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Dry, Itchy Skin Patches? Dermatitis? So what is dermatitis? How can we soothe this condition away?

The first thing we should look at is the literal word meaning:

​Derma—meaning The Skin
Titis—is the word for inflammation.
So Dermatitis is simply inflammation of the skin. The words Eczema and Dermatitis are used interchangeably to describe this skin condition. Dermatitis has many different causes and can occur in many forms in different people. Dermatitis is mostly a non-contagious skin condition that often involves an itchy rash on red and swollen skin.[1] It is a common health problem that accounts for up to 47 percent of dermatological consultations and can become a chronic issue. [2] According to Kia C. Grundy, MD, a board certified pediatrician in Maplewood, NJ and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics NJ Chapter says that dermatitis can affect anyone, “Atopic dermatitis can occur within in any ethnic group, sex or area of the world. It generally causes itching, redness, thickening of the skin, chafing, pain and discoloration.” 

The generality of Dermititus/Eczema often makes the best and easiest way to help the condition is to attack the symptoms. A healing moisturizer does absolute wonders, and you won't find anything better than our products with organic healing ingredients. Especially try our Face and Body Butter with organic ingredients. found on the right or Here if you are a mobile user.
 
To understand what is going on let's look at Atopic Eczema, which is one of the most common chronic issues. Atopic Eczema is the term applied to people whose skin symptoms are from an allergic reaction from contact to an allergen in a different area than where the symptoms are showing, many times the allergen contact is internal, often from something eaten. Atopic Eczema is often a chronic inflammatory reaction with a genetic link and family history of allergic sensitivity. [3] The telltale red, itchy patches of skin, signal that the immune system has over-reacted to an allergen, which triggers the inflammatory response in defense.[4] To prevent Atopic Eczema is to avoid the allergen, or find the proper probiotics to allow your body to deal with the allergen, and to use our product or another great moisturizer to deal with the symptoms in the meantime. Although, I don't believe there is anything out there better than Edye's

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Dr. Grundy has observed that there are more pediatric patients being diagnosed with dermatitis today than ever before, “There are some interesting studies, one in particular conducted by the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, that suggests that in allergic/asthmatic mothers, the increased rate of atopic dermatitis may be closely linked to the increased rate of cesarean sections. The study suggests that travel through the vaginal canal allows the child to be colonized with the mother’s microflora (bacteria) which is protective not only for eczema, but also allergies which are also on the rise.”
 
There are various causes for dermatitis and many factors to be considered when treating or preventing the condition. Contact Dermatitis refers to the skin inflammation that occurs when touched by an irritant or allergenic substance, that have a direct toxic effect on the skin, including soaps, detergents, and solvents.[5]  In this case, symptoms may include scaling of the skin or blisters that break, ooze, or crust in addition to the typical itching, red, and swollen skin.
 
Contact dermatitis is caused when immune hypersensitivity is stimulated through contact with a particular allergen and an inherited gene leads to a deficiency in a protein responsible for protecting and moisturizing skin. [6] These allergens can include nickel, rubber, fragrances, cosmetic chemicals, dyes, paints, and topical medications.
 
Beyond age, exposure to irritant, allergies and asthma, Dr. Grundy also says environment, change of season and genetics are among the many causes related to dermatitis. The best way to avoid contact dermatitis is to take precaution when interacting with possible irritants (use of gloves etc.) or select fragrance-free products. To keep symptoms at bay it’s best to take shorter baths with warm water followed by moisturizing products such as Edye’s Naturals Face & Body Butter  (which is safe for all skin types) while your skin is damp to help prevent reoccurring dermatitis.[7] Edye's organic ingredients are chosen to heal with vitamins and antioxidants.
 
While your healthcare provider may prescribe a cream, ointment, antihistamine, a low dose steroid or other anti-inflammatory medicine to stop symptoms, there are also simple, natural alternatives you can conduct in the comfort of your own home to treat dermatitis.
 
“Natural remedies are always first line when dealing with children because it is always best to minimize topical medication applied to young skin,” says Dr. Grundy.
 
Homeopathic remedies treat conditions by using highly diluted forms of herbs and minerals to soothe symptoms. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that 70 percent of respondents noted improvement in their condition as a result of a homeopathic remedy. [8] You can find non-prescription anti-inflammatory and anti-itch products,[9] however, fish oil supplements in addition to consuming whole foods rich in vitamin D, or taking food-based vitamin D supplements and probiotics also have qualities to treat dermatitis.[10]
 
Tea tree oil and aloe vera soothe irritated skin and simply putting cool, moist cloths on the affected areas can ease your itching. Avoid scratching or further irritating the affected area and avoid the substance that originally irritated the skin. Moisturizers and emollients should be used regularly and liberally to keep skin hydrated and prevent flare-ups. [11]
 
The goals for treating your dermatitis should be to replace moisture in the skin, provide a waterproof barrier to minimize further water loss, reduce inflammation, and overall improve the quality of life. Products like Edye’s Naturals made using only organic, mostly edible, ingredients can help your skin return to normal and repair the damage caused by dermatitis.
 
Bibliography
 
Kia Grundy, MD Board Certified Pediatrician, Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics NJ Chapter, Lead Physician, Trinity Pediatrics - A Primary Care Partners Affiliate in Maplewood, NJ (http://trinitypediatrics.com/)
 
"10 Reasons You Get... Flaky Skin." Daily Mail. 11 Aug. 2015. Web.
 
"Atopic Dermatitis and Eczema." Harvard Health Publications. Web. <http://www.health.harvard.edu/skin-and-hair/atopic-dermatitis-and-eczema-overview>.
 
Champion RH, Burton JL et al. Textbook of dermatology, vol 1. Oxford: Blackwell Science, 1998.
 
"Contact Dermatitis." Summit Medical Group. Web. <http://www.summitmedicalgroup.com/library/adult_health/aha_contact_dermatitis/>.
 
"Dermatitis." Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia. 6th ed. 2015. Print.
 
Hardy, Leah. "Why Moisturizer May Make Your Skin Worse." Daily Mail. 19 Sept. 2015. Web.
 
Jarvis, Sarah. "Contact Dermatitis: Causes and Prevention." Practice Nurse27.4 (2004): 44-48. Web.
 
Ledingham J, Warrell D ed. Concise Oxford Textbook of Medicine 1069-74. Oxford: Oxford University Press 2000.
 
Mayo Clinic Staff. "Dermatitis." Mayo Clinic. Web. <http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dermatitis-eczema/basics/definition/con-20032183>.
 
Nathan, Alan. "Eczema & Dermatitis." Practice Nurse 28.10 (2004): 62-66. Web.
 
"Natural Remedies for a Clear Complexion." Daily Mail. 24 Oct. 2014. Web.
 
"So What's Spoiling Your Skin?" Daily Mail. 19 Sept. 2014. Web.
 
Wheldon, Julie. "Homeopathic Remedies That Work for 70% of Patients." Daily Mail. 22 Nov. 2005. Web.
[1] Mayo Clinic Staff

[2] Champion RH, Burton JL et al

[3] Nathan, Alan

[4] "So What's Spoiling Your Skin?"

[5] Ledingham J, Warrell D

[6] "So What's Spoiling Your Skin?"

[7] Mayo Clinic Staff

[8] Wheldon, Julie

[9] Mayo Clinic

[10] “Natural Remedies for a Clear Complexion”

[11] “10 Reasons You Get... Flaky Skin”

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