Dermatitis

Description

Dermatitis and eczema are the same thing and the terms are often interchanged. Some forms of the condition are described and named "eczema" and some are referred to as "dermatitis".

Mild symptoms can cause dry, itchy skin and more severe cases can result in broken, raw or bleeding skin.

General Treatment

Avoid

Avoid using any skincare product containing artificial fragrance (identified as "fragrance" or "perfume" on the ingredients label), and those containing preservatives, where possible.

Avoid using detergent based shampoos such as those containing sodium laurel sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate. Most liquid shampoos are detergent based and they tend to strip the hair and scalp of natural oils.

Avoid using moisturisers and lotions containing petrochemicals such as mineral oil, petrolatum, paraffin and propylene glycol. Always check the ingredients listing.

Avoid using heavily scented laundry detergents which contain harsh chemicals such as optical whiteners, foaming agents and fabric softeners. (See detergent free laundry liquid for a do-it-yourself alternative.)

Recommended

Use a cold processed soap, free from artificial fragrances and preservatives. Cold processed soaps are glycerin rich and less likely to dry out the skin. (See castile soap.)

Infused calendula oil can soothe sore, inflamed and itchy skin. It is used for many damaged skin conditions such as nappy rash, sore and cracked nipples, minor burns and eczema.

Essential oils of juniperberry, carrot seed, cedarwood, lavender, patchouli, sandalwood, thyme, chamomile (German or Roman) and geranium, are said to relieve the symptoms of eczema.

However, topical skin treatments will not address the cause, and the way to solve many of these skin problems is to remove the underlying cause.

See also the relevant sections in our links pages.