Herbal Treatment for Dermatitis
Dermatitis is the inflammation of the skin. There are many types, including atopic, contact and seborrheic, just to name a few. Atopic, sometimes known as eczema, may run in families that have a history of asthma, sensitive skin or hay fever. It is often seen in infants, although it can strike at any age. Contact is an inflammation that results from exposure or contact with an irritant or allergen. Poison ivy rash is an example of contact. Seborrheic is a chronic form that affects areas with a heavy concentration of sebaceous glands like the scalp, the nose, the eye area, the ears and the chest. In infancy, a common form is cradle cap.
Symptoms
Symptoms of dermatitis may include itching, redness of the skin, stinging, burning, pain, swelling and blistering. If it becomes chronic, the skin may become thickened and dry or scaly. The site is usually very sensitive.
Causes
While the causes of some forms of dermatitis are unknown, the contact variety can usually be traced back to its source. Some causes of contact dermatitis include poison ivy, harsh chemicals, and allergies.
Cautions
If your skin problems are persistent, cover a large area of your body or if your skin is crusty, oozing or has an odor that may indicate infection, see your doctor.
Herbal Treatments
Internal Applications
- Burdock – this herb helps cleanse the liver. When toxins are removed from the blood, the skin usually looks and feels better.
- Red clover – this herb is a very effective blood purifier, which will help the skin to be healthy. The skin helps rid the body of toxins when they build up to a high level, which may result in unhealthy skin.
- Rose hips – drink a tea made of rose hips 3 or 4 times per day to support the body in healing skin problems.
- Sarsaparilla – take this herb to heal red, hot inflamed skin.
- Gotu kola – this herb can be taken internally to help heal areas that show symptoms of dry, scaly crusty skin. Mix with sarsaparilla as a tincture or drink 3 cups of this tea per day.
External Applications
- Calendula – this herb is very soothing when applied as a cream for this and other skin conditions. It is also anti-inflammatory.
- Chamomile – use as an extract in a cream or even as a used tea bag. Apply to the afflicted area for relief.
- Ginkgo biloba – apply topically to take advantage of this herb's anti-inflammatory properties.
- Licorice – this root is also an anti-inflammatory herb. Apply topically to the affected area for relief.
- Green tea – apply the wet teabag to the inflamed area for relief from itching, redness and discomfort.
- Tea tree – apply the diluted oil to the skin twice a day until the skin problem is gone.
- Plantain – this soothing herb can relieve itching or pain associated with dermatitis. It is anti-inflammatory and speeds the healing process. Chop up the herb finely and add to a little water to make a paste to apply to the affected area. Alternatively, it can be applied as a cream or salve as well.
- Chickweed – apply as a cream or salve to promote healing.
- Witch hazel – apply this herb in a cream to relieve itching rashes. Liquid witch hazel is helpful for oozing cases.
- Aloe vera - apply gel directly to affected area.
Aromatherapy
Essential oils that may provide relief to the symptoms of dermatitis include chamomile, geranium, juniper, lavender and tea tree. Dilute 5 - 8 drops of individual or blend of oils in 10 ml of carrier oil and use in massage or bath.