Dermatitis

Description
Dermatitis is an Inflammation of the Skin. Some of the most common forms of dermatitis are seborrheic, irritant Eczema, dyshidrosis and discoid Eczema.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a red, scaly, itchy Rash on the face, or on the scalp (i.e., the most common cause of dandruff). Contact dermatitis (including allergic contact dermatitis and contact photodermatitis) is an Allergy to specific substances that touch the Skin. A classic example is a poison ivy Rash.

Dermatitis, while unattractive, is not usually life threatening. These skin conditions may become infected by scratching and bacterial invasion. The best treatment is removing the irritant, but may also include bathing with soap and water, applying unscented creams and wearing gloves to avoid irritating chemicals on the skin. The term Eczema, a specific form of dermatitis involving internally provoked Inflammation of the skin, is often incorrectly used interchangeably with dermatitis.

Herbs
Echinacea (4)
Goldenseal

Nutritional Supplements
Evening Primrose Oil (1)
Folic Acid
L-acidophilus
Lecithin,
Selenium (2)
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B12
Vitamin E (2)
Zinc (3)

References
1. Biagi PL, et al. The effect of gamma-linolenic acid on clinical status, red cell fatty acid composition and membrane microviscosity in infants with atopic dermatitis. Drugs Exp Clin Res 20(2): 77-84, 1994.
2. Juhlin L, et al. Blood glutathione peroxidase levels in Skin disease: Effect of Selenium and Vitamin E treatment. Acata Derma (Stockholm) 1982; 62:211-14.
3. Michmalsson G and Ljunghall K. Patients with dermatitis, herpetiformis, Acne, Psoriasis and Darier’s disease have low epidermal Zinc concentrations. Acta Derm Venerol (Stockholm) 19909; 70(4):304-8.
4. Tubaro A, et al: Anti-inflammatory activity of a polysaccharide fraction of Echinacea angustifolia, Journal of Pharm Pharmacol, 39(7), July 1987, p 567-569.