Dermatitis

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What Is Dermatitis

Dermatitits, commonly known as a rash, occurs when your skin gets irritated, red, or tender after coming in contact with something. While Dermatitis can be the result of an allergic reaction, this is not always the case. There are three types of Dermatitis: Atopic Dermatitis or Eczema (likely from dry skin, bacteria, immune system dysfunction, or gene makeup), Contact Dermatitis (often induced by irritants or allergens), and Seborrheic Dermatitis (caused by fungus in oil secretion on the skin).

Signs Of Dermatitis

Dermatitis is the inflammation of the skin and it is pretty easy to identify when it occurs. A rash will result in itchy, red, sometimes patchy skin that is usually tender. Other symptoms include:

Skin Becomes Painful (itchy, red, or irritated)
Red Circular patches on your skin
Greasy Yellowish Scales (on scalp, eyebrows, or behind the ears - usually common in cases of Seborrheic Dermatitis)
Persistant Itchiness (in one or a couple areas on the skin)
Skin May Blister
Skin May Burn
Extreme Itching
Sun Sensitivity

What Causes Dermatitis

Dermatitis can be caused by a number of allergies, genetic factors, or health conditions. The cause can determine which type of Dermatitis you have. If something irritates the skin, you will usually see a rash right away. An allergic reaction may take a day or two before you experience symptoms. If an allergen, grass for instance, caused the Contact Dermatitis, you will usually only see a rash in the area that came in contact with the allergen. Atopic Dermatitis or Eczema is usually caused by a hypersensitivity to food. Seborrheic Dermatitis, which usually occurs in the face where the sebaceous glands are, is believed to be caused by a fungus in oil secretion on the skin. Common triggers for Dermatitis are:

Poison Ivy or Poison Oak
Latex Rubber
Citrus Fruit (especially the peel)
An Alleric Reaction (to any substance)
Medications (that you apply on the skin)
Food Allergies
Nickel or Gold
Detergents
Battery Acid
Kerosene

Dherbs Approach...adjusting your diet is always key!

Natural Remedies

Apple cider vinegar is a great natural solution that can be ingested or applied directly on the skin. If you mix 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with 8oz of water and consume that twice a day, this can help to restore your body's pH balance, which is sometimes all that is needed to help Dermatitis. For topical use, mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and distilled water and spray this on the affected area several times a day. You can also add apple cider vinegar to baths if the Dermatitis is larger.
An oatmeal bath can help reduce skin irritation because it helps moisturize the skin. Mix one cup of blended oats in a luke warm bath and soak in it for 15-20 minutes every day until symptoms decrease.
Since coconut oil is an incredible moisturizer and has antimicrobial properties, it can help reduce the symptoms of Dermatitis if applied to the affected area(s). For best results, gently apply warm coconut oil nightly before bed, as this softens the skin. Symptoms may take a few days to reduce.
Because aloe vera has anti-inflammatory properties, it is commonly used to reduce the symptoms of Dermatitis. Applying the aloe vera to the affected area(s) helps to restore your skin's pH balance and relieve itching and irritation. Like coconut oil, aloe vera also has moisturizing and antimicrobial properties.
Make sure you stay hydrated. Drinking alkaline water can be beneficial as it helps restore the body's natural pH balance. The suggested amount of water to drink is eight 8oz glasses per day.
Avoid eating processed food, meat, dairy products, salt, sugar, and genetically modified foods and commit to eating raw fruits and vegetables. Many raw fruits and vegetables are anti-inflammatory and can help reduce the inflammation of Dermatitis.

Things you should eat