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Managing dermatitis – 11 remedies for itchy skin

Managing dermatitis – 11 remedies for itchy skin

Dermatitis broadly describes skin diseases causing irritation and rashes on the skin. Many clear symptoms can help one recognize dermatitis, some of them being dry, itchy skin or rashes. Additionally, the skin may have blisters, oozing patches, and crusty or peeling spots. Atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis are three variations of the condition. Dermatitis could be temporary or chronic, and one can manage it through treatment options and remedies.

What to expect?
Atopic dermatitis is a skin disease that usually affects the skin on the hands, inner elbows, neck, knees, ankles, feet, and areas around the eyes in teenagers and adults. One’s scalp, face, and ears are often the sites of seborrheic dermatitis. One can also experience symptoms in their eyes, lips, and nostrils. The skin disease can be uncomfortable due to the irritation and visible redness, which sometimes forms patterns or patches on the body. However, the condition is not contagious. Regular use of moisturizers can help manage the symptoms. Using specific shampoos, lotions, and ointments may also help one deal with the irritation.

Managing itchy skin
Dermatitis can develop in different forms. For instance, about 3% of adults and 20% of children are affected by atopic dermatitis. Certain at-home remedies can help one manage the symptoms. So here are a few ways to deal with itchy skin brought on by the condition:

Apply lotion
Lotion and natural moisturizers can help the skin retain moisture and prevent dryness. This can help relieve itching and irritation.

Use anti-inflammatory products
Skin discomfort can be momentarily relieved using dermatitis-friendly creams and ointments. Itching may also be relieved by antihistamines that could help deal with allergic reactions.

Bathe in warm water
One can add some baking soda or finely ground bathtub-safe oatmeal (colloidal oatmeal) into their bathwater and soak for five to ten minutes. When stepping out of the bathtub, one should avoid rubbing the skin dry with a towel and instead pat dry and moisturize it with an unscented lotion while it is still damp. For dry, flaky skin, using a lotion with 12% ammonium lactate or 10% alpha-hydroxy acid can help.

Use prescription soaps and shampoos
People with dermatitis should stick to prescribed soaps and shampoos that help maintain the skin and scalp pH and keep irritation at bay.

Try a mild bleach bath
Bleach is known to eliminate bacteria and other unwanted microorganisms, so it might help the skin get rid of infection-causing bacteria. One can add household bleach to a bathtub filled with warm water and make a diluted bleach bath. One can take a 5 to 10-minute bath before rinsing themselves with plain water. Such a bath can be drawn two times a week. Further, adding vinegar to warm water can boost the effectiveness of the bleach bath.

Avoid scratching the skin
One should cover the itchy region with a cloth to avoid scratching it. Further, people with skin diseases can wear gloves and trim their nails to prevent accidental scratching,

Use a gentle laundry detergent
One should switch to gentle, unscented laundry products as harsh detergent residue on clothes, linens, and towels can cause irritation.

Avoid known allergens or irritants
It is important to recognize and avoid allergens and irritants that worsen the itch. If allergic to certain foods like eggs, milk, and gluten, they should be limited or removed from one’s daily meals.

Manage stress
Some forms of dermatitis might flare up in response to emotional imbalance or excessive stress. So, one should try stress-reduction techniques like biofeedback or physical activities like exercise and yoga.

Use tea tree oil shampoo
Skin, nail, and hair-related ailments and symptoms can be managed with essential oils like tea tree oil. The oil can be used topically to address specific skin issues as it contains antifungal and antioxidant properties. However, one should consider diluting the oil with carrier oils or using tea tree oil products recommended by a dermatologist.

Try Chinese herbal therapy
This is a subset of traditional Chinese treatment. Here, certain herbs can help balance the opposing forces of energy, known as Yin and Yang, believed to flow via unseen pathways in the body. This is believed to help maintain skin pH levels and reduce stress.

Causes
A combination of risk factors like immune system response, genetics, and environmental factors can trigger dermatitis.

  • Immune system reaction: The immune system can sometimes overreact in response to allergens. If one is affected by atopic dermatitis, the associated inflammation may result from the immune system’s strong reaction to allergens or irritants that are otherwise not harmful.
  • Genetics: Research suggests that the condition can be hereditary at times. Additionally, scientists have discovered alterations in the genes that govern an antibody protein responsible for maintaining healthy skin. If one’s body does not have adequate amounts of this protein, the skin may develop issues. 
  • Environment: The immune system may be affected by the surroundings affecting one’s skin barrier function. As a result, one may experience difficulty in retaining moisture, making them likely to develop dermatitis. Excessive exposure to air pollution can also trigger the symptoms. Certain fragrances in soaps and skin care products may also irritate the skin. Further, fluoride in water or toothpaste may also trigger perioral dermatitis.

Diagnosing dermatitis
The dermatologist will carefully examine the skin and look for typical symptoms like rashes, redness, scales, and dryness. They might ask about the symptoms and inquire if the skin feels itchy and if one can experience a burning sensation. The answers can help the doctor diagnose the skin disease.

One should consult a doctor as soon as they notice changes in the skin or skin-related issues. Although skin diseases like dermatitis can result in irritation and itchy skin, they can be managed through treatment and natural remedies. Further, moisturizing the skin can keep dryness at bay. One may also use shampoos, lotions, and ointments that are recommended for dermatitis skin. But, consulting a dermatologist before making drastic changes to one’s skincare is crucial. Further, getting an early diagnosis can help one avoid worsening the symptoms.

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