Dermatitis

Dermatitis is a condition when the skin becomes inflamed and irritated.

Contact allergy, chemical irritation, or a chronic or heredity condition are common causes. This skin problem often begins with simple itching. When the itch is scratched, the affected skin becomes inflamed, and bumps and scales resembling hives may appear. Common dermatitis symptoms include swelling, itching, blistering, dry skin, scaling, and peeling. Dermatitis can range from mild and temporary to chronic and more severe.

There are several types of dermatitis:

  • Contact Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis can be caused by irritants or allergens. Irritants include chemicals, detergents, or solvents, while allergens can be metals, fragrances, or latex.
  • Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): Eczema is a chronic skin condition. Symptoms include dry, itchy, and inflamed skin that can worsen. Genetics play a role, as do environmental factors.
  • Seborrheic Dermatitis: Oily skin areas like the scalp, face, and chest can get inflamed and cause redness, greasy scales, and sometimes itching, along with dandruff.

Home remedies to treat dermatitis depends on its type and severity:

  • Avoid triggers or irritants that irritate the skin.
  • Use gentle skincare products and avoid harsh chemicals.
  • Apply moisturizers to reduce scaling and dryness and hydrate the skin.
  • Use topical corticosteroids or other medications to reduce redness, inflammation, and itching.

If you suspect you have dermatitis or any other skin condition, it's important to consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Prescription creams and lotions can help soothe and cure dermatitis when home remedies can't.

Home Remedies and Natural Cures for Dermatitis

Home remedies can help manage mild cases of dermatitis or provide relief alongside medical treatments. However, if you have a severe or persistent condition, it's important to consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

You can try one remedy or proceed sequentially to help heal your skin. Here are some home remedies that might help with dermatitis symptoms:

Avoid Triggers

Identify the cause of the irritation. Lack of cleaning, fabric, soaps, and allergens such as watch band material can be a cause. Reduce the number of chemicals you expose yourself to.

Delicate skin is not necessarily helped by excessive fabric softener added to the washing machine. Instead, run the laundry through an extra rinse and avoid the softener to clean your clothing thoroughly.

Wear cotton clothing that fits your body loosely. Clothing or watch bands that trap perspiration can cause contact dermatitis or even encourage fungal growth on the skin. Replace clothing and switch wrists to allow irritated skin to heal.

Cleaning Hygiene

Poor hygiene can be the root cause of dermatitis. When skin is irritated, a common reaction is to avoid soap, but that can make the problem worse.  It's important to continue to clean your skin to remove bacteria or other microscopic irritants that build up. Use gentle, fragrance-free soap and regularly clean your skin. Avoid using hot water when you bathe or shower, which can cause additional dryness and irritation.

Topical Corticosteroids

You can purchase cortisone steroid cream at the drugstore to reduce inflammation and redness. Minor skin conditions can respond quickly to this treatment when combined with proper cleaning, removal of the irritant (if any), and moisturizing. Follow all manufacturer's product instructions. Don't use cortisone cream for more than 3 days at a time, as it can cause significant skin problems after continued use, such as skin thinning, stretch marks, easy bruising, dilated blood vessels, and increased hair growth.

Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize

Healthy skin is a natural barrier between you and outside irritants. Lock in moisture to reduce dry, flaky skin, itching, and irritation. Look for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic moisturizers or emollients. Refined or raw coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that works well. Apply products right after showering or bathing to lock in moisture.

If you are worried about interactions or further irritation to sensitive skin, try using Vaseline petroleum jelly, baby oil, or mineral oil to moisturize your skin. These products are not absorbed into the skin (inert) and are excellent at locking in moisture.

Oatmeal Baths

Scratching itchy skin can worsen inflammation. Soothe irritated skin by taking a bath with colloidal oatmeal. Oats contain material that helps to form an occlusive barrier on your skin, helping to reduce inflammation and dryness and lock in moisture. Find oatmeal bath products at the drug store, or make your own by grinding oatmeal into a fine powder and adding 2 cups to your bathwater.

Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera is an anti-inflammatory natural moisturizer with soothing properties for the skin. Aloe vera gel is 80% water and contains healthy nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that benefit the skin. It is gentle on the skin and supports healing. Use pure aloe vera gel (without added fragrances or chemicals) on the affected areas.

Cautions

These home remedies may not work for everyone, and monitoring your skin's response is important. If your symptoms worsen or do not improve, seek medical advice. Additionally, if you have allergies or sensitivities to any of these remedies, it's best to avoid them.