Knocking Dermatitis On Its Head
Having been a sufferer from dermatitis all my life, I have become somewhat of an expert on the condition. I am firmly of the belief that if you possess an ailment you should learn as much as you can about both the condition and its various forms of treatment. Only then can you take ascendancy of the condition and stop the condition controlling you.
The problem with a varied skin disorder such as dermatitis is that there are so many opinions out there suggesting one form of treatment over another!so much so that it becomes overwhelming. This is why I want to share my knowledge base to anyone that suffers from dermatitis, or anyone who knows someone who does. Hopefully this will help you learn how to best tackle the condition head on!
HOW TO HANDLE CONTACT DERMATITIS
The irritation caused by contact dermatitis is largely a result of either contact with an irritating chemical, or an allergic reaction. As one might imagine, the simplest treatment is to avoid contact or exposure with the 'irritant' or 'allergic'. This is great for future avoidance; however, it does nothing to diminish the current inflammation which can stay present for up to 6 weeks.
The first thing any skin specialist will suggest is to begin the daily application of moisturizer; a technique extremely effective in rehydrating the skin and therefore reducing itchiness. The problem is that the most skin specialists recommend the use of Sorbolene creams which themselves commonly elicit allergic reactions. It is for this reason that the recommendation of 100% natural skin balms is a much safer option, due to the low percentage of unwarranted reactions and the exceptional hydration properties they posses.
DEALING WITH ATOPIC DERMATITIS
Atopic dermatitis is usually found in infants and small children, but in some cases it carries through to adulthood. Atopic dermatitis causes a pinkish-red, peeling rash that can get lumpy, weepy and crusty. In adult occurrences this is found mostly in the elbows, behind the knees, and/or on wrists and hands. It is a condition that can't be cured, only managed.
As a result of the lifelong presence of atopic dermatitis in it's sufferers, skin specialists tend to authorize the use of corticosteroid creams and ointments as if they were candy. However there is a large degree of danger surrounding the use of such creams. Like all forms of steroids, their use goes hand-in-hand with a long list of potential side effects. These include and are not limited to:
- High Blood Pressure - Poor Immune Defense - Pancreatitis - Abdominal Pain - Sleeplessness - Skin thinning (atrophy) and stretch marks (striae) - Easy bruising and tearing of the skin - Perioral dermatitis (rash around the mouth) - Enlarged blood vessels (telangiectasia) - Susceptibility to skin infections - Disguising infection e.g. tinea incognito - Allergy to the steroid cream
THE ANSWERS LIE IN NATURAL SKIN BALMS
The more one studies the subject the clearer it becomes, medical experts do not always possess the best solutions to our problems. With regards to dermatitis it makes sense that the closer a treatment is to nature, the more in tune it is with the body, and therefore, the more effective it is likely to be. For me it is impossible to ignore the united call of natural therapists, natural skin balms are the only solution!
In most instances, the application of any 100% natural dry skin balm that is suitable for daily use is more than sufficient. Such products are the perfect solution when looking for a natural balm for eczema or atopic dermatitis treatment balm as they sooth the skin and counter balance inflammation in ways only 'pure' treatments can. For the last 10 years this has been the only side effect free solution that has worked for me. Without it I would still be under the dominating wrath of this dreaded condition!
Published March 19th, 2009
Filed in Skin Care