Dermatitis is inflammation of skin. Though there are different types of dermatitis, all are characterized by swollen, itchy and red skin. It is not contagious or life-threatening. Contact dermatitis occurs due to allergic reactions to various substances, such as soaps, detergents, or poison ivy.
Seborrheic dermatitis is caused by oily hair or skin, or any stress. Cause of eczema (atopic dermatitis) is not known, but it is hypothesized that it may be due to dry skin and autoimmune reaction.
It is important to get proper treatment for dermatitis because it can lead to infection and cellulitis (a type of bacterial infection of skin). Treatment depends on the cause. Avoidance of allergens, if any, topical corticosteroids, antihistamines, wet compresses, immunosuppressants are some of the treatments that can be tried. There are also some herbal remedies that seem to work in dermatitis, which are discussed below.
Try these herbal remedies only after consulting your physician. Make sure there are no open wounds on the skin when applying these herbs to the skin; otherwise, serious infection can occur.
Flowers of Matricaria recutita are used in making the chamomile extract. The extract contains chemicals that inhibit the production of inflammatory chemicals, such as leukotrienes, prostaglandins, and histamine. Chamomile ointment or cream also soothes the irritated skin.
Use an ointment or cream containing 3-10% chamomile extract. Chamomile is generally safe. It can aggravate asthma. Pregnant women should not use it for fear of miscarriage. Some people may be allergic to it. It increases the risk of bleeding, so you should stop it 2 weeks prior to any surgery that you may need to undergo.
Witch hazel remedy is made from the leaves and bark of Hammelis virginiana. It contains tannins, which act as an astringent and constrict the swollen skin tissue. It can also relieve itching. It may cause skin irritation in some people. Safety of its use during pregnancy is not known.
St. John’s wort, a remedy prepared from the leaves and flowers of Hypericum perforatum, contains flavonoids, tannins and essential oils.
These ingredients help fight dermatitis symptoms. It is available as oil-based lotion, cream and ointment. It may cause increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight.
Sarsaparilla extract is derived from the root of Smilax regelii. Studies show it has antioxidant properties, which helps boost the immune system. Its chemicals help relieve the inflammation and itching. It is by and large safe.
Leaves and root of Althaea officinalis are used to make the marshmallow extract. The extract contains mucilage, which soothes the chapped skin when applied topically. Although it is safe to use it on the skin, pregnant women should use caution because not enough is known about its safety during pregnancy.
Licorice extract is made from the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra. Licorice gel helps relieve the symptoms of swelling, redness, and itching. Use a gel that contains 2% licorice. It is best avoided by those with heart disease or liver problems, and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Since it may raise the blood pressure do not use it around the time of any surgery that you may need to undergo.
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