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
SUPPLIMENTS
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.
