Dermatitis

Overview

Dermatitis is an umbrella term for various inflammatory skin conditions characterised by redness, itching, swelling, and sometimes blistering or oozing, significantly affecting comfort, appearance, and quality of life^[9]. This common dermatological concern encompasses several types, including atopic dermatitis (eczema), contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis, affecting millions worldwide across all age groups. Causes involve complex interactions between genetic predisposition, immune system dysfunction, environmental triggers, compromised skin barrier function, allergens, irritants, and emotional stress. While conventional dermatology provides essential diagnosis, topical corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and systemic treatments for severe cases, many individuals benefit from complementary approaches that address underlying triggers, support skin barrier repair, reduce inflammation, and prevent flares. Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Health (TCIH) modalities offer valuable strategies for managing dermatitis through identification and elimination of triggers, anti-inflammatory nutrition, stress reduction, gentle skincare, and natural remedies that work with the body's healing processes.

Common Causes and Contributing Factors

• Genetic predisposition - Family history of eczema, asthma, or allergic rhinitis (atopic triad) significantly increases risk for atopic dermatitis
• Impaired skin barrier function - Deficiencies in filaggrin protein and lipids compromise the skin's protective barrier, allowing moisture loss and irritant penetration
• Immune system dysregulation - Overactive immune responses to environmental substances trigger inflammation and characteristic dermatitis symptoms
• Environmental allergens - Pollen, dust mites, pet dander, moulds, and other airborne allergens can trigger or worsen atopic dermatitis
• Contact irritants - Soaps, detergents, fragrances, preservatives, metals (nickel), and chemicals directly irritate skin, causing contact dermatitis
• Food sensitivities - Dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, and wheat may trigger or exacerbate dermatitis in sensitive individuals, particularly children
• Stress and emotions - Psychological stress significantly worsens dermatitis through cortisol elevation, immune effects, and increased inflammation
• Climate and weather - Extreme temperatures, low humidity, and seasonal changes affect skin moisture and trigger flares
• Microbiome imbalances - Disrupted skin bacteria populations, particularly Staphylococcus aureus overgrowth, contribute to inflammation and infection^[2]
• Hormonal fluctuations - Menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and other hormonal changes can influence dermatitis severity in some individuals

Signs and Symptoms

• Intense itching - Persistent, often worse at night, leading to scratching that further damages skin and perpetuates the itch-scratch cycle
• Red, inflamed patches - Areas of redness and swelling on skin, distribution varying by dermatitis type and age, commonly affecting the face, hands, elbows, and knees
• Dry, scaly skin - Rough, flaky patches that may crack and bleed, reflecting impaired barrier function and moisture loss
• Weeping or oozing - Acute dermatitis may produce clear fluid discharge, crusting, or vesicle formation, especially with contact dermatitis
• Thickened, leathery skin - Chronic scratching leads to lichenification, where skin becomes thick, tough, and darker in affected areas
• Burning or stinging sensations - Painful sensations on affected skin, particularly when products or water contact inflamed areas
• Cracking and fissuring - Deep, painful cracks in skin, especially on hands, fingers, or other areas of movement and stress
• Skin discolouration - Areas of hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation following inflammation, particularly in darker skin tones
• Secondary infections - Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections developing in compromised skin, indicated by increased pain, pus, or honey-colored crusting
• Sleep disturbance - Nighttime itching severely disrupts sleep quality, leading to fatigue, irritability, and reduced quality of life

Holistic and TCIH Approaches

Holistic and Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Healthcare (TCIH) care supports skin barrier repair, immune regulation, trigger identification, and the emotional well-being of individuals experiencing dermatitis, alongside appropriate dermatological care.

• Naturopathy focuses on comprehensive detective work to identify and eliminate triggers through elimination diets and environmental modifications, supporting gut health given the gut-skin axis connection, addressing nutrient deficiencies, including essential fatty acids and vitamin D, and recommending gentle, non-toxic skincare that supports rather than compromises the skin barrier.
• Herbal Medicine provides anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing botanicals, including calendula for healing and reducing inflammation, chamomile for calming irritated skin, liquorice root for anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, and evening primrose or borage oil for essential fatty acids supporting skin barrier repair, formulated into topical applications or internal remedies^[5]
• Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine address dermatitis as manifestations of internal heat, dampness, or blood deficiency, utilising acupuncture to regulate immune function, reduce itching, and calm inflammation, combined with herbal formulas like Xiao Feng San that clear heat and relieve itching, tailored to individual constitutional patterns ^[3,4,6]
• Magnetic Field Therapy Preliminary research explores pulsed electromagnetic field therapy for atopic dermatitis, investigating potential effects on itching, hypersensitivity, and sleep quality ^[10,11]. 
• Hypnotherapy effectively reduces scratching behaviours in dermatitis patients by addressing underlying stress and anxiety triggers. Through guided relaxation and suggestion techniques, it breaks the automatic itch-scratch cycle, promoting skin healing and improved well-being ^[7].
• Nutritional Therapy emphasises anti-inflammatory dietary patterns rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and probiotics, identifies and eliminates individual food triggers through systematic approaches, addresses gut health with healing protocols, ensures adequate vitamin D and essential nutrients, and reduces inflammatory foods including refined sugars and processed oils ^[8]

Self-Care and Lifestyle Practices

• Moisturise consistently - Apply thick, fragrance-free emollients immediately after bathing and throughout the day to seal in moisture and repair the skin barrier
• Take lukewarm baths - Bathe in warm (not hot) water for 10-15 minutes, adding colloidal oatmeal or baking soda for soothing effects
• Identify and avoid triggers - Keep a symptom diary to track flares and identify personal triggers, including foods, products, fabrics, or environmental factors
• Choose gentle fabrics - Wear soft, breathable materials like cotton, avoiding wool and synthetic fabrics that may irritate sensitive skin
• Manage stress proactively - Practice daily relaxation techniques, as stress is a major trigger for dermatitis flares and itch sensation
• Use fragrance-free products - Select skincare, laundry detergents, and household products without fragrances, dyes, or harsh chemicals
• Keep nails short and smooth - Minimise skin damage from scratching by maintaining short nails and considering cotton gloves at night
• Maintain comfortable humidity - Use humidifiers in dry environments to prevent excessive skin moisture loss, especially during winter
• Apply cool compresses - Use cold, wet cloths on itchy areas to reduce inflammation and temporarily relieve itching without scratching
• Consider elimination diets - Work with practitioners to systematically identify potential food triggers that may be contributing to inflammation

When to Seek Professional Support

Conventional medical practitioners, including dermatologists, should be consulted for proper diagnosis, distinguishing dermatitis types, prescription of appropriate topical corticosteroids or immunomodulators, systemic medications for severe cases, and patch testing to identify contact allergens. Medical attention is important when dermatitis doesn't improve with over-the-counter treatments, if signs of infection develop, including increasing pain, warmth, pus, or fever, if dermatitis significantly interferes with sleep or daily functioning, or if large areas of skin are affected. Immediate care is needed for signs of eczema herpeticum (widespread vesicular eruption with fever, which requires urgent antiviral treatment.

A verified SoulAdvisor practitioner can work collaboratively with dermatologists to identify dietary and environmental triggers through comprehensive assessment, provide anti-inflammatory nutritional protocols,^[⁸^] teach stress-management techniques proven to reduce flares ^[7], recommend natural skincare routines supporting barrier repair, offer gentle herbal remedies complementing conventional treatments^[5], and address the emotional impact of living with visible skin conditions. This integrative approach recognises that dermatitis involves multiple interconnected factors—genetics, immune function, skin barrier integrity, environmental exposures, diet, stress, and emotional wellbeing—and empowers individuals to manage their condition through comprehensive care combining necessary medical treatments with holistic strategies addressing root causes, supporting skin healing, and improving quality of life through personalised, sustainable practices.