Home Remedies for Dermatitis

Where did that rash come from? The term used to refer to a group of skin conditions that produce a rash is called dermatitis. Most of the time, the rash comes in the form of an allergic reaction, but not always. One of the best known types of skin condition associated with dermatitis is eczema. To quickly treat symptoms, you may want to consider using home remedies for dermatitis.

Home Remedies for Dermatitis

Causes and Symptoms

There are a number of health conditions, allergies, genetic factors, physical stress, mental tension and other irritants that can cause dermatitis. The causes of dermatitis depend on the type of condition involved. For example, contact dermatitis occurs when you’ve come in direct contact with an irritant or allergen that produces a skin reaction, such as a rash. Common causes include laundry detergent, skin soap, cleaning products, perfume, rubber, cosmetics, poison ivy and metals, such as nickel-plated jewelry.

Other common causes and types of dermatitis include:

• Neurodermatitis – An itchy sensation arises in a specific region – usually associated with dry skin, chronic irritation, eczema, and psoriasis. People often repeatedly rub or scratch affected skin. This type of dermatitis often affects the ankles, wrist, outer forearm or arm, and back of the neck.
• Seborrheic Dermatitis – A red rash accompanied by yellowish and somewhat “oily” scales develops on the scalp, which typically affects people with oily skin or hair. This kind of dermatitis is sometimes considered a seasonal condition. It is also a condition that runs in the family. Physical stress, travel and neurological issues, such as Parkinson’s disease, also contribute to this scalp dermatitis. When infants suffer the condition, it is called cradle cap.
• Statis Dermatitis – When fluid accumulates in the tissues (just beneath the skin), this form of dermatitis usually appears on the lower legs when blood circulation in the legs is poor. Varicose veins, recurrent infections, and chronic conditions in the legs are possible causes.
• Atopic Dermatitis – Often seen in people with allergies or who have hereditary conditions, such as asthma or hay fever, this condition is also associated with dry skin and a poor immune system. Stress is not a cause of atopic dermatitis, but can make symptoms worse.
• Perioral Dermatitis – Affecting the skin around the mouth or nose, perioral dermatitis can be a form of rosacea, adult acne or seborrheic dermatitis. Makeup, moisturizers, topical corticosteroids, and fluoride dental products can cause this type of condition.

Common signs and symptoms of dermatitis include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Itchiness
• Skin lesions

Dermatitis Home Remedies

Dermatitis isn’t the prettiness or most comfortable condition to battle, but this common occurrence is usually not life-threatening or contagious. Since symptoms can make you feel uncomfortable and self-conscious, becoming familiar with home remedies for dermatitis can help:

a) Mineral Oil:

Treat seborrheic dermatitis on a baby by rubbing a small amount of mineral oil into the scalp. Allow the oil to settle in before shampooing away.

b) Cool Compress:

Apply a cool, wet compress to a rash to ease the discomfort.

c) Cool Bath:

Soak in a cool bath to soothe skin affected by a dermatitis rash.

d) Baking Soda:

Enjoy a soothing bath by sprinkling baking soda into a tub filled with cool water.

e) Vitamin E:

Providing relief from itchy skin, try rubbing vitamin E oil on affected skin.

f) Take Fewer Showers:

Taking fewer showers can lessen the intensity of dermatitis symptoms. Also, opt for cooler water over hot showers to prevent worsening your condition.

g) Oatmeal:

Uncooked oatmeal added to a cool bath can treat symptoms of a dermatitis rash. For better results, add oatmeal to a food processer to make a finely ground powder that effectively treats skin rashes.

h) Makeup with Green Tints:

When suffering skin redness, choose cosmetics (creams, powders, and concealers) that have a green or yellow tint. These products have a reputation for masking red skin.

i) Do Not Scratch:

Resist the temptation to scratch at a dermatitis rash. Trimming your nails will also minimize the damage if you forget to ignore the itchiness.

j) Gloves:

To make sure you do not scratch at a rash in the middle of the night, wear gloves to protect your skin.

k) Petroleum Jelly:

Rub petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) on a baby’s scalp to treat cradle cap and get rid of scales. Allow the Vaseline to soak into the scales for a couple of minutes, and then brush out of their hair. Shampoo the scalp to remove the residue.

l) Cotton Clothing:

To ease the irritation of affected skin, try wearing cotton clothing with a smooth texture.

m) Extra Rinse Cycle:

To make sure your clothing is free of any irritants found in laundry detergent, put your clothes, towels and bedding through an extra rinse cycle.

n) Benadryl:

If you are suffering severe itching as a result of your dermatitis, consider an over-the-counter oral antihistamine, such as the popular Benadryl.

o) Raid the Bathroom Cabinet:

The calamine lotion or anti-itch cream set aside for mosquito bites and poison ivy will help with dermatitis symptoms.

p) Vegetable Oil:

Massage a baby’s scalp with vegetable oil when they are suffering from cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis). Leave on the scalp for around 15 minutes. Afterwards, wash off the oil to see a small improvement.

q) Vitamin C:

Vitamin C encourages skin to heal, as well as gives a boost to your immune system. Consider taking 500 milligrams of a vitamin C supplement for three times per day. To make a dietary change, add more foods high in the vitamin, such as papaya, grapefruit, kiwi, broccoli, cauliflower, strawberries, and oranges.