Eczema and dermatitis

The terms eczema and dermatitis are used to refer to the same condition, which is described as superficial inflammation of the skin, which may be acute or chronic. This Inflammation is characterised and accompanied by vesicles in the acute stages, redness, oedema, oozing, crusting, scaling and typically itching. Commonly seen as a result of allergic reactions, poor digestion, inadequate diet, stress and ineffective or overwhelmed elimination.

Contact dermatitis (or contact eczema):

It is a condition involving an inflammatory response of the skin to substances that have come into direct contact with it. This inflammatory reaction may be:

• A non-immunologically mediated inflammatory reaction.
• A delayed hypersensitivity reaction ( ie. Immune mediated).

Substances that are known to trigger contact dermatitis are numerous and varied and may include:

• Soap, detergents, acetone, water, acids, alkalis, solvents, etc.
• Nickel, chemicals used in leathers, rubber, and hair dyes. Topical antibiotics and antihistamines, cosmetics, deodorants, airborne substances, and plants such as poison ivy, etc.

Atopic eczema and dermatitis:

It is a condition where there is usually a family history of allergic conditions such as eczema, asthma, hay fever, food allergies etc. The exact causes of atopic eczema are not understood although certain inhaled or ingested substances are known to cause an allergic inflammatory reaction in some individuals. Exacerbations are commonly caused by factors such as the following:

• Particular food substances
• Inhaled substances such as dusts and dust mites
• Emotional stress, changes in temperature or humidity, fragrances, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, soaps, and woollen clothing

Seborrhoeic dermatitis:

It is a type of dermatitis that most commonly appears as cradle cap in infants and as dandruff in adults (although the ears, face eyebrows, and skin in other parts of the body may be affected). The causes of this form of dermatitis are not known, however the following are thought to be contributing factors:

• Genetics, often there is family history
• Climate (often worse in winter)
• Emotional stress
• May be caused by a specific type of yeast that is found in hair follicles

Possible supplements:

• B complex (plus additional B's and biotin where necessary)
• Essential fatty acids (fish oils, flaxseed oil)
• Vitamins A, C, E, beta-carotene, and bioflavonoids.
• Zinc
• Vitamin D

Herbs:

Nettle (urtica dioica)

Echinace purpurea

Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis)

Red clover (Trifolium pratense)

Cleavers (Galium aparine)

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Homoeopathic remedies:

• Pertoleum - can alternate with Ars 200, -for los of cracks and opening
• Ant curd 6c - for kids with dermatitis - <crawling on carpet, - thick, itchy skin
• Ant crud 200c - if not itchy

Diet and lifestyle

• Consume a diet rich in whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and cold-water fish (three times a week)
• Avoid refined and processed foods, fried foods and saturated fats, eggs, milk and cheese, limit sugar
• Some may benefit from avoiding gluten, eliminate from the diet for 4-6 weeks and assess if this makes a difference
• Ensure adequate intakes of fibre or consider a fibre supplement.

Other

• Search for products that may be causing skin irritation such as bubble baths, soaps, detergents, laundry powders, cosmetics, perfumes, wool clothing, jewellery, deodorants etc.
• Do not smoke this reduces circulation to the skin and can worsen the condition by slowing the healing of skin and other tissues.
• Use natural fibres such as cotton for clothing and bed linen.
• Assess gut function and absorptive capacity.
• Check for food allergies and intolerances (wheat, dairy, amines, salicylates).
• Apple cider vinegar to promote HCL production and good digestion.
• Use oats, lavender oil (and other soothing oils) in the bath.
• Oils such as flaxseed can be applied topically
• Avoid scratching as this can lead to scarring and infection.
• Assess and minimize stress
• Exercise
• Marshmallow, calendula, and chickweed creams

(Jefferay 2003, Nutrition as Therapy; Scalone 2007, lectures in Clinical studies)