Demystifying Dermatitis Skin Conditions

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Demystifying Dermatitis Skin Conditions

 

Dermatitis encompasses several skin disorders. Eczema is a type of

dermatitis. Any skin inflammation may be considered dermatitis.

Substances that irritate the skin, allergic reactions to drugs,

detergents, and other chemicals are all culprits. Dermatitis can

affect almost any area of the body. Redness, scaling, and thickening

of the skin may occur. Pinpointing the cause of the problem is the

first step toward alleviating the symptoms.

 

Eczema appears as dry, cracking, crusting and red patches on the

skin. Often there are swelling, weeping blisters. The skin can become

inflamed and itchy. These symptoms often appear on the hands, feet,

legs and even the ears. Small fluid filled blisters also can appear

on the skin. These symptoms become inflamed with a burning and itchy

sensation, which often leads to scratching. When this condition is

scratched excessively, it can lead to infection. This is often seen

in children. Many factors can contribute to eczema. Stress is a major

factor. Allergies as well. Exposure to cleaning compounds, perfumes,

detergents, household chemicals, soaps, food allergies, as well as,

nutrient deficiencies.

 

Dermatitis is not an age specific disorder and can appear on any one

and can appear anywhere on the body, although as mentioned above, it

is most often seen on legs, feet, arms and ears. There are often

predispositions to this disorder. It is seen in heredity and can be

traced through family history.

 

In children, eczema can be traced back to allergic reactions to dairy

products such as milk and eggs, also wheat, peanuts, peanut butter,

as well as nightshade vegetables such as potatoes, tomatoes, egg

plants and bell peppers.

 

It is known that white blood cells (also known as lymphocytes) are a

fundamental component of the immune system that protects our bodies

from invaders. When they make a mistake, an allergic response can

occur. When a lymphocyte encounters a particle or cell and identifies

it as a foreign invader, it produces antibodies specifically

engineered to fight that particular threat. There are five basic

types of antibodies, called immunoglobulins, or Igs. Each is

classified by type with a letter suffix: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG and IgM.

The Ig known to be responsible for most allergic reactions to food is

IgE, although IgG is also commonly mentioned.

 

IgE allergies occur when the immune system, in an effort to reject a

certain food or other substance, creates an antibody to that food,

immunoglobulin E. In other words, the blood cells of an allergic

person are " misinformed' at the genetic level and cause the

production of large quantities of IgE antibodies. The antibody

becomes attached on one side to the food/substance molecule and on

the other side to a mast cell (mast cells are a type of cell

containing histamine and other allergy mediators instrumental in the

allergic response). When this happens, histamines and other chemicals

are released from the mast cells, causing such immediate responses as

runny nose, itchy eyes, skin rashes and indigestion. IgE can cause

anaphylaxis, an extreme, sometimes even life-threatening response in

which the airways swell, sometimes to the point where the person

cannot breathe.

 

The most common tests for food allergies are IgE skin tests, where

the skin is scratched or pricked and allergens such as wheat, eggs

and milk are applied. Within 15 to 30 minutes, local reaction may

occur. Other types of tests include blood tests and patch skin tests.

However, there are reports that blood testing for food allergies

provides more reliable results than skin testing. The latter are

problematic because of their tendency to yield false positives. This

means that people may show a positive result but are still able to

eat a certain food. To summarize this difficult and confusing field,

it appears that the efficacy of all allergy testing is under

suspicion.

 

Dermatitis is divided into different classifications. Acute and

chronic dermatitis are differentiated by a time period as well as

symptoms. Acute dermatitis is seen with erythema and edema in

papules, vesicles and sometimes large blisters. Chronic dermatitis is

seen as lichenification, scaling and fissures. There is a thickening

of the dermal layer. Contact dermatitis is another classification,

which is skin irritation due to exogenous agents such as water and

other fluids, abrasives such as cleaning products, chemicals such as

acids and alkalis as well as solvents and detergents.

 

Emotional issues play a big part in this disorder. Changing the way

you think, can change a life of stress and discomfort to a life of

challenge and excitement. Thinking about a success or a past

achievement is excellent when you're feeling uncertain and stress.

You are instantly reminded that you've achieved before, and there's

no reason you shouldn't achieve this time.

 

Positive affirmations. You should have a list of affirmations ready

that you can start repeating when you feel stressed. They don't have

to be complicated. Just saying aloud " I can handle this " to yourself

or " I know exactly what I am doing " will work. It pulls you away from

the animal reflex to stress—the quick breathing, the cold hands—and

toward the reasoned response, the intellect—the part of you that

really can handle it. It's necessary to think these thoughts

consciously because doing so automatically changes the mind-set

that's producing the stress. If you're reciting an affirmation,

you're not thinking about whatever bothers you.

 

Researchers at the Kent & Canterbury Hospital in England, in a five

year study, discovered that more than two-thirds of the people with

chronic skin problems had experienced a " major life event " , such as a

serious illness or death in the family, just before or occurring at

the same time as their skin problems.

 

 

Herbal Remedies

 

Herbs that are beneficial for dermatitis (if you are not allergic to

them) include Burdock Root, Chamomile, Cedarwood, Dandelion,

Marigold, Red Clover, Thyme, and Verbena.

 

A study published in the British Medical Journal Lancet showed a

significant improvement in eczema when patients took high doses of

Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) in capsule form. There have been some

reports that EPO can help in cases of atopic dermatitis. It takes a

rather large number of these expensive capsules to produce results

and it can take at least six months to see any results.

 

Flaxseed oil taken internally or applied externally often eases

symptoms of eczema.

 

Aloe vera gel and Calendula lotion or cream can sooth irritated skin.

 

Take 500 milligrams of Black Currant Oil twice a day. Give children

under 12 half that dose. This takes six to eight weeks to produce the

desired effect.

 

Burdock Root - Helps to purify blood and restore the liver to aid in

a restful sleep. Helps to reduce build up of toxins in the skin

resulting in boils and other skin disorders. Helps gallbladder

functions and stimulates the immune system.

 

Chamomile - Chamomile's medicinal properties range from skin

inflammations to lightening hair to treating digestive problems. As a

mild sedative, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial, it improves

digestion by relaxing the muscles throughout the gastrointestinal

system and it can induce an overall sense of calm and well-being.

 

Dandelion - is a leading remedy for detoxing the liver. It stimulates

the flow of bile, a fluid that aids fat digestion, which is why it's

used for liver and gallbladder disorders. Dandelion has

scientifically documented potent diuretic properties. It relieves

constipation and eases bloating and swelling. Dandelion should be

used for 4 to 6 weeks at a time. For it's liver benefits dandelion is

helpful for skin disorders.

 

Red Clover - is an herb suggested for chronic conditions affecting

the skin. It is a diuretic, but it's unknown exactly how it works for

skin conditions. Use nonfermented red clover which is safe. Red

clover contains a substance called genistein, which has anticancer

properties.

 

Thyme Leaf - The pungent oils found in Thyme are an effective anti

microbial in the treatment of respiratory infections. When taking

Thyme, people often note tasting it on their breath as the oils

permeate through the respiratory system to reduce the proliferation

of viruses during infections. It also warms the digestion and reduces

metabolic congestion, aiding to clear the body of conditions for

infection.

 

 

Aromatherapy Remedies

 

 

Aromatherapy can help with hives, eczema, dermatitis, bee stings

inflammation, and dryness. Helpful, are Essential oils such as

Chamomile, Cedarwood, Lavender, Geranium, Tea Tree, Lemon, Myrrh,

Thyme.

 

Aromatherapy is extremely helpful with stress! Reducing stress,

anxiety, boost immunity, and relieve numerous conditions all caused

by stress. Stress reduction is one of aromatherapy's specialties!

Helpful, are Essential oils such as Bergamot, Chamomile, Rose,

Lavender, Clary Sage, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang will relax you. Where as

Basil, Geranium, Rosemary... will recharge, revitalize and stimulate

you. Rosemary and Geranium oils also strengthen the adrenal glands,

which are effected by stress.

 

Dilute essential oils with a carrier oil or add a few drops to a

moisturizing lotion and massage into the skin for sore muscle

treatments or stress release. Use anytime, especially before bed for

calming and inducing sleep. Add a few drops to boiling water and lean

over it with a towel for a steam facial, or diffuse to help ease

tension and stress. Diffuse for balancing and help with calming down.

Inhale the essential oils deeply as they diffuse into the air.

 

Baths, diffuser blends, inhalants, massage oils as well as, skin

treatments, hair treatments and body treatments all allow you to

pamper yourself while improving the condition of your body, your

mental state, as well as, your emotional/spiritual well-being.

 

Take an oatmeal bath. Oatmeal soothes irritation and reduces itching.

For an additional soothing treat, add milled oatmeal to the bath, and

even using oatmeal as a soap substitute. For the bath, pour 2 cups of

milled oatmeal into a tub of lukewarm water. Milled oatmeal is simply

oatmeal that has been ground to fine powder that will remain

suspended in water. Add a cup of Witch Hazel and dilute it in the

bath water for additional relief.

 

 

Managing Dermatitis

 

Dermatitis is aggravated by dehumidified air, especially during

winter months when forced-air heat circulates in the home. Forced-air

heat is more drying than other types of heat. Since dry air tends to

aggravate the itching of eczema or dermatitis, keeping indoor air

moist should be a primary concern of sufferers and their families. If

you can counter dry air with a good humidifier, then forced-air heat

is not as much of a problem. Humidifiers are like air conditioners—

you really need a big unit to do anything. If you sleep next to it,

however, that's okay. Put it next to your bed.

 

This is even more so with steroid drugs (cortisone and related

compounds). Never use cortisone, prednisone, or other steroid drugs

to treat skin reactions unless they are very severe or life-

threatening. If you must take these powerful hormones, limit your use

of them to two weeks. Steroids perpetuate dermatitis through their

suppressive action. They also lower immunity.

 

Air-conditioning your house is probably the single most important

thing you can do to alleviate pollen problems, and it can help with

two other chief inhalants—molds and dust mites.

 

Vitamin C has antihistamine activity. Vitamin C supplementation has

been reported to help people with hay fever in preliminary research.

Consider 3,000 - 6,000 mg of Vitamin C in divided doses, per day.

 

Bioflavonoids such as Quercetin, might act synergistically with

Vitamin C as both have antihistaminic activity. Although some doctors

of natural medicine advise people with hay fever to take 400 mg of

Quercetin two to three times per day, only limited preliminary

clinical research has yet suggested that Quercetin benefits people

with this condition.

 

 

Traditional

 

Traditional Chinese medicine often views eczema and skin disorders as

related to Wind, noting that symptoms come and go rapidly, cause

congestion, and make the person want to avoid windy situations. This

Wind often coexists with a deficiency of the Protective or Wei Qi,

deficiencies of the Spleen and Stomach systems and components of

dampness and heat in the body. Also blood deficiencies, blood heat

and toxins are also cited for causes leading to this disorder.

 

The acupuncturist also looks for constitutional or more deeply-rooted

signs in each person who presents with allergy symptoms. The

principle here is treating the whole person. Often people with

chronic allergies also have eczema and show signs of Spleen or Kidney

Deficiency as well as Lung signs according to TCM.

 

Xiao Yan Qin Shi Gao is based on an ancient herbal formula that is

made into a soothing, skin calming lotion that is applied morning and

night. This is one of the best non-steroidal lotions to treat a wide

variety of dermatitis conditions.

 

Visit Your TCM practitioner for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

 

 

For additional information on nutrition, homeopathy and the emotional

connection to eczema, dermatitis and skin conditions, please visit:

 

http://www.peacefulmind.com/dermatitis.htm

 

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac

http://www.peacefulmind.com/dermatitis.htm

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit