Herbal Remedies for Dermatitis

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Herbal Remedies for Dermatitis

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

As a side note: as an acupuncturist and herbalist, I see a large

variety of dermatitis in my practice. 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 Qing Shi Shuang " or " Gao " (cream) 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.

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac

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

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit