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Introduction
Dermatitis is an inflammatory condition of the skin which produces scaling, flaking, thickening, colour changes and itching. The most common forms of Dermatitis are Contact Dermatitis and Atopic Dermatitis.
About
Contact Dermatitis occurs when one or more external substances cause a reaction on the skin. It may be described as Irritant Contact Dermatitis or Allergic Contact Dermatitis depending on the reaction. Common contact allergens and irritants include: cosmetics, perfumes, hair dyes, shampoos, toothpastes, deodorants, soaps, insecticides, aerosol sprays, detergents, epoxy resins (also resins in nasal sprays), nickel (present in jewellery, jean studs, bra clips and zippers), wool alcohols (lanolin, cosmetics and creams), rubber chemicals (clothing, shoes and tyres), solvents, abrasive dusts, acids, alkalis, lead, copper, cadmium and mercury.
Atopic Dermatitis commonly occurs during infancy. It is usually found on the face, wrists and inside the elbows and knees. It is a hereditary condition and is often associated with asthma, hay fever, hives and food allergies. Atopic Eczema may involve dysfunctional immune system activity (elevated levels of IgA antibodies). The bacteria Staphlycoccus aureus, is often present in atopic Dermatitis. Other immune abnormalities may also be present such as warts and herpes simplex.
Other forms of Dermatitis include nummular Dermatitis (coin-shaped), Dermatitis herpetiformis, seborrhoeic Dermatitis and perioral Dermatitis.
Cause
The causes of Dermatitis can vary and depend on the type and location of the disorder. Numerous factors may provoke or aggravate the condition. Factors affecting Dermatitis include:
- An abnormal functioning of the body's inflammatory process. This is thought to be the cause of most cases.
- Immune system defects.
- Hot and humid conditions/Cold, dry conditions caused by the weather or air-conditioning.
- Stress and emotions.
- Contact with irritants.
- Family history of Dermatitis, allergies and asthma.
- Food allergies and also allergies to medication.
- Low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria). This may also be associated with food allergies.
- Chlorinated water.
Health care
Often a Doctor will prescribe a steroidal cream (such as cortisone cream) which may help reduce inflammation and provide symptomatic relief. If the condition is due to an allergic reaction it is important to identify the allergen and reduce or eliminate contact with it. Use bath oils (such as cold pressed linseed oil) to reduce water loss from skin. Dabbing the skin dry rather than rubbing it, may increase the amount of oil left on the skin. Emollients and moisturisers in the form of creams, ointments and lotions may reduce water loss from the skin. Systemic antihistamines may help to reduce itching. Topical antihistamines should be avoided.
Diet tips
- If you suspect that certain foods may be causing an allergic type of Dermatitis seek the advice of a Dietitian.
- Essential fatty acids are important for maintaining healthy skin and to reduce inflammation. The best sources include; fish, (especially tuna, salmon, halibut and sardines), nuts, seeds and vegetable oils.
- Try to include pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds daily. These contain zinc and vitamin B6 which are needed for the immune system and for the metabolism of essential fatty acids.
- Mangos, carrots and apricots are thought to be good for skin conditions because of their high amounts of vitamin A and beta-carotene.
Vits/mins/herbs
See the topic Eczema - Supplements.
- Vitamin A supplementation may be beneficial. Vitamin A is needed for smooth skin and is an anti-inflammatory agent. It aids in preventing dry skin.
- B group vitamins are thought to be beneficial for healthy skin, circulation and cell reproduction. A high-stress, yeast-free formula is advised.
- Fish oil (MaxEPA) promotes lubrication of the skin and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Zinc is thought to aid healing and enhance immune function.
- Chickweed herb is thought to help inflammatory skin conditions.
- Digestive enzymes may be beneficial for Dermatitis.
Yahoohealth.com
Dermatitis is an inflammatory condition of the skin which produces scaling, flaking, thickening, colour changes and itching. The most common forms of Dermatitis are Contact Dermatitis and Atopic Dermatitis.
About
Contact Dermatitis occurs when one or more external substances cause a reaction on the skin. It may be described as Irritant Contact Dermatitis or Allergic Contact Dermatitis depending on the reaction. Common contact allergens and irritants include: cosmetics, perfumes, hair dyes, shampoos, toothpastes, deodorants, soaps, insecticides, aerosol sprays, detergents, epoxy resins (also resins in nasal sprays), nickel (present in jewellery, jean studs, bra clips and zippers), wool alcohols (lanolin, cosmetics and creams), rubber chemicals (clothing, shoes and tyres), solvents, abrasive dusts, acids, alkalis, lead, copper, cadmium and mercury.
Atopic Dermatitis commonly occurs during infancy. It is usually found on the face, wrists and inside the elbows and knees. It is a hereditary condition and is often associated with asthma, hay fever, hives and food allergies. Atopic Eczema may involve dysfunctional immune system activity (elevated levels of IgA antibodies). The bacteria Staphlycoccus aureus, is often present in atopic Dermatitis. Other immune abnormalities may also be present such as warts and herpes simplex.
Other forms of Dermatitis include nummular Dermatitis (coin-shaped), Dermatitis herpetiformis, seborrhoeic Dermatitis and perioral Dermatitis.
Cause
The causes of Dermatitis can vary and depend on the type and location of the disorder. Numerous factors may provoke or aggravate the condition. Factors affecting Dermatitis include:
- An abnormal functioning of the body's inflammatory process. This is thought to be the cause of most cases.
- Immune system defects.
- Hot and humid conditions/Cold, dry conditions caused by the weather or air-conditioning.
- Stress and emotions.
- Contact with irritants.
- Family history of Dermatitis, allergies and asthma.
- Food allergies and also allergies to medication.
- Low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria). This may also be associated with food allergies.
- Chlorinated water.
Health care
Often a Doctor will prescribe a steroidal cream (such as cortisone cream) which may help reduce inflammation and provide symptomatic relief. If the condition is due to an allergic reaction it is important to identify the allergen and reduce or eliminate contact with it. Use bath oils (such as cold pressed linseed oil) to reduce water loss from skin. Dabbing the skin dry rather than rubbing it, may increase the amount of oil left on the skin. Emollients and moisturisers in the form of creams, ointments and lotions may reduce water loss from the skin. Systemic antihistamines may help to reduce itching. Topical antihistamines should be avoided.
Diet tips
- If you suspect that certain foods may be causing an allergic type of Dermatitis seek the advice of a Dietitian.
- Essential fatty acids are important for maintaining healthy skin and to reduce inflammation. The best sources include; fish, (especially tuna, salmon, halibut and sardines), nuts, seeds and vegetable oils.
- Try to include pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds daily. These contain zinc and vitamin B6 which are needed for the immune system and for the metabolism of essential fatty acids.
- Mangos, carrots and apricots are thought to be good for skin conditions because of their high amounts of vitamin A and beta-carotene.
Vits/mins/herbs
See the topic Eczema - Supplements.
- Vitamin A supplementation may be beneficial. Vitamin A is needed for smooth skin and is an anti-inflammatory agent. It aids in preventing dry skin.
- B group vitamins are thought to be beneficial for healthy skin, circulation and cell reproduction. A high-stress, yeast-free formula is advised.
- Fish oil (MaxEPA) promotes lubrication of the skin and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
- Zinc is thought to aid healing and enhance immune function.
- Chickweed herb is thought to help inflammatory skin conditions.
- Digestive enzymes may be beneficial for Dermatitis.
Yahoohealth.com
