Dermatitis, Eczema and Psoriasis
Dermatitis encompasses a group of skin conditions.
- Contact dermatitis, which is a widespread skin disorder, marked by redness, oozing, scaling crusts and thickening of the skin. Contact dermatitis is caused by toxic effects on the skin, resulting in irritation, and an allergic reaction. This type of dermatitis is initially confined to the site of contact, but irritation and hypersensitivity may cause it to spread to other parts of the body.
- Atopic dermatitis or Eczema is a constitutional condition marked by raised papules, especially behind the knees or elbows, with bouts of itching. Usually, patients and relatives have above average incidences of asthma and hay fever. Complications sometimes involve infections with herpes simples' virus.
- Seborrheic dermatitis is characterised by brownish yellow to reddish lesions occurring on the scalp, as well as the face, especially around the edges of the nose, there is an increased secretion of sebum onto the skin.
Psoriasis appears to have a genetic component. The cause is unknown but it is generally regarded as metabolic, as it affects the entire body, not just the skin. Stress has been known to bring on psoriatic lesions. Psoriasis can be interpreted as defective reaction of the skin to injury. Instead of normal skin replacement, the cell division rate in the epidermis increases to five times its normal level. Psoriasis most often affects the arms, elbows, side and back of the scalp, finger joints, and the nails of the fingers and toes. The condition is characterized by sharply defined red patches of skin, which soon become covered with dry, silvery scales. Beneath the scales, the skin is inflamed.
Treatment:
Step 1: Soothe the irritation and stop the itching
Step 2: Ensure the skins surface is clean by using the above recommended cleansers and body bars
Step 3: Hydrate, heal and soothe using the above recommended products
Step 4: Seek medical advice if symptoms persist
Recommended Botani Products:
- Phytoseptic Natural Anti-fungal Skin Cream: an anti-bacterial, anti-septic and anti-inflammatory cream helps prevent opportunistic secondary infections and open wounds by stopping the itching immediately. It is also effective skin healer by reducing inflammation and redness.
- Olive Skin Serum: is ideal for healing flaky, dry, sensitive and irritated skin by adding moisture instantly. Olive Squalene locks moister instantly by penetrating the skin and is an alternative to mineral oil. Mineral oil coats the skin's surface and does not penetrate or allow the skin to breathe. It is also known to dry the skin in the long term.
- Olive Repair Cream: an excellent face and body moisturiser that soothes, heals and protects sensitive or problematic skin by locking moisture.
- Olive Hand Cream: With its unique calming properties, Botani's olive hand cream soothes treats and protects hands by reducing redness and inflammation. The hand cream may also be used on arms, elbows and the body.
- Purify and Soothing Cleansers: are free of harmful chemicals and detergents. Both cleaners contain natural calming purifying properties that cleanse without causing further irritation.
- Olive and Eco Body Bar: are also free of harmful chemicals and detergents, and are ideal in cleansing, softening and hydrating the skin.
Prevention
Outbreaks can usually be avoided with some simple precautions. The following suggestions may help to reduce the severity and frequency of flare-ups:
- Avoid sudden changes in temperature or humidity
- Avoid sweating or overheating
- Reduce stress
- Avoid irritant materials (eg. wool)
- Avoid harsh soaps, detergents, solvents, fragrances and some ingredients in skin care products
- Avoid environmental factors that trigger allergies (e.g., pollens, molds, mites, and animal dander)
- Be aware of any foods that may cause an outbreak and avoid those foods
- Moisturise frequently
One of the most important components of treatment is to prevent scratching caused by irritants. Because eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis are usually characterized by redness, flare-ups, dryness, itching, or flaky skin, the most common treatment is the application of lotions or creams to keep the skin as moist as possible. It is ideal to choose creams and lotions free of chemicals, solvents, soaps, detergents, mineral oil, fragrances and petro-chemicals to avoid further irritation.
