Let's Talk Skin, Hair, Health: O'Natural With DERMATITIS

 

Greetings Chicas/Chicos..I pray all is well with everyone.

So, this is going to be a bit of important reading. But, I felt this needed to be touched upon because unfortunately so many women, men and children suffer from some form of Dermatitis. And I have received many emails in regards to what to do about it..naturally. I mean, let's be honest, we all love our hair, skin and insides and it bothers us if we are ambushed with issues that affect any of these. So, although I don't struggle with any form of Dermatitis, I feel extremely empathetic and would like to try to shed some light as to how to attempt to manage it and feel happy with ourselves naturally.

So, what exactly is DERMATITIS?

Dermatitis is a basic term for any type of inflammation of the skin. There are a few types of Dermatitis.

Types of DERMATITIS..

• Atopic Dermatitis
• Nummular Dermatitis
• Seborrheic Dermatitis
• Irritant Contact Dermatits
• Allergic Dermatitis

DERMATITIS VS. ECZEMA

The distinction between the use of dermatitis and eczema to describe skin disorders can be confusing. Many people use the term 'eczema' to refer specifically to Atopic Dermatitis.  Eczema is the inflammation of the skin that accompanies dermatitis produces scaling, flaking, thickening, weeping, crusting, color changes and often itching.

So..What Causes DERMATITIS??

• Allergies/Irritants: Many cases of Dermatitis are simply the result of allergies (Allergic or Contact Dermatitis).

                1. perfumes
                2. cosmetics
                3. rubber
                4. medicated creams/ointments
                5. latex
                6. poison ivy
                7. metals or metal alloys such as gold, silver and nickel in jewelry and zippers
                8. sunlight (many people with dermatitis are sensitive to sunlight)

• Atopic Dermatitis: (eczema or infantile eczema, found in children)

This type of Dermatitis is a condition known to affect allergy prone individuals. It typically appears on the face, in the bends of elbows and behind the knees and is very itchy. If other family members have histories of hay fever, asthma, or atopic dermatitis, it is more likely that a child will be diagnosed with atopic dermatitis.
                Triggers of this may be:
                  1. cold or hot weather
                  2. dry atmosphere
                  3. allergen exposures
                  4. stress
                  5. Infections, such as colds

• Nummular Dermatitis:

 This type of Dermatitis is coin shaped. It is a chronic condition in which round, scaling lesions appear on the limbs (arms, legs, etc) or scalp, face and chest (seborrhea).
                 Triggers of this may be:
                   1. Allergy to nickel (often associated with dry skin)
                   2. Intestinal and immune disorders (dermatitis herpetiformis). Very itchy form of dermatitis.
                   3. Dairy and/or Gluten products

• Seborrhea: Characterized by scaly patches of skin that result from a disorder of the sebaceous (oil producing) glands. Most often occurs on the scalp, face and chest, but can appear on other parts of the body. It may or may not be itchy. Usually yellowish and/or greasy or dry and flaky. This form is most common is infancy (cradle cap) and middle age. The exact cause is not known, but may be linked to nutritional deficiencies (especially a lack of biotin and Vitamin A) or the effects of a yeast organism which normally lives in the hair follicles. Heredity and climate can also play a role. Adult Seborrheic dermatitis is often associated with stress and anxiety. Other factors: infrequent shampooing or cleansing, oily skin, obesity, Parkinson's Disease and psoriasis.

Herbs That Have Been Known To Help DERMATITIS..

• Blackthorn, blueberry leaf, hawthorne berry and rue (contains flavanoids that are excellent for reducing inflammation.
• Chamomile (can be taken internally or used to soothe the skin. Reduces inflammation)
• Dandelion, Yellow Dock Root, Chaparral can be combined and made into a poultice or paste
• Dandelion, Goldenseal, Myrrh, Pau d' Arco and Red Clover can be combined to make a tea (don't take Goldenseal on a daily basis for more than one week at a time..do not use during pregnancy)
• Goldenseal Root Powder and Vitamin E and add a little honey until it is the consistency of a loose paste. Apply to affected area to relieve itching and promote healing.
• Gotu Kola
• Grapeseed Extract
• Oregon Grape Root (detoxifies the body and reduces inflammation)
• Wild Pansy (excellent for psoriasis, acne, eczema and cradle cap in infants)
• Colloidal Silver is a natural antibiotic that has been known to fight seborrhea

 What to eat..What to avoid eating..What to Use for DERMATITIS..

• Brown Rice
• Avoid eggs, peanuts, soy foods, wheat and dairy products
• Avoid sugar, strawberries, chocolate, white flour, fats, fried foods and processed foods
• Try a gluten free diet for 6 weeks, then add back into diet one at a time and see if the condition changes..(Gluten free foods will specifically say 'Gluten Free')
• Try not to eat foods containing raw eggs (which contain avidin, a protein that binds to biotin and prevents it from being absorbed) Biotin is needed for skin and scalp disorders.
• Keep your house humidified and keep skin hydrated
• For seborrhic dermatitis: Make a strong concentrated tea of Rosemary, Comfrey, Tea Tree Oil (add this once tea is made), Dried Nettles and Witch Hazel, and apply it to the scalp after shampooing or cowashing with a fragrance free cleanser. Leave it on the scalp for 10 or 15 minutes. Rinse
• Massage Tea Tree Oil mixed with a carrier oil (Jojoba, Argan, Grapeseed, etc) after contact with water or irritants
• Keep the colon clean. Use fiber supplements such as flaxseed, psyllium husk or Aerobic Bulk Cleanse
• Evening Primrose Oil and Vitamin B6 have been known to help.
• Emu Oil 
• Try to change to hair products without chemicals: Ayurvedic shampoo bars are excellent, or all natural cleansers
• Try to avoid over the counter ointments, this can cause an overload on the skin
• Follow a fasting program once per month ( I love the Master Cleanse www.themastercleanse.com )

Whew, I know that was a lot, but again, it is a serious subject and it's better to equip yourselves with as much knowledge as possible.
Let me make clear, I am not a doctor,nor am I in the medical profession so before any treatment recommended, see your homeopath or naturalist for medical advice.

Where to buy herbs, shampoo bars and oils: www.fromnaturewithlove.com www.mountainroseherbs.com www.chagrinvalleysoapandcraft.com .. or from your local health food store or herb shop. Check out www.livingthenattylifestyle.blogspot.com for info on my new Ayurvedic Natty Butter, which contains Evening Primrose Oil..excellent for dry skin and inflamed skin.

Happy Healthy Day!

credits: some info from 'Prescription For Nutritional Healing' by Phyllus A Balch