DEALING WITH DERMATITIS/ECZEMA
So what exactly is DERMATITIS/ ECZEMA and what causes it?
Dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a group of diseases that results in inflammation of the skin. These diseases are characterised by itchiness, red skin and a rash. In cases of short duration, there may be small blisters, while in long term cases the skin may become thickened. The area of skin involved can vary from very small to the entire body. In 2015 dermatitis was estimated to affect ~245 million people world wide and is a group of skin conditions which include:
Atopic Dermatitis (AD)
Most commonly referred to as eczema and affects about 20% of people at some point in their lives is more common in younger children and affects males and females equally. The cause of AD is not known, although there is some evidence of genetic, environmental, and immunologic factors.
Irritant Contact Dermatitis (ICD)
A form of contact dermatitis, in which the skin is injured by friction, environmental factors such as cold, over-exposure to water, or chemicals such as acids, alkalis, detergents and solvents.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD)
A form of contact dermatitis which created by a hypersensitive reaction that is atypical within the general population.
Stasis Dermatitis (SD)
Skin inflammation that develops in people with poor circulation. It most often occurs in the lower legs because that's where blood typically collects. When blood collects or pools in the veins of your lower legs, the pressure on the veins increases.
The diagram above shows how skin affected by dermatitis differs from healthy skin
How can DErMtitis/ eczema be treated?
Treatment of dermatitis is typically with moisturisers and steroid creams. the steroid creams are generally mid-high strength and to be used for less than two weeks at a time as side effects can occur. Antibiotics may be required if there are signs of skin infection. Contact dermatitis is typically treated by avoiding the allergen or irritant. Antihistamines may help with sleep and to decrease nighttime scratching.
Many people struggle to find products to put together a skincare routine or to supplement stronger/ prescribed products. Given the characteristics of dermatitis/ eczema you should look to put together a routine with products which as a group have the following qualities.
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Itch Relieving
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Anti-inflammatory
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Skin Barrier Repairing i.e. contain; cholesterol, ceramides and/or essential fatty acids to help rebuild the damaged skin barrier.
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Moisture Boosting i.e. contain humectants such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin which bind water to the upper layers of the skin.
Which Fragrance Free skincare products could help combat dermatitis/ Eczema?
Below are a some of our favourite fragrance free skincare products which have the properties listed above and which we hope will help you in your fight against dermatitis/ eczema:
Odylique - Repair Lotion
Originally created by Margaret, the founder of Odylique, as a moisturiser for her own and her family’s eczema prone skin Repair Lotion is a lightweight cream which calms distressed, dry and itchy skin on your face or body. The product contains the following beneficial ingredients:
Chamomile
Rich in flavonoids, instantly reducing oxidative stress and soothing skin inflammation.
Chickweed
Great at relieving itching.
Hypericum (St John's Wart)
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of this herb work on the skin to offer some relief from these irritating skin conditions.
Calendula
Calming and anti-inflammatory helping to reduce redness and irritation and leaving a soothing, protective barrier on the skin to maintain moisture levels and aid wound healing.
Aloe Vera
Rich in mucopolysaccharides, giving it excellent soothing, healing and moisturising properties.
2 - Green People - Anti-Aging 24-hour Cream
Often products targeting concerns associated with ageing are perfect for combating dermatitis/ eczema due to them being richer and more focused on fatty acids which are heavier in Oleic Acids and aid barrier repair. Brought to you by Green People this day and night cream for very sensitive skin contains a moisture-retaining complex to soothe and revitalise whilst being rich in organic plant oils to support natural skin health. Some of the beneficial ingredients which this product contains are:
Evening Primrose
A rich source of Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA) which is known to reduce skin inflammation. It also supports collagen and elastin structures within the skin.
Avocado
Rich in vitamins A, D and E the antioxidants it contains reduce free radical damage and promote natural collagen production.
Squalane from Olives
Conditions and moisturises the skin, reducing water loss and restoring skin suppleness and elasticity.
Baicalin
Works to reduce the visible signs of ageing by improving skin firmness and elasticity.
Green tea
Rich in antioxidants to prevent skin cell damage, protecting from collagen breakdown to preserve the skin barrier.
BALMONDS - SKIN SALVATION
Rich, oil-based and made with beeswax to lock in the moisture that dry skin so desperately needs, this award winning ointment from Balmonds can be used by all ages (from six weeks), all skin types and anywhere on the body, making it a one-pot wonder for all your skin needs!
Its gentle formulation with natural ingredients reduces the risk of skin irritation and itchiness from synthetic additives, and means that it is also suitable for people who may be prone to eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and other dry skin conditions.
Beeswax
Pure, minimally-processed local beeswax which makes a fantastic waterproof barrier to protect damaged skin and lock in moisture.
Hemp Seed, Safflower and Olive Oils
Incredibly rich in vitamins and nutrients, particularly in the essential fatty acids (EFAs) which dry skin often lack.
Calendula, nettle, chickweed and chamomile
Biodynamic herbal tinctures of these ingredients which have been used in traditional herbal medicine for centuries for their skin kind properties.
4 - Lyonsleaf - Calendula & Marshmallow Balm
An unfragranced balm from Lyonsleaf made with pure plant oils, beeswax, home grown herbs and nothing else. Great for those with dry inflamed skin. Some of the beneficial ingredients include:
Calendula Flower and Marshmallow Root Extract
Calming and anti-inflammatory helping to reduce redness and irritation and leaving a soothing, protective barrier on the skin to maintain moisture levels and aid wound healing.
Babassu Oil
Calms redness and itchy inflamed skin.
Borage (Starflower) Oil
An amazing skin regenerator due to its gamma Linoleic acid (GLA) content. It is great for smoothing the complexion and moisturising the skin. In addition it reduces inflammation.
Avocado Oil
Rich in vitamins A, D and E the antioxidants it contains reduce free radical damage and promote natural collagen production.
Rosehip Oil
For skin smoothing and cell-renewal.
Green People - Hand & Body Lotion
Brought to you by Green People this easily absorbed hand and body lotion for very sensitive skin contains a moisture-retaining complex to soothe and revitalise whilst being rich in organic plant oils to support natural skin health. Some of the beneficial ingredients which this product contains are:
Evening Primrose
A rich source of Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA) which is known to reduce skin inflammation. It also supports collagen and elastin structures within the skin.
Perilla
High levels of omega 3 fatty acids. retains moisture within the skin to prevent dryness. A great antioxidant with repairing and soothing actions.
Squalane from Olives
Conditions and moisturises the skin, reducing water loss and restoring skin suppleness and elasticity.
Shea butter
Rich in vitamins A and E and essential fatty acids. Has excellent moisturising and nourishing properties. Protective and healing for dry skin. High levels of phytosterols promote cell growth.
Lyonsleaf - Unfragranced Beauty Balm
An unfragranced balm from Lyonsleaf made with pure plant oils, home grown herbs and nothing else. Perfect for use as an oil cleanser or simply as a nourishing skin balm that is great for those with dry inflamed skin. Some of the beneficial ingredients include:
Shea Butter
Rich in vitamins A and E and essential fatty acids. Has excellent moisturising and nourishing properties. Protective and healing for dry skin. High levels of phytosterols promote cell growth.
Babassu Oil
Calms redness and itchy inflamed skin.
Macadamia Nut Oil
This restructuring, softening and nourishing oil is rich in oleic acid so it is highly effective at preventing moisture loss. This regenerative oil is known for its ability to heal scars and irritations.
Calendula Flower Extract
Calming and anti-inflammatory helping to reduce redness and irritation and leaving a soothing, protective barrier on the skin to maintain moisture levels and aid wound healing.