Dermatitis

Dermatitis is the general term for any inflammation of the skin. Typical symptoms include scaling, itching, flaking, thickening, and changing coloration. Among the many causes are various types of allergic responses, bacterial and viral infections, chemical damage, insect bites, poor circulation, vitamin deficiencies, and stress.

Common forms of the condition include contact dermatitis (poison ivy and similar reactions) and atopic dermatitis or eczema, which is associated with allergies such as asthma and hay fever.

Diagnostic Studies and Procedures

Before making a diagnosis of dermatitis, a doctor takes a complete history and asks questions about known allergies, diet, medications, lifestyle, recent travel, work conditions, and sources of stress. All preparations routinely used on the skin, including cosmetics, anti-perspirants, after-shave lotions, and colognes, are also reviewed.

The skin over the entire body, as well as the scalp, fingernails, and toenails are then examined. In uncertain cases, some tests may be done. These could include bacterial cultures, a skin biopsy, and patch tests for allergies. Some skin surfaces may also be examined under ultraviolet light in a darkened room to look for possible fungal infections. If symptoms of dermatitis are severe, referral to a dermatologist (a skin specialist) may be necessary.

Medical Treatments

Treatments vary depending on the diagnosis. For the relief of itching and pain, a cortisone ointment may be needed; in especially severe cases, a short course of corticosteroids may be prescribed.

Nonprescription medicated powders, soaps, and ointments are available to alleviate itching and chapping. Many doctors recommend calamine lotion for mild dermatitis outbreaks. Secondary infections caused by scratching may require either oral or topical antibiotics.

Alternative Therapies

Aromatherapy. Full-body massages using soothing aromatic oils such as rose, clary sage, or peppermint may prove helpful in alleviating itchiness and promoting relaxation to counter stress-related dermatitis.

Herbal Medicine. Aloe vera juice is a soothing treatment for some rashes and skin inflammations. Chick weed, used as an ointment, cream, or oil added to bathwater, eases itching and promotes healing. Other herbal remedies for dermatitis include lotions or ointments of comfrey. Pau d'arco, stinging nettles, red clover, witch hazel, and elder.

Hydrotherapy. Baking soda or colloidal oatmeal added to bath water can help alleviate itching. To relieve both inflammation and itching, a compress dipped in a mixture of 1 quart cool water and 1 cup Burow's solution (a nonprescription skin product) is suggested. It should be kept on the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day.

Nutrition Therapy. Some therapists recommend kelp tablets, as well as supplements of vitamin B complex, vitamin E, and zinc. Dietary deficiencies and food allergies that cause dermatitis can often be identified by a nutritionist. Gluten is often a culprit. To determine if it is causing allergy problems for you, eliminate foods that contain wheat, rye, oats, and barley for six weeks and see if the condition improves.

Relaxation Techniques. Many forms of dermatitis, especially eczema and hives, are triggered by stress and further aggravated by repressed feelings. Training in biofeedback skills, breathing exercises, and meditation, as well as counseling in behavior modification, can be effective ways to overcome many skin problems that are often exacerbated by emotional factors.

Self-Treatment

Dermatitis frequently responds well to an over-the-counter anti-itch cream, an application of a nonprescription cortisone ointment, or home remedies, such as the ones described below. If a skin disorder, particularly a rash, fails to improve in several weeks or if it gets worse, consult a dermatologist.

• Try to determine the cause and avoid whenever possible. Certain foods, jewelry, cosmetics, soaps, and detergents are common culprits. In any event, protect the skin from chemicals that may aggravate existing dermatitis or trigger new outbreaks.
• Try not to scratch. It can cause then inflammation to become worse.
• Use a mild, non-medicated soap and warm water to maintain enough surface oil to prevent drying.
• Bathe or shower every other day instead of daily, especially during the winter. Use tepid rather than hot water, and apply a nonirritating moisturizer while your skin is still damp.
• Protect your skin from the sun, especially if you are taking medications that increase sun sensitivity. Experiment with different sunscreens. Some people are sensitive to PABA or other ingredients in sunscreen products.
• To protect hands that are frequently immersed in water, coat them often with a moisturizer containing lanolin. For housework, wear latex gloves to protect hands from dish detergents and household cleaners.
• To counteract the drying effects of air-conditioning and central healing, install a humidifier in the bedroom.
• Consider clothing fibers as a possible! trigger of dermatitis. Common offenders include wool and some synthetics. Certain fabric finishes can also trigger dermatitis. If possible, wash new clothes before wearing them.
• Avoid exposing skin to irritating chemicals, especially if you are an artist, artisan, hairdresser, chemical worker, gardener, or hobbyist. When you use such chemicals, wear cotton-lined gloves and sprinkle the interiors with talc or cornstarch after each wearing to provide added protection.

Other Causes of Skin Inflammation

Such ailments as herpes, chickenpox, shingles, impetigo, and psoriasis produce skin eruptions.