Dermatitis is an all-encompassing term that refers to a group of conditions that cause inflammation of the skin. Its subcategories include contact dermatitis.[1] atopic dermatitis (eczema)[2] and seborrheic dermatitis.[3] among others.
Contact dermatitis, in particular, refers to the skin inflammation that occurs as a response to direct contact between an irritant substance and the surface of the skin.
Causes of Contact Dermatitis
People who have thin or dry skin tend to be more vulnerable to dermatitis. One of the most common forms of dermatitis reaction is due to exposure to and direct contact of the skin with a foreign substance, which manifests itself in the form of a bothersome rash.
This condition is referred to as contact dermatitis and is further divided into two categories depending upon the causative factors.
Symptoms Associated with Contact Dermatitis
The symptoms of contact dermatitis include:[4][5]
- Burning or stinging sensation at the point of contact
- Incessant itching at the affected area
- Scabs or oozing blisters
- Increased sensitivity to sun exposure
- Tenderness or swelling around the affected area
- Hives
- Lesions with marked borders
- Scaling of the skin
Diagnosing Contact Dermatitis
In order to arrive at a conclusive diagnosis, your dermatologist will closely examine the state of your skin in general and the rash in particular. This physical assessment is followed by an inquiry about your complete medical history as well as current health issues.
The doctor will then move on to shortlisting the probable causes of the rash, which calls for a bit of detective work. To that end, you will be asked about your line of work and what it entails, hobbies that you regularly engage in, pets at home, and the skin care products you use.
This background information will help your dermatologist identify the offending substance triggering your condition. It is important to apprise your dermatologist of every detail that might be relevant to his/her line of questioning.
To rule out an allergic response, your dermatologist may recommend patch testing a number of suspected allergens on your skin.
This way, your dermatologist may safely and effectively determine if you have indeed developed an allergic reaction and lay down the course of treatment accordingly. The need for patch testing usually arises when the rash seems to have no apparent cause or has a tendency to recur.
How Can You Treat Contact Dermatitis?
A standard case of contact dermatitis generally doesn’t warrant any medical intervention as the condition tends to resolve on its own once the irritant/allergen is no longer in contact with the skin.
To facilitate the natural healing process, identifying and eliminating the source of the irritant chemical or allergen is an essential prerequisite. It takes considerable caution on your part to avoid exposing your skin to such substances; even then, complete skin protection can be difficult.
It is, therefore, necessary to have proper measures in place to minimize the risk. In some cases, you may need to change your working practice or switch jobs if the condition is being triggered by occupational irritants.
If home-based treatments are insufficient to manage the discomfort, consult your doctor about appropriate medication.
- Antihistamine drugs, such as diphenhydramine, are often prescribed to bring down the intensity of your allergic response and provide symptomatic relief from the constant itching.
- The dermatologist may recommend steroid creams or ointments to be applied topically on the rash for added relief.
- In particularly severe cases of contact dermatitis, the doctor may even write down a prescription of oral medication, such as steroid tablets to reduce inflammation and oral antibiotics if the rash becomes infected.
Tips and Remedies for Contact Dermatitis
Because contact dermatitis is fairly common and poses no danger to our lives, home-based treatments can be considered as suitable alternatives to heal the condition naturally. Here are some ways to help the symptoms subside:
1. Avoid Allergens
- Clean your skin – If you come into contact with an allergen or irritant, rinse the affected skin with warm water and apply an unscented emollient as soon as possible. This can avert the development of the rash, at least to some extent.
- Use gloves to protect your hands – Wearing protective gloves can reduce your risk of coming in further contact with the offending irritant. However, it is essential to allow your skin to breathe by taking them off every now and then. This will also prevent hand sweating, which can end up aggravating your symptoms. Moreover, you may find it useful to wear cotton gloves underneath rubber gloves if the rubber is bothering your skin.
- Identify and exclude the products that irritate your skin – Run a background check on your cosmetics, grooming, personal hygiene, and house cleaning products to ensure that no allergen or irritant is part of its ingredients; in some cases, you may need to contact the manufacturer or scour the Internet to get this information.
- Apply emollients frequently and in large amounts – Soothing emollients are available in the form of nonmedicated creams, lotions, or ointments, which can keep your skin hydrated and can help protect it from allergens and irritants. You can also use emollient soap substitutes rather than a regular bar or liquid soaps that tend to dry out the skin.
2. Moisturize with Coconut Oil
The amazing antimicrobial and moisturizing properties of coconut oil can greatly help deal with the problem of dermatitis. It can significantly reduce redness, scaling, and dryness within a few days.[7]
- Gently apply some warm coconut oil to the affected area to soothe and soften the inflamed skin.
- For best results, use virgin coconut oil daily before going to bed.
3. Take an Oatmeal Bath
An oatmeal bath can help treat skin irritation, itching, and rashes. It also keeps your skin moisturized.[8]
- Mix 1 cup of fine-powdered oatmeal in lukewarm bathwater.
- Soak in this bathwater for 15 to 20 minutes daily.
- Pat yourself dry and apply a nonabrasive moisturizer.
- Repeat this regimen daily for 1 month.
4. Apply a Cold Compress
A cold compress can be used to get temporary relief from the skin itching and the inflammation that accompanies it. It works by numbing the targeted area to soothe your sores and to relieve your symptoms.
However, because its effect is rather short-lived, prolonged or frequent use of cold compresses cannot be considered as a mainstay for the management of this condition. In fact, this strategy is only effective in the first 3-4 days when applied conscientiously several times a day.
Besides, it is best to avoid exposing your sensitive skin to prolonged or direct contact with the compress, which might further aggravate your discomfort.
For this reason, it is often suggested to use a cloth barrier, such as a towel, between the skin and the cold compress and allow at least an hour-long interval between repeat applications.
- Soak a clean and soft washcloth in cold water and wring out the excess water.
- You can also add colloidal oatmeal to the water for additional relief from the itching.
- Hold the cool, damp compress against the rash for 15-30 minutes to soothe your skin.
If your itching happens to be particularly intense and localized to a small area, you can consider applying an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel to the affected skin for 20 minutes, three to four times a day.[9]
5. Vitamin E is a Skin-Friendly Nutrient
One of the best and easiest home remedies for dermatitis is vitamin E oil. This oil promotes natural healing of the skin and provides relief from itching and inflammation.
A 2015 study published in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences found that a low dose of vitamin E (400 IU/day) can be effective in the treatment of atopic dermatitis with no side effects.[10]
- Apply vitamin E oil to your skin, especially at night before going to bed.
- You can also try lotions and creams containing vitamin E.
- Regular consumption of foods rich in vitamin E, such as sunflower seeds, wheat germ oil, peanut butter, and corn, can also help prevent dermatitis.
6. Honey Works Like a Natural Skin Salve
One popular ingredient that has found much use in soothing skin inflammations is honey. It is particularly potent for treating conditions such as dermatitis due to its antiseptic and antibacterial properties.[11][12]
- Mix equal parts of raw honey, beeswax, and olive oil.
- Heat the mixture in a double boiler to make an ointment.
- When it cools, apply it to your skin and leave it on for several hours.
- Do this daily for several weeks to notice visible improvement in your skin condition.
When dealing with radiation-induced dermatitis, applying manuka honey twice daily has been found to be beneficial.
7. Try Chamomile to Soothe Irritated Skin
The therapeutic properties of chamomile flowers can have a calming effect on the aggravated dermatitis-ridden skin.[13][14]
- Steep 2-3 teaspoons of chamomile flowers in 1 cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Let the solution cool down.
- Dip a piece of clean cloth in it, place the cloth on the affected area, and leave it on for 20 minutes.
- Do this a few times daily until you are satisfied with the results.
Alternatively, you can use chamomile cream a few times a day, or mix 5-10 drops of chamomile essential oil in your bathwater and soak in it for about 20 minutes daily until you get relief.
8. Neem Will Help Your Skin Heal Better
Indian lilac or neem leaves have also found much use in the treatment of dermatitis. Neem helps restore your skin’s health and protect it from various infections.[15]
- Mix 1 tablespoon each of sesame oil and turmeric powder in 1 tablespoon of ground neem leaves.
- Apply this paste on the affected skin and leave it on for a few hours before washing it off.
- Do this daily for a few months.
Another option is to add a few drops of neem oil to warm bath water and soak in it for about 20 minutes daily until you get relief.
9. Turmeric is Nature’s Own Medicine
Another very effective ingredient that can be used in the natural treatment of dermatitis is turmeric because of its anti-inflammatory, antiallergic[16] and antiseptic properties. Thus, incorporating turmeric in your diet and skincare routine can expedite the healing process.[17]
- Heat 1 quart of water and add a ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder to it.
- Bring the solution to a boil.
- Allow it to cool and then drink it.
- You can also use this solution to wash the affected area.
- Do this daily for a few months.
Types of Contact Dermatits
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis is essentially an allergic reaction that manifests itself in the form of an itchy red rash or blisters when the skin comes in direct contact with certain substances. The mechanism at play here involves the immune system.[6]
When the skin touches an allergen, the immune system kicks in thinking that the body is under attack and starts manufacturing antibodies to ward off the threat. A number of inflammatory chemicals, including histamine, are released by the body as part of the safeguarding reaction, which eventually causes a tender itchy rash to appear in a localized manner. The rash often takes 24-48 hours to develop once the body’s defenses set in.
Allergic contact dermatitis is commonly triggered by:
- Poison ivy, poison oak, and sumac
- Cosmetic products such as lipsticks, anti-aging creams, hair dyes, nail varnish hardeners, shampoos, lotions, and perfumes
- Metals found in jewelry and belt buckles such as nickel and cobalt
- Rubber including latex found commonly in gloves
- Textiles like leather, especially due to the dyes and resins that are in them
- Glue and other adhesives
- Certain topical medications, such as topical corticosteroids
Irritant Contact Dermatitis
Irritant contact dermatitis, on the other hand, might seem like an allergy but is essentially damage to the outer layer of the skin caused by exposure or overexposure to certain toxic chemicals or environmental elements.
This type of dermatitis can result from short-term exposure to powerful irritants as well as prolonged exposure to relatively weaker irritants.
The skin damage caused by irritant contact dermatitis can be visible immediately or within 48 hours of coming in contact with a strong irritant. However, in the case of feeble irritants, the rash develops over time with frequent and sustained exposure to the offending material as it chips away at the skin barrier.
Irritant contact dermatitis is often an occupational hazard as it is triggered by substances you come in regular contact with at your workplace. Additionally, people whose jobs require them to have their hands immersed in water a lot, such as nurses, hairdressers, cooks, and cleaners, are especially susceptible to this condition.
Some of the common irritants include:
- Bleach
- Solvents used in dry cleaning
- Kerosene
- Laundry detergents and softeners
- Pepper spray
- Battery acid
- Fertilizers and pesticides
- Dishwashing soaps and floor and bathroom cleaners
- Grooming products such as soaps, shampoos, dyes, and shaving creams, which are often loaded with toxic chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate, formaldehyde, parabens, and artificial fragrances
- Airborne irritants such as sawdust or wood dust
Is Contact Dermatitis Hereditary?
People with a family history of asthma, eczema, and hay fever develop irritant contact dermatitis more frequently than others without these conditions.
How to Prevent Contact Dermatitis?
- Whenever using a new skin care product, it is prudent to do a patch test first.
- Preferably purchase and use products that are labeled “hypoallergenic.”
- Include unscented emollients in your skin care regimen to strengthen your skin barrier.
- Switch to vinyl gloves instead of latex gloves if you suspect symptoms of a latex allergy.
- Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and goggles when venturing outdoors, particularly on hiking trips, for added protection.
- Refrain from excessive exposure to water and soap, for instance, overindulgent handwashing or dishwashing, as it depletes the moisture from your skin.
- Be mindful of the products that you are coming in contact with on a regular basis as well as any new material that you may have encountered. This can be done by keeping a journal that can later help you identify potential triggers in case of a reaction.
- Personal hygiene products should be chosen after credible research and checking the ingredients, to ensure that they are free from common irritants such as sodium lauryl sulfate.
- Certain food products can also aggravate your skin due to the presence of irritants in them. Identify what’s bothering your skin, and steer clear from eating as well as handling it.
- Be cautious around pets as certain allergens from plants, such as poison ivy, can cling to pets and be transmitted to people.
- Try not to pick at any skin inflammation and keep your nails short to avoid the risk of infection.
When to See a Doctor
The rash-or blister-ridden skin can become breeding grounds for bacteria or fungi if it is rigorously tampered with or incessantly scratched. In the event of an infection, it is imperative that you seek immediate medical help. The following symptoms should tip you off:
- The rash continues to persist for several weeks without any improvement.
- The rash becomes increasingly painful such that it is disrupting your daily life.
- Your existing symptoms worsen steadily.
- Pus-like discharge ooze from the blisters.
- You start running a high fever.
- The mucosal lining of your mouth and digestive tract shows signs of damage due to the rash.
- There is inflammation in the lungs, eyes, or nasal passage on account of inhaling the allergen.
Cases involving children below the age of 2 should be referred to a doctor. Self-treatment is also not recommended for people with more than 20% of the body affected by this condition.
Also, if a person’s itching is bad enough to interfere with sleeping at night, then he or she should seek a dermatologist’s help.
Resources:
- NHS Choices. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contact-dermatitis/.
- NHS Choices. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atopic-eczema/.
- Topical anti‐inflammatory agents for seborrhoeic dermatitis of the face or scalp. Cochrane Library. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0065325/. Published May 19, 2014.
- NHS Choices. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contact-dermatitis/symptoms/.
- STATESCU L, BRANISTEANU D, DOBRE C, et al. Contact Dermatitis – Epidemiological Study. Medica: Journal of Clinical Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3391944/. Published October 2011.
- Allergic contact dermatitis: Overview. PubMed Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0096287/. Published July 13, 2017.
- Varma SR, Sivaprakasam TO, Arumugam I, et al. In vitro anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties of Virgin coconut oil.Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2225411017300871. Published January 17, 2018.
- Reynertson KA, Garay M, Nebus J, et al. Anti-inflammatory activities of colloidal oatmeal (Avena sativa) contribute to the effectiveness of oats in the treatment of itch associated with dry, irritated skin. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25607907. Published January 2015.
- Usatine R, Riojas M. Diagnosis and Management of Contact Dermatitis. AAFP Home. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2010/0801/p249.html#afp20100801p249-b4. Published August 1, 2010.
- Jaffary F, Faghihi G, Mokhtarian A, Hosseini SM. Effects of oral vitamin E on the treatment of atopic dermatitis: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of research in medical sciences: the official journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4755091/. Published November 2015.
- McLoone P, Oluwadun A, Warnock M, Fyfe L. Honey: A Therapeutic Agent for Disorders of the Skin. Central Asian Journal of global health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5661189/. Published August 4, 2016.
- Alangari AA, Morris K, Lwaleed BA, et al. Honey is potentially effective in the treatment of atopic dermatitis: Clinical and mechanistic studies. Immunity, inflammation, and disease. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5418133/. Published March 30, 2015.
- Afshari Z, Jabraeili M, Asaddollahi M. Comparison of the Effects of Chamomile and Calendula Ointments on Diaper Rash. Evidence-Based Care. http://ebcj.mums.ac.ir/m/article_4544.html. Published July 1, 2015.
- Lee S-H, Heo Y, Kim Y-C. Effect of German chamomile oil application on alleviating atopic dermatitis-like immune alterations in mice. Journal of veterinary science. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2833428/. Published March 2010.
- Kawoosa SH, Allaqaband SM, Rakhshandah. Effect of Unani medicine on irritant contact dermatitis: a case study. International Journal of Scientific Reports. https://www.sci-rep.com/index.php/scirep/article/view/337. Published 2017.
- Lee JH, Kim JW, Ko NY. Curcumin, a constituent of curry, suppresses IgE-mediated allergic response and mast cell activation at the level of Syk. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. https://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(07)03608-1/fulltext. Published May 2008.
- Nguyen TA, Friedman AJ. Curcumin: A Novel Treatment for Skin-Related Disorders. JDDonline. http://jddonline.com/articles/dermatology/S1545961613P1131X/1. Published October 2013.
VERY HELPFUL THAN YOU
Well put together and informative, attractive article. I have found some of these ingredients when applied individually have benefited my perioral dermatitis especially the coconut oil and aloe vera. However I prefer using a cream by mama nature-proskin eczema as this contains both of these ingredients amongst others and has actually cured me of my perioral dermatitiis, despite being told by two dermatologists that I would have to live with it. Calendula is also an amazing ingredient that cures many ills of the skin.
Hello I have dermatitis on my face it’s just horrible, where do I get the stuff from you are talking about please
Doctors don’t support natural methods for healing, since they want to sell the pharmaceuticals, so I’m not surprised that your doctors said “you would just have to live with it.” NOPE! I’m 68 (today) and take NO pharmaceuticals. I eat right — NATURAL foods — drink lots of water and avoid anything processed. And when I need help with any ailment, I go online. I have dermatitis on my eyelids, a mild case, due to makeup, I believe. So I will try the coconut oil. Best to you, Kathy.
I have some apple cider vinegar and vitamin E cream so I will try them. The creams the doctor prescriber were useless. Thank you very much.
I just tried the vinegar and water solution followed by the vitamin e oil…my face feels so much better…paid $30 for a prescription cream and all it did was burn my face. I will stick to home remedies first from now on.
I’ve never had issues with dermatitis until a few years ago. I wish I never had this on my hands, they get so sore when a break out happens. I’m frustrated because I don’t know what is triggering it.The priscription creams help heal the break outs, but I wish there was some thing I could do besides just treating it to help prevent them or make them less sever. I have tried a cream by Mazor it’s a bit expensive but worth it at the time, as it was great at healing the break outs. I will try a few of these remedies. I’m sick of having to plaster my hands in bandaids for work and feeling embarassed when people constantly ask about it.
Guys I think our biggest problem Is being impatient with natural remadies. Granted we live in the fast lane but we should listen to our body’s . I’m guilty as much as anyone else I have it on my finger tips where they burst open and tear and burn like hell. I’ve used all these remadies before with very little pleasure but I think it’s due to inpatient ness so this time I WILL take it slow. Good health guys
hi there, i had eczema & psoriasis for years. i found eliminating wheat from my diet cured my disease. everyone is different so what worked for me may not work for you. i also switched to all natural creams and lotions, no sodium laurel sulfates and with natural ingredients i am sensitive to even some of them, so it’s trial and error. good luck
Yes sulfates are a big no no for skin algergy. cocconut oil is great organic coconut, and works great for me it takes time but works to get rid of it. I also take it internaly so that it will work from inside out i take 4 small tea spoons a day morn midafternoon eve and night.
Riccardo, you are bang on.
I get perioral dermatitis on my face every couple of years and the standard treatment my doctor prescribes is an antibiotic for 6-8 weeks. Depending on the severity, it may be longer. So, if an oral antibiotic can take that long, why do people think a natural remedy won’t either? Chances are it will take less time but in reality shouldn’t we afford these remedies enough time to work? I, for one, do not plan on going down the antibiotic route again. It simply wipes out all the good gut flora and puts you at risk for other issues.
Try vics vaporub
Suffering exactly as Lidsey above describes. I had severe eczema as a child and grew out of it. Over the last 3mths I have had severe dermatitis on the palms of my hands, which is now spreading to my fingers. Tried an ointment provided by doctor, however that made it break out into painful blisters. Currently seeking something that will restore my sanity. It is bad enough to constantly have bandaged hands, to hurt when trying to undertake normal daily tasks, to be deprived of sleep, to be reduced to tears when changing dressings, and add to that the fact that my normal profession is a massage therapist.
I am so over this condition as it has drained every aspect of my being. Will try some of the remedies that have been mentioned above – thank you for the information. xxx
I have contact dermatitis I get it on my feet and the palms of my hands mostly. I have been to several regular doctors and several dermatologists now I too have done allot of different RX ointments – but no real cure or great results.
I have just started using virgin coconut oil this article is helpful I am going to try
all of these things and hope that I solve this plus maybe it can help other people.
Natural is better anyway – if you can get it to work for you. Thank you for the info.
Hey Barbara,
I used to get the tiny blisters on my hands and also the soles of my feet. They would get extremely itchy and the skin would be quite raw, crack and ooze fluid. I’m also a massage therapist and I knew that it had nothing to do with the oils that I was using. I tried everything and eventually found that it was my diet, yes my diet. Too much sugar and alcohol was my problem , not that I drank that much. I think I’m a bit sensitive to too much of it and even today when I’ve been hitting the sugar, those little nasties start to come back to haunt me. All the best,
Jon 🙂
Thanks 4 those home remedies.I wl try wit those ones around.
I have dermatitis severely on both my lower legs and it is spreading to other areas, I am driven mad by itching all my family shout at me for scratching so I scratch in secret. Doctors creams no good I will try Aloe Vera and the honey treatment thanks for the suggestions. Mags
Mags, as my skin has thinned and become dryer with age (62), I am experiencing dermatitis on my legs as well. After bathing I dab areas with ACV and water, after 30 minutes I apply coconut oil liberally. I have been doing this for about 3 weeks and it is helping alot… patience. Also, gluten free diet is necrssary. Hang in there sister!
A tablespoon of Olive oil. Add to this 5 drops of Tea-Tree Essential oil. Rub it into the effected area, leave over night then wash it off. It will take a few months, but it should get rid of the problem. (Mine has nearly gone after years of suffering)
At first it will get sore and itchy, but this happens when it flares up anyway. This remedy is also really good for Candida.
I had this all though elementary school and middle school. I been to doctors and tried everything I found out the cure for me was really hot showers and I scratched but since the water hit them I did t tear my skin. After the itch was gone I rinsed with cold water and soon enough it was gone 7 years later u would never kno I have this skin Condition
I’m still working on the elimination of intense dermatitis on my feet, and the itching of my body. However, I found changing hand soap to a baby shampoo, after a short time, was a cure for my hands, as long as I always used it, with the exception of the times I needed to use regular soap at public establishments. Generic baby shampoo worked well. I think mild with least chemicals was the key for cleansing.
5 years ago I was diagnosed with psoriasis.never having skin issues In my 27 years I wanted a second opinion.I went to 2 other doctors telling me I had dermatitis caused by coming in contact with something I’m allergic to.Very painful cracking in my fingers,itchy,burning,water like blisters all over my arms hands and fingers.I’ve been treated with everything from creams, lotions,prednizone steroids.I was told from a older gentleman to try lucky tiger…it is only sold in barber shops.I swear by it.it relieves pain and heals.it does have a strong menty smell but if your case is as bad as mine then u won’t mind.when I brake outwitch is almost ever week I will apply before I go to bed and maybe once at work.you should try it!
I have had this for several years and it is annoying. Burning, itching, flakey, drk skin, and sometimes oily like little boils, etc on hand. I have found that soaking my hand in milk, more specifically spoiled milk, offers almost instant relief and seems to work much better than the expensive prescription treatments I have used in the past. I swear by it.
My hand really itched at about 9:45 one night and i didnt want to wake anyone up, so i just found some deodorant and put it on the itch a couple times and soon it stoped itching. You will have to reapliy it about 2-3 times
I get dermatitis on my knuckles and find using Nivea Soft moisturising cream works to get rid if it. I get it if I don’t dry my hands properly after washing them especially in winter. If anyone has psoriasis have you tried eliminating yeast from your diet your and putting an anti fungal cream on it. I have heard this will help it go away
I can’t tell you about internal remedies. But as far as external:
I’ve had had dermatitis and eczema on my hands and feet all though child hood very bad. A few things that have helped me:
-I wash all my cloth in none scented detergent. All none scented to be exact, especially my socks. When your body, or feet sweat, it releases the fragrances in your cloth and effects your skin.
– Scrub my shower floor with white vinegar (This prevents the soap scum that builds up on the shower floor from sticking to your feet).
-I buy ClimaCool socks, very thin socks from the sport shore so my feet get more air,
Anyone get relief when getting the house watered softened? I think ours failed about a year ago as I have had troubles when I never really did much before. Just discovered this….and FWIW, our 3 year old coffee maker failed a couple of months ago, which probably was a big hint on that. Tested the water and it was 147 ppm which is moderate-high on the scale.
Just a thought. Looking forward to getting the water softener repaired next week. Never gave much thought to it, but I’ve been to 5 doctors this year for an answer and none of the creams help and I find I am more comfortable when I have showered in a hotel than my home. It also takes mega amounts of dishwashing liquid to wash dishes. Hope this helps someone who might have gone through the same kind of thing. Never gave it a second thought until we had some plumbing issues and I decided to go ahead and test the water content and it revealed this higher hard water content reading.
Was diagnosed with skin infection a few months ago thanks very much will try those home remedies hopefully it will work wonders
I wok up itching on my stomach almost a week ago. I didn’t know what it could’ve been from. I didn’t do anything different except try on two pairs of pants-one was a latex material and the other regular denim. After a few days; my stomach was red, bumpy, and itchy. I tried the over the counter stuff, along with some prescription strength hydrocortisone ointment, and it STILL itched. I saw an article about baking soda as a home remedy, and it DOES help IMMENSELY. Just use enough water to make a paste and put it on the affected area. I will also get some Manuka honey when I go to NZ this month, and try that as well. I have never had this before and I’m really miserable. I also wonder if nerves can bring on things like skin rashes, plus being a diabetic is no help either. A compromised immune system surely must contribute to catching illness, so one may try to get more vitamins in their diets, and cut out sugars and fats. Good luck to all who suffering.
Hi There,
I have read all your comments with greatest interest. As a child I had atopic eczema and lucklily grew out of it, but now, in my 64th year, have another very severe bout, due to another bad physical condition. I a
have been seeing a Natural Therapist who did a number of tests. To summarise: I have many food intolerances including gluten, lactose, yeast, soya, peanuts, plus, plus, plus. Then there was no longer a normal bacterial growth in my large bowel, I also had fungal infection. As soon as I drastically altered my diet, underwent bowel treatment including enemas, my skin began to heal. I had perioral rashes, soreness around the rectal area, pustels on my arms – apparently all coming from the acidic metabolites my body wants to get rid of to cure himself. I still use antihistamines and cortisone creams, but lesser and lesser, and my awful fatigue and weakness has gone. I feel like a different person, I am so grateful.
I have also tried spraying deodorant on the itching spots, and I works! Thank you dearly Avery
I have found that any product with sulfates will cause this terrible itching. Shampoo, hand soaps, detergents and dish liquids can be the problem. Read labels to find alternatives. My favorite remedy is Whole Foods Lavender body lotion. It really works.
I was diagnosed this week with contact dermatitis- due to what the dermatologist says from raking outside in a wooded area – with latex / rubber gloves on – must have picked up something – I have lived here 19 years and no problem before- She prescribed hydroVal a cortisone cream which I apply .
It doesn’t really bring relief to my hands which are covered in tight blisters in the palms and now my knuckles are swollen and sore
Would coconut oil be the way to go – and if you start with one treatment is it better to stay with that one for everywhere on your body
For immediate relief, I put an ice pack on affected areas. (This doesn’t heal the condition, but takes the itch away)
I HAVE NEVER HAD ANYTHING LIKE THIS, IT STARTED A MONTH AGO, I HAVENT USED ANYTHING DIFFERENT AS FAR AS SOAPS OR DETERGENTS, I HAVE IT ON MY FOREARMS, BACK STOMACH AND ANKLES, I WENT TO THE dR AND THEY GAVE ME PREDNIZONE, THAT HELPED FOR ABOUT A WEEK AND NOW ITS BACK WORSE THEN EVER. I WILL TRY HOME REMEDIES FROM NOW ON.
Good morning!! I was bitten by a midge or tiny black fly in Connecticut. I had a rash a few days later which was like a blistering dermatitis. I dabbed apple cider vinegar on it making sure NOT to pop any blisters. Then I put a thin coat of organic, cold pressed, coconut oil on it. Then I grabbed ice and held ice on it for 6-7 minutes, let it dry, then again, ice for 6-7 minutes and keeping this up for a couple hours. This morning I can clearly see the rash has dried out!! It is no longer itchy either. I hope everyone reads this and is able to find relief. Stay away from bandaids (has a weird glue ingredient now-a-days), stay away from cortisone, stay away from Neosporin, and keep your finger nails away!