Natural Remedies For Dermatitis
Dermatitis is a general umbrella term for various kinds of skin conditions, such as dandruff, eczema, psoriasis, seborrhea and several others. Each skin condition has different symptoms and causes, and they can appear anywhere on the body. Acute or chronic dermatitis can affect anyone, both physically and psychologically.
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Some kinds of dermatitis are believed to be initially caused by an allergic response to a substance that was consumed or came into contact with the skin, while others are genetically inherited or due to an auto-immune disorder. All types of dermatitis share a few symptoms- redness, itchiness and irritation. You may also get scales, painful skin cracks, patches and soreness, depending on the condition. The most commonly afflicted areas are the scalp, face, hands, arms and legs.
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for dermatitis. However, the good news is, there are plenty of natural remedies and treatments available to bring it under control, minimize the symptoms, clear out the follicles and help promote new hair growth.
Probiotics And B Vitamins- (For Regular Dandruff)
Boosting the friendly bacteria in your digestive system can reduce yeast inside your body, thereby lowering the inflammation that occurs on your skin. You can achieve this by taking probiotics containing Lactobacillus acidophilus or bifidobacterium, found in supplements and some yogurts. Don’t forget to check the nutritional label.
B6, folate, B12, and biotin may also be very helpful. Look for a high quality multivitamin from a pharmacy if you don’t get enough from your daily diet.
Coconut Oil And Sunflower Oil- (For Eczema)
Coconut oil is extracted from coconut meat, and is often used as a natural moisturizer. According to the National Eczema Association, the antibacterial qualities of coconut oil can reduce staph bacteria on the skin, which then helps prevent infection. This is important for people with eczema because patches of inflamed and very dry skin often crack and ooze, making it easy for bacteria to enter. When applying it to your skin, choose virgin or cold-pressed coconut oil that hasn’t been processed or infused with harmful chemicals.
Sunflower oil is extracted from sunflower seeds. Significant research has shown that sunflower oil protects the skin’s outer layer, which helps keep moisture in and bacteria out. Sunflower oil also hydrates skin and relieves itching and inflammation. Sunflower oil is usually safe to apply undiluted directly to the skin, preferably after bathing while the skin is still damp.
Aloe Vera And Oregon Grape (For Psoriasis)
Traditional medicine has been using the gel from inside the aloe vera plant for quite a long time to treat skin wounds and other skin conditions. Aloe vera may also help reduce the scaling and inflammation that psoriasis causes.
In a 2018 study that consisted of 2,248 people with mild-to-moderate psoriasis, they used an ointment containing 50% propolis and 3% aloe vera or a placebo. The study findings suggested that aloe vera might be helpful for many people with this condition. Those who used the preparation containing aloe vera experienced a noteworthy improvement in their symptoms. Simply apply aloe vera directly to your skin and avoid taking it internally. The NPF recommends choosing a cream or gel that contains at least 0.5% aloe.
Oregon grape, or Mahonia aquifolium, is an herbal remedy that can potentially calm the immune response in psoriasis. In a 2005 report, in three clinical trials involving a total of 104 people, the authors conclude that M. aquifolium cream is a safe and effective treatment for mild-to-moderate psoriasis. In 2018, authors reviewing the evidence to support treating psoriasis with M. aquifolium found seven studies investigating its use. They concluded that M. aquifolium can improve symptoms and is generally safe and effective with few side effects.
Apple Cider Vinegar And Olive Oil- (For Seborrhea)
A good and thorough apple cider vinegar soak will help loosen those itchy and irritating scales on your scalp. It may also lessen inflammation in the area of the flare-up.
When applying ACV, follow these steps:
1. Wash your hair with a shampoo that contains salicylic acid, then rinse well.
2. Apply a diluted solution of apple cider vinegar to the afflicted areas.
3. Let the vinegar and water sit on your scalp for a few minutes, then wash it out.
Although it may seem counter productive, another option for at-home treatment is to coat your scalp with olive oil. However, you will need more time and patience with this method.
1. Apply olive oil to the scalp.
2. Leave the oil on for about an hour.
3. Then, use a comb to gently remove the scales from your scalp to prevent hair loss.
4. Once your scalp is clear, rinse out the olive oil thoroughly and shampoo your hair as usual.
Avoid Common Triggers/Allergens- (For All Dermatological Conditions)
Whichever type of dermatitis you may have, one of the best and easiest things you can do to help reduce your symptoms is to avoid common irritants and triggers. Not everyone has the same triggers. Some of the most common irritants include fragrances and chemicals in shampoo, creams, cleaning products and perfumes, excessive anxiety and stress, certain materials and foods.
To fight inflammation, try increasing your intake of these foods:
Fatty fish, dark leafy greens, tomatoes, olive oil, sweet potato, avocados, almonds, bell peppers and berries.
When it comes to relaxation, yoga and breathing exercises are very effective in calming your mind and sleeping better, thus minimizing the itch and improving productivity.
Final Thoughts
Moderate-severe cases of Dermatitis can have a major impact on our mental health. If your symptoms are affecting your everyday life and/or your self-image, therapy groups and mental health professionals can help give you a boost while you undergo treatment.
