Dermatitis literally means “inflammation of the skin”. It is a general term used to describe any skin that may scale, flake, thicken, weep, crust and itch or hurt. The skin will also often change colour and become reddened or less pigmented than the surrounding skin. People often use eczema and dermatitis interchangeably. However, eczema is one subtype of dermatitis called atopic dermatitis. There are many different forms and causes of dermatitis. Because of this, the treatment for dermatitis can also vary. Let's explore some natural support options for the different types of dermatitis to keep your skin healthy.

What Are The Types of Dermatitis?

An immune hypersensitivity reaction causes atopic Dermatitis (eczema). Chemicals or foods can trigger this reaction after inhalation or indigestion. Eczema often occurs alongside asthma and seasonal allergies. Stress and temperature changes commonly worsen symptoms. The rash results in breaks in the skin that can create easy openings for infection. Staphylococcus is a common secondary infection of eczema. Treatment for atopic dermatitis is the removal of the allergic substances from the diet or environment.  When this is not possible, there are supplements that can help to reduce the excessive immune response to help clear the physical symptoms.

Contact Dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin that results from direct skin contact with a particular substance, much like the name implies. This contact can cause irritation or an allergic reaction.  Common causes of irritation are detergents, fabric softeners, soaps, and other chemicals. Irritant dermatitis most commonly appears as a burn on the skin. Allergic reactions can occur with any substance, depending on your body’s unique sensitivity. Some causes of allergic contact dermatitis are far more universal, such as poison ivy, poison oak, and some fragrances.

Seborrheic dermatitis affects the scalp or face. A fungal infection commonly causes this form of skin irritation.

What Are Natural & Conventional Dermatitis Support Options?

Conventional Treatment

Most cases of dermatitis are conventionally treated with the use of corticosteroid cream or oral corticosteroids. This treatment suppresses the immune response and thus can improve the symptoms of dermatitis, but does not treat the underlying cause and will not prevent its reoccurrence. Side effects of this medication include skin-thinning, immune suppression and decreased bone density with prolonged use.

Lifestyle Changes

To fight dermatitis, topically avoid chlorinated tap water for drinking and bathing. Use gloves while handling any substance that irritates the skin.

Avoid perfumes and colourings in laundry and personal hygiene products. Use glycerin and natural soaps to wash your body, face and hair. For dermatitis in the scalp, make a concentrated tea with rosemary, nettle, witch hazel and tea tree oil. Apply it to the scalp after shampooing and leave on for 10-15minutes.  You can also take oatmeal baths to relieve itching.

Natural Dietary Changes For Dermatitis Support

By including detoxifying foods in your diet, like high-fibre foods, and drinking lots of water, you can take an important step in preventing dermatitis. Some foods that people tend to be sensitive to include: dairy products, alcohol, fried foods, products with high sugar content, caffeine, raw eggs, strawberries, peanuts, chocolate and soy. If making small dietary changes does not help, then consider going on a hypoallergenic diet for a minimum of 2 months, where you will eliminate suspect foods entirely. It’s important to eat foods high in zinc, such as sunflower seeds, raw nuts and whole grains. Raw foods like almonds, beets, chard and cashews contain helpful oxalic acid and fruit, like mango and apricot, will provide you with hydration and alpha-hydroxy acids.

Natural Topical Dermatitis Support

There are an incredibly large number of topical treatments on the market for dermatitis. Unfortunately, we must determine the underlying cause to completely eradicate symptoms. While we are figuring out the root cause, topical creams and ointments can help to manage the symptoms. Calendula or vitamin E cream or ointment can be used to help heal the skin more quickly. Application of medicinal clay to the affected area will help to draw out toxins and speed healing. It is important to keep the area moisturized and avoid picking and scratching at scales and dry skin to prevent infection. If an area does become infected, diluted tea tree oil or grapefruit seed extract can be used to clean the area. If your rash persists despite treatment, be sure to get tested by your healthcare practitioner to rule out a fungal infection.