Herbal Medicines For Dermatitis
- By:Richard Bean
The Skin is often the first area of the body to show an allergic reaction to a food or substance that the individual cannot tolerate. Some allergic reactions are local and temporary - heat rash, or contact dermatitis for example - and will disperse when the allergen is avoided. Others are recurring or chronic and are the result of a constitutional imbalance. Dermatitis is the general term used to describe any kind of irritating, itchy rash on the skin. Eczema usually refers to a chronic problem that appears to be linked with food intolerance of some kind, or is associated with an allergic reaction in another body system. Eczema is most commonly associated with asthma. Emollients and steroids are very effective in treating eczema, but there are other ways to reduce the severity of atopic dermatitis. Reduce the itch of eczema by wearing cotton clothing and using cotton bedding to keep the skin cool and allow it to breathe. Reduce the effect of the house dust mite by vacuuming regularly and change bedding frequently. Minimizing environmental allergens in the home is also very helpful. Remember: what works for one person, will not always work for another. Eczema is a highly individual condition, which is why it is so difficult to find a "cure-all".
Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis usually attacks the skin where it is thinnest (the back of the hands, the eyelids), or only on that part exposed to the irritant. Jewelry or cosmetics can leave a very precise rash pattern showing exactly where they were in contact with the skin.
Symptoms include redness and itchiness, blistering, dry scaliness, and swelling, which can affect the parts of the body around the area with the rash.
Treatment
Try to find out the cause of the reaction so that you can avoid it. Culprits include metal (especially nickel), cosmetics, perfumes, rubber and medicated ointment. Have an allergy test if you cannot identify the cause yourself.
Consult a practitioner/therapist for:
Acupuncture and Acupressure
These can be used constitutionally. Acupressure can be used to relieve itchiness temporarily.
Herbal Medicine A herbalist will prescribe according to individual need, but remedies may include the following, applied externally as ointment or lotion: purple loosestrife, chickweed, elder leaves, and aloe vera.
Homeopathy Homeopaths will need to take individual case but acute episodes will respond well to Graphites, Petroleum, Rhus tox., and Sulfur.
Supplements:
Borage oil, Evening Primrose oil, Flax oil, B-complex, DMG (B15), B12, Calcium, Magnesium and Potassium (pH adjustment), Quercetin, Curcumin, Bromelain, Grape Seed Extract, Vit. C, E and A, certain, generated Frequencies and Light Therapy (Colors applied: Blue and Turquoise), Witch Hazel, Nettle tea, Burdock root, MSM, Enzymes, DHEA, Licorice root and Pregnenolone.About the author:
Read out for home remedies. Check out pregnancy and homeopathic remedies