is applied topically to the affected area