Dermatitis

Question: Dermatitis? My friend has dermatitis for 10 years already. Different doctors say different things - it's because of food, her mood, the weather... I really want to help her w/ some advise. Do any of you out there know the most common factors that cause dermatitis, what medicine helps, when does it usually go off... Hopefully someone knows a website where all of those things are listed? Thank you sooooo much

Answer: The cause of dermatitis depends on the type of dermatitis. You said your friend has seen doctors but have any of those doctors been a dermatologist? If not, that is the first step...to see a dermatologist...a specialist in skin disorders. Just as the cause of dermatitis depends on the type, so does the treatment. So it is hard to give any real answers without a lot more detail. However, here is an excellent website, where the language is not technical, that may be of help to your friend and you: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dermatitis-eczema/DS00339

Question: How do I rid of Dermatitis on my hand? I have dermatitis on my hands, it is between my fingers and a little patch on my palm. It is very itchy and red and has what appears to be tiny fluid filled bubbles all over it which sometimes weep after a shower and get itchier. I have a cream called Graphites cream which helps stop itching and gets rid of redness but doesnt seem to get rid of it. I read that dermatitis (i havent always had dermatitis, i was born with eczema and one day had a little dry patch on my finger which turned into dermatitis) is sometimes aggravated by wheat and lactose so should i quit milk and bread for a month see if there is any difference? I'd like to know if anyone has any 'cures' or remedies i can purchase when i go shopping or something homeopathic i can make now so soothe straight away. PLEASE HELP ME! Ha! yes in a desperate bid last night to get rid of it i put some steroid cream on it, well lets say it quickly got washed of, it BURNED!!! I also heard nickel is a common trigger its in most coins and people always carry coins

Answer: I would be careful using E45 cream - I know a lot of people swear by it but I have Ezcema and it does nothing but aggravate me and makes me itch more - i agree to get something non steriod based so it does not thin the skin - try acqueous cream - you can get it without a prescription from a local pharmacy

Question: What can I use for dermatitis instead of Triamcinolone Acetonide? I have dermatitis that only ever gets better if treated with Triamcinolone Acetonide. Lotions and creams have not helped and sometimes dry out eczema+like areas. Does anyone know of over+the+counter treatments that help? Any secret remedies?

Answer: Should we whisper if it's a secret? ; ) OUCH! Stop using that stuff now! Seriously, corticosteroids are one scary medication! Look at this: Corticosteroids: Research literature, reflecting more than 50 years of studies, note a variety of adverse reactions to topical, oral, and systemic corticosteroids - ranging from mild to life-threatening and life-altering. A few examples of the side effects include: * Adrenal suppression * Allergic reaction to the medication * Cataracts * Glaucoma * Gastrointestinal effects, such as nausea and vomiting -- Peptic ulcers also have been shown to occur. * Growth retardation * Hair growth increase * Hypertension, or high blood pressure * Hypopigmentation (lightened patches of skin) * Infection * Osteoporosis * Skin conditions including stretch marks, spider veins, thinning of the skin, purpura (purple-colored patches of skin), acne, perioral dermatitis and rosacea-like rashes * Tachyphylaxis (a decreasing response to corticosteroids) * Weight gain Emily, if you wanna get rid of your condition, you must address the issue at the root. Any skin condition is a visible sign of imbalances inside the body. (Skin conditions are actually symptoms of other conditions -- it's your body crying out for help!) I've had eczema badly on my hands and before I made a few lifestyle changes, I put a million things, natural and chemical, on my hands ... to no avail!

Question: What are the symptoms of allergic and irritant contact dermatitis? I just want to check with other pet owners to make sure my veterinarian's diagnosis is correct, as I've never heard of allergic and irritant contact dermatitis in dogs. My dog has sores all over his paws, which are very red. I have to keep him from licking at them, because if he does, they bleed. Does this sound like allergic or irritant contact dermatitis to you?

Answer: The only person to tell you that is another vet. We cannot examine or see or know your dog's history. If you are concerned, first discuss with vet cuz you obviously didn't ask enough questions there then decide if you want a 2nd opinion. For these types of skin problems I advise going to a dermatologist vet who has far more experience in handling allergies/treatments than the average vet. Write down your questions before speaking to vet so you don't forget any.

Question: What can someone tell me about dermatitis and eczema? I'm 9 years old, and my excema and dermatitis is getting really bad and taking over my face. What should i do?

Answer: I hope this helps!! Good luck. =:)

Question: What is the difference between allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis? My dog Brandon, an American Staffordshire Terrier/Rottweiler Mix was diagnosed with allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis. What is the difference between these two diseases? The way they are described, they sound like the exact same disease. Could somebody tell me what the difference is?

Answer: 'Irritant' indicates that the skin has been damaged by contact with something that directly harmed it, e.g. a chemical. 'Allergic' indicates that the skin was damaged due to an overreaction by the body's immune system, e.g. contact with grass or hay. It is very difficult to tell the difference between the two by looking at them, a biopsy may tell more. Treatment is usually very similar. Frankly, a skin condition that is first diagnosed as contact dermatitis often is eventually diagnosed as atopy, or an allergy that manifests itself in a place on the body that is NOT in contact with the allergen, ironically. Most commonly seen are food allergies or inhalant allergies (dust, pollen, etc). Some dogs have trouble with pollen both by inhaling it and with direct contact. Regardless, the trouble shows on their skin, whereas humans with 'hay fever' show respiratory signs. Is Brandon itchy? If not, it very well may be contact dermatitis; if he is, he may have allergies that will need further workup. I'm assuming the vet checked for mites as well. Best wishes to you and your poor pup!

Question: What is an effective treatment for seborrheic dermatitis? I have had experience with weeping sores on my scalp, and they don't seem to be getting better. I've looked up what can cause this, and the most likely candidate seems to be seborrheic dermatitis. The jury seems to be out on what causes it, but there seems to be a definite lean toward it being a fungal infection of the hair follicles. What would you recommend to treat this condition?

Answer: Hey.. I'm currently suffering with this condition. It can be a cause from unbalanced hormones, a fungus on the skin, malnutrition, etc... Right now, I take a liquid multi vitamin (it's called VIBE). It worked pretty well but didn't start kicking in until maybe after.....4-5 weeks? I also put apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil on my skin. This helps with the fungus part... cleans it up real well and stops most of the flaking and redness for me. Just look it up on the web! ^_^ I wish all the best to you. I had horrible hair loss from this disease. I'm now looking into eyebrow and scalp transplants! yikes...

Question: What is the best treatment for seborrheic dermatitis? I have severe seborrheic dermatitis (scalp) and I have tried everything over the counter and nothing works. I finally went to the dermatologist 2 weeks ago and he prescribed Loprox shampoo, and it has made my hair even more itchy and scaly! I called the office to get them to change my prescription and he said to give it more time. Is it supposed to get worse before it gets better? What are you prescribed to? Thank you!

Answer: i went to a dremotologist and they to me to use a shampoo with zinc or syclic acid...and they also gave me a foam for hair i guess,....and then two other things for my face personally i dont think it should get worse i mean it shoud kindof take time to like work but yeh...aslso if it says on the lable stop use if condtion worsens then that could also be an indiccator....also when i had it i also look at my diet and really changed it....i think u should read article about subboric dermatitis...thats what did and tahts why when i went to my dermatologist i knew what to ask and stuff i have had my bad days where it seems like i have really dry skin ...hope u feel better:)

Question: What sunscreen can I use without getting contact dermatitis? I get really bed exzema and contact dermatitis every time I use sunscreen. Does anyone know of one that I can use and not get this painful rash on my face? I can't skip sunscreen because I burn easily on my face which is just as bad. So please help!! I can't just stay inside for the whole summer!

Answer: New SunClear from Grahams Natural Alternatives protects the skin from the sun and provides added moisture as well. The perfect choice for all skin types including those with eczema and psoriasis. You could also try the more natural based sunscreens such as those from Green People and Lavera. All sunscreens give protection against B rays; some also protect against A rays. The sun protection factor (SPF) tells you the extent to which the sunscreen filters out the B rays. The higher the SPF, the greater the degree of protection. SPF’s range from 2 up to 50, but someone with very fair skin or who has eczema that worsens in sunlight should use a cream with a factor of 15 or above.

Question: How can you tell the difference between Seborrheic dermatitis and just having dry skin or dry scalp?? Im not sure if i just have dry skin an scalp or is it Seborrheic dermatitis i just lookin to know the difference between the two thanks.

Answer: Dermatitis in very mild cases is hard to tell the difference especially on the scalp. If you are experiencing any crusting over, or weeping of fluid in the affected areas, then you definitely have dermatitis. FlakeFree therapeutic lotion formulated with zinc will clear your skin up. FlakeFree therapeutic hair gel formulated with zinc, tea tree oil, and numerous herbal ingredients will clear your scalp. I know, I used to suffer from dermatitis for years. I have remained clear now for several years since I started using the FlakeFree products. P.S. They are also excellent for dry skin and scalp, dandruff, and numerous skin and scalp issues. Check out my site for further details.

Question: What natural remedies did you use to put your Seborrheic Dermatitis in remission? The doctor gave me prescription-levels of salicylic acid, but it didn't seem to help that much. It made my skin peel and the dermatitis patch was still there--it's on my forehead. Anyone know of any remedies?

Answer: Seborrheic dermatitis can be kept under control with treatment and good hygiene. However, seborrheic dermatitis cannot be prevented, and may recur. To reduce the symptoms of dandruff, shampoos containing selenium sulfide or tea tree oil such as Selsun, Tegrin, T-Gel or Ionil-T are recommended. Seborrheic dermatitis that develops on the face and body should be washed with soap and water daily. If Seborrheic dermatitis affects facial hair such as mustache or beard, shaving the area usually helps. Other treatments that may be prescribed by your doctor or dermatologist include medicated shampoos, antifungal drugs, topical corticosteroids and sulfur products. More and more people are opting for natural approaches to treat skin conditions. Treatments such as herbal remedies and tissue salts have been used for centuries to optimize skin health with some amazing results. Using herbs are safe and effective for the skin and do not contain harsh synthetic ingredients and chemicals like so many skincare and cosmetic products. Herbs such as Galium aperine (Cleavers) and Trifolium pratense (red clover) have a wide range of therapeutic effects that acts as a cleansing tonic, blood purifier and lymphatic cleanser. Tissue salts such as Natrium muriaticum, Kalium muriaticum and Kalium sulphate help to maintain skin health and promote well-hydrated skin.

Question: Does anyone have any suggestion or remadies for dermatitis which is non steriod and non quarterzone? Any ideas for dermatitis treatments on hands, groin, chest and legs. It is very itchy and very red. Currently been using a dermatitis soap. Unfortunatly due tom server allergies to steriods and quarterzone these cannot be used. Anyone have any other treatments to help get it under wraps.

Answer: I know my friend had a mild case of dermatitis on the edges of her face, and i also was believed to have dematitis which turned out to be a infection [so not much of help] But when my friend and i had in her case dermatitis we were told to use Cetaphil, which I know is a Cleansing Product. It is perfect for sensitive skin, and a believe it does not contain steriod or quaterzone. Here is the indgredient list; Ingredients: Purified Water, PEG-200 Hydrogenated Glyceryl Palmate (and) PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Acrylates/Steareth-20 Methacrylate Copolymer, Glycerin, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Butylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Masking Fragrance, Panthenol, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben. Although, this may not be strong enough for a severe case of dermatitis, i know it worked for my friend [Wash face with it morning and night until it clears up]. As for me, now i keep it at hand for make-up removal ;). Extra handy for that time you accidently miss with your eyeliner and draw a huge line down your face >.>. I don't know whether Cetaphil is available internationally, but i live in australia so yeah...

Question: What is the best bodywash/shampoo for someone with contact dermatitis? I've developed a horrible case of allergic/mechanical contact dermatitis. Any contact with soaps or solvents causes my hands to swell, dry, and crack. I tried using soaps and shampoos for sensitive skin but that didn't even work. Any ideas?

Answer: Try diluted baby shampoo. Get one of those foaming baby shampoos. Most of them only have about 1-2 tablespoons of detergent ingredients per bottle, the rest is water. Best wishes with your condition though, because contact dermatitis is general caused by whatever you are allergic to having already been absorbed into your skin... it won't quit until the allergic substance you have already been exposed to degrades enough to quit bothering you-- and you stop exposing yourself to the problem. In the meantime, you might try some Benedryl gel and/or an aloe vera lotion.

Question: does allergic contact dermatitis make you unable to get the smallpox vaccine? If you have Allergic Contact Dermatitis, not Atopic Dermatitis. Can you still get severe reactions from the small pox vaccine?

Answer: The Center for Disease Control's website warns people with atopic dermatitis.regarding the vaccine, not people who have allergic contact dermatitis. It's always best to let your doctor know about this, of course, before getting the vaccine.

Question: How are allergic and irritant contact dermatitis diagnosed? I plan on taking my dog to a canine dermatologist now, since the vet thinks he has allergic and irritant contact dermatitis. What exactly will the dermatologist do to diagnose my dog's problem? I know I'll be telling them the entire history of my dog's health and they will physically examine him, but are there any other tests that they will do?

Answer: A skin allergy test - same as the prick test they do on humans to test to see which substances cause your dog to have reactions. They will be able to give better info once they have narrow it down on the type of shampoo you will need, what food to feed or avoid & what you should be doing at home. The vet would the one to decide which tests are necessary based on your individual dog - not every allergy prone dog is the same or requires the same treatment, meds or testing. Sometimes there are other health issues going on that make the allergies worse or more noticeable. Dermatologist vet is the best choice for skin treatments & diagnosis.

Question: What are good treatments for seborrheic dermatitis of the face? Seborrheic dermatitis (SD) causes dandruff on the scalp and causes inflamed, red flaky patches of dry skin on the face. I tried topical steroids on my face but it made my condition worse. Are there any other treatments for SD on the face? Supposedly SD is caused by the body's overreaction to yeast that normally live on the skin. This overreaction causes the inflammation and dryness. It is unknown why some people get SD but not others. I am using shampoos like Head and Shoulders for my scalp but don't know what to use on my face.

Answer: I have suffered with this problem since my early twenties. I have tried every OTC product you can imagine without much success. About 2 years ago I finally decided to try a dermatologist again. He prescribed a newer medication called Elidel, it's a topical cream that I put on once a day on affected areas (usually after I take a shower). This is about the only thing I have found that works well. It doesn't completely get rid of it, but it stops the itching and the redness...and I don't get asked if I have a sunburn on my face all the time....it has been a God send.