I recently had a bad experience with dermatitis or inflamed, irritated skin, which became the inspiration for this post. I don't normally have excema or similar skin conditions but a few years ago, my skin reacted to the laundry powder I was using. The subsequent inflammation flared up mainly on my legs. Of course I changed my laundry detergent to an ecological one and the condition cleared. But over time, I got careless with the laundry detergent I was using and after a time of using ordinary detergent and a powder to whiten the clothes,my skin reacted again. This time the irritation mainly broke out on my arms and seemed to take longer to clear up. Of course I have gone back to a detergent with no perfumes for sensitive skin. There are now several different brands of these that can be purchased from organic shops. Both times, I developed the condition in winter, while wearing heavier clothes close to the skin. I also learnt that I had been using too much washing detergent in every wash. Detergents are made stronger now and leave a residue on the clothes so it is only necessary to use a small amount.
There are two main types of this kind of skin inflammation; irritant contact dermititis, or ICD, and allergic contact dermititis. Symptoms of dermamtitis include inflammation, swelling, itching, a sensation of burning and redness.Severe dermatitis can also cause blisters, crusting and scaling of the skin. Some common causes of dermatitis are certain environmental conditions, allergic reaction, irritants, accummulation of toxins in the body, nutritional deficiencies and genetics. People with thin or dry skin (like me!) are more prone to it.
Irritant Contact Dermitits (ICD)
This is a response of the skin to chemical damage. The epidermal cells release mediators of inflammation. ICD can commonly appear on the hands of workers who are repeatedly exposed to soaps, cleansers and solvents in the workplace. There are not specific tests for ICD as there are for allergic contact dermititis so it can sometimes be difficult to identify the cause unless the dermatitis appears on a specific site exposed to a known irritant.A red rash, that can be painful as well as itchy, can appear immediately after contact with an irritant. It can take about a month to recover from an outbreak of ICD.
Allergic Contact Dermititis
People with allergic contact dermatitis may have persistent or recurring dermatitis especially if the substance that they are allergic to is not identified or if the skin is not properly cared for. The longer the sufferer has had the condition, the longer it will take to resolve once the cause is identified. Allergic contact dermatitis usually develops within a few days of exposure in areas that were directly opposed to the allergen. The skin could develop small, itchy fluid-filled lumps.Some allergens penetrate the skin poorly so the onset of dermatitis occurs more slowly. Some people develop widespread dermatitis. This condition is different from hives, which produces itchy welts and is usually caused by allergies to food and drugs. Various methods, such as patch testing, are used to test for allergic contact dermatitis. I prefer to visit a naturopath and be muscle tested.
Natural Remedies for Dermatitis
For the treatment of dermatitis, it is very important to identify and remove the trigger. If an irritant substance has touched the skin, washing with cool water and a natural, very mild soap immediately after contact can remove or inactivate the substance.
If blistering develops, cold, moist compresses applied for several minutes many times a day are helpful.
There are several medications commonly used to treat dermatitis but I prefer to use natural remedies.
Feng Shui Plus Cream
I purchased this cream in an organic, or ecological shop and found it to be very helpful. I noticed a rapid improvement after I began to apply it daily in the morning after showering. It is a cream developed especially for sensitive, damaged skins and contains some of the natural ingredients, such as aloe vera extract and vitamin E, which are recommended in treating dermatitis. It is made from organically cultivated plants and doesn't contain any colouring or perfumes.
Coconut Oil
Later in the day, I have been applying coconut oil. (Some people may prefer to use this in the morning after showering or in the evening.) It can take a while for the coconut oil to be completely absorbed but I have also found it to be very helpful. Coconut oil has antimicrobial and moisturizing properties and can reduce redness, scaling and dryness. It is important to use organic, virgin coconut oil and it can be directly applied to the affected area. Remember that it cannot be used as a sunscreen but having sensitive skin, I take care to avoid getting sunburned anyway. (See earlier post for more benefits of coconut oil.)
Oatmeal
I usually have showers rather than a bath because of where I am living at the moment so I haven't actually tried using oatmeal but it is said to be useful in reducing itchiness and rashes as well as moisturizing the skin. It is best to use fine, powdered oatmeal and a cup of it can be added to a lukewarm bath.
Honey
Applying manuka honey can be beneficial for the skin as this helps reduce the inflammatory condition. It also has antiseptic and antibacterial properties
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera, which is also contained in the Feng Shui Plus cream, is commonly used for conditions of inflammation. It helps to relieve itiching and balances and moisturizes the skin.It has antimicrobial properties.
Apple Cider Vinegar
This can also be effective in relieving itchiness. Some recommendations are to mix equal parts of the vinegar and water but I add a little vinegar to a glass of water and apply it to the affected area with cotton.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E encourages healing and relieves itching. It can be applied before going to bed. It is contained in many creams, including Feng Shui Plus cream.
Chamomile Tea
I also make a cup of luke warm chamomile tea and apply this to the affected skin with cotton. I find it has a soothing effect. ( For more benefits of chamomile tea, see earlier post.)
Avocado Oil
Avocado oil contains alot of vitamin E, which makes it great for assisting in the repair of damaged skin. It also contains alot of fatty acids, which help prevent inflammation and it is easily absorbed into the skin. Avocados are a very beneficial food to include regularly in the diet as of course, a healthy diet is an important part of good skin care.
'Hypoallergenic' Creams and Products
The term 'hypoallergenic' is often used in the marketing and selling of skin care products but it should be noted that no approved definition of 'hypoallergenic' really exists and there is no standard method for identifying such products. As someone with sensitive skin, I try to beware of scented products that contain perfume and I am even careful with essential oils as these can sometimes cause irritation too.
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