Natural Treatments for Dermatitis

Dermatitis is characterised by dry, itchy, inflamed skin that sometimes sports blisters and 'crusts'. There are numerous types of dermatitis, including eczema, but the underlying cause in all circumstances is the skin's inability to repair damage to the skin barrier, causing moisture to leave. This makes the skin dry, scaly and irritated.

What are the Symptoms of Dermatitis?

Although there are many types of contact dermatitis, they all have similar symptoms: scaling on the surface of the skin accompanied by redness and irritation. In more severe cases, some individuals may experience watery eyes or nasal congestion as a result of skin inflammation.

The severity of a person's symptoms can range from a small rash that causes mild irritation to atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions that can cause extreme discomfort and scarring. Although there is no miracle cure for dermatitis, natural therapies can help manage it.

In addition to being incredibly irritating for those who suffer from them, dermatitis outbreaks can also be embarrassing as those with this condition will often find themselves scratching away on their itchy rash without thinking too much about what other people might think of them. However, this itchiness tends to stem from the natural fight or flight response that your body uses to protect itself from predators.

Natural Treatments for Dermatitis

Individuals with dermatitis suffer frequent skin inflammation, which can be caused by many things, including allergies, dryness, chemicals and stress. Natural medicine is often the most effective treatment for contact dermatitis as it stops not only the symptoms but ensures that flare-ups no longer occur. Let's now explore some natural remedies for dermatitis.

Acupuncture

To treat dermatitis, an acupuncturist aims to correct imbalances in the total body, not just the skin. They tailor treatments according to an individual's specific condition, however, most people suffering from dermatitis have an imbalance of qi (energy). Treatments will likely include needling at points for moving and boosting the qi as well as clearing heat in the body. Your acupuncturist may also recommend herbs such as ginseng and licorice to boost the qi and regulate the immune system.

Nutrition

Dermatitis can be triggered by certain foods, especially in children. If you know the food that triggers your eczema flares or another type of dermatitis, remove it from your diet. Common triggers include dairy products, wheat, yeast and tomatoes. If you don't know which specific food triggers your dermatitis it's best to see a nutritionist or dietitian who can help you eliminate particular foods. Adding essential fatty acids, Vitamins A, B and E and zinc to your diet can also help. Some people swear by natural yoghurt  - it can be eaten and also smeared on the body – for its healing and soothing properties. You should always see a nutritionist or naturopath before eliminating any foods or adding supplements to your diet.

Herbal medicine

Your herbalist or Chinese medicine practitioner will use plant-based remedies and extracts to help ease the symptoms of dermatitis. They may prescribe burdock and red clover to strengthen the liver and licorice root and calendula for their anti-inflammatory properties. It is important that you consult with a certified herbalist and your doctor rather than use any herbal products on your own to treat dermatitis, especially if you are taking other medications, to avoid potential drug interactions.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy uses a range of plant-based essential oils to effect recovery and healing.  Essential oils may be beneficial in reducing skin irritation and itching, and it may soothe and moisturise the skin's protective barrier. An aromatherapist might use geranium, neroli, lavender, myrrh and rose in their treatment. Many of them would also recommend the topical application of aloe vera juice, an effective herbal treatment for itchy skin. Several other herbal substances that may help address the symptoms of contact dermatitis include witch hazel, St. John's wort oil, calendula and chamomile, to name a few. These herbal remedies act as natural analgesics and contain anti-inflammatory properties. 

Homoeopathy

Homoeopathy uses specific remedies of plant and mineral extracts to stimulate the natural healing ability of the body. Each remedy is tailored to each individual, but common prescriptions for treating dermatitis include graphites and sulphur.

Light therapy

While natural sunlight is one of the best ways to get Vitamin D, which is critical to healthy nerve and cell function, light therapy can also ease symptoms of eczema and other skin conditions.

Lifestyle Changes to Manage Dermatitis

Like with most health issues, making simple changes to your lifestyle can make a big improvement to your skin. These are simple yet effective ways to achieve it:

• Avoid the irritant: If you know which irritating substance causes your dermatitis, avoid it. Common irritants include cleaning products, detergents, soaps, rubber, metal (especially nickel) and cosmetics.
• Avoid hot water: Take warm, not hot, baths or showers and don't stay in for too long. Use soap-free products and pat dry, don't rub. Apply moisturiser immediately and reapply several times throughout the day. For irritated skin, add oatmeal to your bath for relief from many of the symptoms associated with atopic dermatitis or contact dermatitis. This natural remedy moisturises dry skin as well as provides relief from itchiness and inflammation associated with these conditions. 
• Wear natural fibres: Choose clothing made from soft, smooth, natural fibres such as cotton and bamboo. Avoid tight-fitting, synthetic clothes. Always wash new clothes before wearing them. Use a mild washing powder and rinse thoroughly. Some people find that rinsing their washing twice is beneficial.
• Avoid stress: Reducing stress levels by managing your emotional state through relaxation techniques, such as yoga, meditation and tai chi, as well as practising good sleep hygiene, is also important to avoid flare-ups.

Dermatitis can be painful, irritating and embarrassing. By incorporating changes into your life, you and your natural healthcare practitioner can help manage and improve your skin and your overall wellbeing.