Dermatitis Treatment and Natural Remedies

Apple Cider Vinegar, Vitamin E

Posted by Michelle (Frisco, Tx) on 02/21/2011
★★★★☆

Dear Earth Clinic & Contributors - I wanted to let you know how grateful I am to have found the info on this site. I have had perfect skin my whole life and am 37 years old. Last fall, I tried a "biological peel" that I purchased at a high end store for a large price. Within two days of use, my skin started breaking out. I thought, "oh maybe my skin is 'purging' itself of impurities" so I kept using it a couple times a week. That was a huge mistake. By a month I had broken out very badly. I stopped using the product, but my face did not stop breaking out. I tried a few OTC products including the cardinal sin of cortisone cream (DON'T EVER DO THIS) and finally ended up in the dermatologist's office with a diagnosis of POD. He gave me a topical product…Protopic - that didn't seem to help and had scary side effects/warnings. I stopped using it because I had to take an antibiotic for a sinus infection - the meds seemed to start an even worse flare up.

That same week (about 3 months into POD), I started following the instructions on this site. I washed my face with warm water and no soap. I used a washcloth to apply the apple cider vinegar undiluted (Heinz) and then rubbed in vitamin E oil from Golden Way (d-alpha tocopherol acetate - the real, not synthetic E). I also took Nature's Way Primadophilus culture caplets one or two a day and mid way into the two weeks since I started, I added TriMedica Facial Redness Cleanser. My POD is about 90% cleared up. I'm going to continue doing this and hope for a full recovery in another week or so. It took a full week or more before I saw significant improvement, so keep the faith, people. Also, use a nubby towel to gently rub in the vinegar - not to the point of exfoliation, but get it in there working. Thank you Earth Clinic readers for your wonderful tips. I am so happy that my skin is almost back!

Multiple Remedies

Posted by Ashie D (Makati, Philippines) on 01/25/2011
★★★★★

I am soooo happy I took the time to browse your site a week ago for some ideas to help clear my skin up. About 9 months ago I got small rashy pimples around my mouth. I've been lucky to have always had near to perfect skin. I could see myself that they weren't spots and more rashy type of pimples. It didn't shift for a number of weeks, so I paid a visit to a dermatologist. She recommended a cream called diprogenta and antibiotics and advise I try changing to non-flouride toothpaste (diprogenta- steriod type cream - but sure I didn't realise it was steriod cream at all at the time, and wasn't aware it can thin the skin out and cause a heap of further problems down the line). The rash cleared up, but I could only keep it at bay by topping up with steriod cream every day.

A few months later I tried a Different dermatologist. She recommended cold turkey from the steriod cream and prescribed antibiotics. A week later I returned and as she could see the rash was getting no better, did some scrapings and flippantly decided that it was a fungal rash. She didn't really seem used to dealing with celtic skin and I wasn't convinced But took the fungal meds she Prescribed. She prescribed a fungal Cream also (which later I found had some steriod in it) - and low and behold the rash disappears, but once again to keep the rash at bay I had to keep topping up with the cream daily! Problem not solved.

Last week I decided I'd try cold turkey and take a more natural route to solve my now 9month skin prob. I booked a few days at the beach, thinking that the saltwater and fresh air will be good for my skin. I checked this site out to see if there are any natural supplements / topical stuff that were recommended. I hit the health store and stocked up on apple cider vinegar (to drink and apply topically), epsom salts (to gently exfoliate skin), probiotic supplements (to cure from inside out), ethyl alcohol (to apply topically), virgin coconut oil with ginger extract (to apply topically), tea tree oil cream moisturisor (to moisturise). In addition to that I ate quite healthy food during the week - fruit smoothie in the morning with poached egg on toast. homemade soup with crackers and homemade hummus for lunch, homemade lasagne and salad for dinners.

day 1-2 of cold -turkey the rash was ablazing! Stung like hell to apply the apple cider vinegar and ethyl alcohol but calming after a few mins.

day3-4 of cold-turkey, much the same but the rash was no longer spreading and appeared to have peaked. Rash was getting quite crackly at this point so before applying makeup I found dipping my face in a bowl of warm water with epsom salts and left to air dry left a v. Fine coating of salt on the skin, which strangly worked v. Well as a base for applying some concealor over the rash. there was no hope in hell I was going to go into work without concealing the rash and thankfully it didn't backfire! An amazing concealor/fopundation I used was by roche possay - AMAZING stuff!

Day 6 - skin 80% back to normal and with a touch on concealor you couldn't see any rash.

Day 8 - skin is 97% back to normal!

in 4 days time I'm hitting the beach, for what I though would be a weekend of laying low and letting my rashy skin get some air and sea water. Turns out my skin is already cured so instead I'll be flashing my new amazing skin!

I'm not sure what caused the initial rash, but it was after a few weeks in the tropical sun. I suspect old suncream may be the root of the problems - or alternatively flouride toothpaste. I've since switched to a non-flouride toothpaste from the health shop, just incase it is the root cause. I'm going to continue with my epsom salt face soaks and use it as an exfoliator mixed with my usual cleanser and will use the apple cider vinegar as a toner at night, and continue to drink it during the day, as my skin is Glowing from it at the moment! The great bonus about the apple cider vinegar is that it's also a natural appetite supressant. Not that I'm trying to diet, but I've noticed over the past week that I've no interest in junk food or over-indulging! thanks to everyone who contributed on your site with all their great ideas - you really have saved my skin!!

Diaper Rash Ointment

Posted by Anonymous (St. Louis, Mo) on 06/15/2010
★★★★☆

Hello. I developed Contact Dermatitis from one of the two things, power washing a house down and the cleaning agent running down my arms and drying, and or from a tanning bed. My guess is the latter, it happened 24 hours later and I dont mean tanning bed bumps.

The doctor medicated me with Steroids, most of the derm left but then came back immedietly and twice as bad. Did a second treatment, again the same results. His next cure was a Professional and I have him, a endo bill and I dont need some sappy Dermatologist eating up my income for something he can only treat and not cure. That I can do at home which is why I am here.

What worked for me. Desitin, a diaper rash cream. Its not cured, I still have the derm but..its almost gone, 7 days now. I smothered myself with it on all areas of red itchy bumps that spread all over my stomach and under arms, arms and patches on legs.

I did consume the ACV for 3 days 8 ounces and 1/4 cup of vinegar, it was too hard on my stomach. I knocked it down to once a day. When I took the Steroids they knocked my diabetic immune system right out bringing on a horrible yeast infection. I read that yeast will cause the derm to spread even more in your body. In this my help was aided from the ACV. However, pleast note, it was the cream that worked.

I am still using it, you must refrain from itching at all times, this too makes a huge difference. Make sure to get a bar of soap with no ingredients in it from the Health Store, something very mild with no harsh chemicals what-so-ever and use it only. This too will aid in the cure.

Now, 7 days later, bumps under arm and under breast are completely gone, just left overs on my arms, little tiny bumps everywhere but barely noticeable, still itcy, dont touch them.

Let me tell you this has been going on for two months now. The coconut oil will stop the itching completely, at least for two hours or so or fresh out of the shower, it will not make the bumps disappear as the cream did.

You may or may not have patches left, its like after what I went through, big deal, I will use this stuff forever, no it doesnt smell good, I may not be completely healed but boy oh boy what a huge difference.

No Dermatologist will tell you this, they cant make money that way.

I still have patches, and yes its itchy, but I will continue to use the cream. Smother yourself, dont itch it, use the no ingredients soap, watch them disappear in 7 days as this is what the cream says to do, use 7 days, but I will continue to do it. I suppose you can use Balmex too. I believe both contain oxide and it smothers the derm by doing so it does not spread and the weak enviroment dies out from it. Its not the cure but one major difference that will change your life. No more tanning beds for me.

By the way, make sure not to get hair spray on it, and or windex, any cleaning product, the slightest invasion to the arm will cause it to start itching like crazy, rinse it off immedietly and re-apply the cream, I do this about twice a day. Trust me, its a miracle worker, you must be diligent and patient in these mattes and be consistent witl applying this daily or you will see no results.

Best of luck to you all.

Magnesium Chloride

Posted by Arianna (Portland, Ca) on 02/15/2010
★★★★★

During the past year, I developed dermatitis on my face. What started as a small puss-filled rash on my chin spread across most of my lower face. Then, this rash turned into eczema. I was horrified and I tried tons of remedies, including apple cider vinegar, anti-fungals like coconut oil and oregano oil, and topical prescription-strength steroids. Nothing worked.

Then one day I wondered if I was fighting a bacterial infection that would be better healed by alkalizing my skin rather than acidifying it (with apple cider vinegar). So I put magnesium chloride on a cotton ball and spread it all over the rash. It stung like crazy!

The first thing I noticed was that after one day of applying it 2-3 times, the eczema started drying up and flaking off. It seemed to be working. Slowly, over the course of a week, the eczema disappeared. I still had some dermatitis rash remaining, but it was much improved.

It has been one month now. All my eczema is gone and the dermatitis in 99% gone. Occasionally, I get a single puss-filled eruption, but I immediately apply the magnesium chloride and it disappears within a few days.

EC: For those who don't know, Magnesium Chloride is also called Magnesium Oil (when water is added to the flakes) and is the type of magnesium used in Transdermal Magnesium Therapy. Read more here: https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/transdermal-magnesium-therapy.html

Cortisone Cream

Posted by Connie (Brush Prairie, WA) on 06/10/2009
★☆☆☆☆

WARNING!

Hello everyone, I just wanted to say that cortisone cream should be avoided for POD. It will mske the symptoms better at first, but eventually the problem will become worse according to my dermatologist and according to everything I have read in the literature.

Ingredients to Avoid

Posted by Brook (Atlanta, Ga) on 01/26/2011

I disagree with removing silver/mercury containing fillings, and it is irresponsible To Tell people To do that. I have been a dental hygienist for 25 years. Silver fillings have been declared to be safe by the American Dental Assoc. Many dentists refuse to do silver in favor of white composite types because they can charge the patient alot more for White composite fillings, and because the life span of one is 2-5 years vs. 30-40 for a silver filling. The Risk from mercury toxicity from removing the silver filling are much greater that leaving it in there. Not to mention that every time a filling is removed it must be replaced by a bigger one that removes even more tooth structure and weakens the tooth more. And dentists know this!

White fillings are a big increase in a dentist's production. Dentists who refuse to do silver fillings are very close to being considered unethical in my opinion, and I wouln't trust them.

Ingredients to Avoid

Posted by Jumpin J (Wisconsin, US) on 11/11/2014

Your opinion is not researched. Yes, white composite does not last as long ...although my 8 white fillings that replaced silver mercury are doing fine after 10 years. Dentists have finally come out, admitting that there is substantial and dangerous amounts of mercury in those silver fillings. One part per billion of mercury is significant to decrease health. Do more research. My complete health profile got better without the silver amalgam....sinuses to eyesight to immune system...all better....even strength and energy. I am an Occupational Therapist ...always interested in higher functioning...I've seen people come out of symptoms like Parkinson's just by getting those fillings out. Use a dam to stop drilled fillings from going down the throat...Dentists like silver because it is easier to mold and work with.

Multiple Remedies

Posted by D (Lisbon, Iowa, USA) on 03/04/2009
★★★★★

If you have a diagnosis of SD you will know that there are many sites that say it is caused by Pitisporum Ovale, they are incorrect. SD is caused by Malassezia Globosa. My eight year old had it all over his face and it was spreading rapidly, the doctor gave us a prescription for Eldel, which has a black box warning and was $40+ even with insurance. It surpresses the immune system and I would not use it on my child who is a cancer survivor. My poor son could not tolerate any of the antifungals I put on his face, his skin was extremely sensitive and everything was painful. I finally hit upon non-pasturized honey, it works. Cleanse the area with hydrogen peroxide, put honey on all the areas. I put it on him right after school and then re-applied at bedtime. I also read a study that zinc pyrithione kills Malassezia Globosa, so I also purchased a 1% zinc pyrithione spray called "Z Care" by supplement spot.com on the net. It took forever for them to ship it, but it works. Once you know the exact cause, you have a better chance of fighting what ever it it is. My son could not tolerate head and shoulders on his face whatsover, but the "Z care" spray doesn't burn as long as you wait 10 min after you wash your face. Results with the honey alone were visibile in a day or two, but it is slow going until every little flaky area is gone. It took about 2 months to completely heal him. A note of caution, if the SD is all around the nose area, consider applying the honey and the zinc pyrithione carefully to the inner rims of of the nostrils. I just use a q-tip to appply anything to his face anyway. Don't spray the spray near your face, spray the Q-tip first. The SD was so bad that he also developed a secondary staph infection on the side of his mouth. The honey healed it, and knocked the infection right out. He has a small pink area of scar tissue, where the staph infection was, but I am hopeful this will fade with time.

Read the study: http://www.pgbeautyscience.com/defining-issues.html

Good Luck!

Borage Oil

Posted by Sandy (Tampa, FL) on 02/10/2009
★★★★★

Borage/flaxseed oil for Contact Dermatitis: I started taking flaxseed oil and in time realized that my dermatitis started to get better. At the time I also had bought a lotion with borage oil that said it was good for skin conditions. I looked up borage oil and found out that it has GLA and omegas which are good for inflammation and works against dermatitis, eczema etc. I realized that taking borage oil internally and putting on the lotion would probably be even better. I started doing this about a month and a half ago and my hands haven't looked this good in years. I think I've finally found a cure that works for me and I hope it works for you. I just take the pill once a day and put on the lotion as needed throughout the day. On the side--I realized that the reason for my dermatitis was harsh soaps so I have also started using Castille soap to wash my hands. It doesn't dry them out like other soaps do. I hope this helps someone out there. I had tried ACV/coconut oil and such before but while it did provide some relief it did not completely heal me as borage oil has.

Ingredients to Avoid

Posted by Cherry (Mission Viejo) on 11/15/2021
★★★★★

My son has a chronic runny nose as well, however if he avoids dairy it clears up. He cuts back on processed carbs as well and it helps. He was cutting weight for wrestling when we noticed the improvement:)

Lemon

Posted by Tara (Madison, WI) on 12/06/2008
★★★★★

I have tried both ACV and Lemon Juice and the Lemon Juice actually worked better for myself. I took a Q-tip, dipped it in the lemon juice and rubbed it on my dermatitis. It does sting and burn a little bit. It helped dry it up pretty quickly so it could heal faster. I only did this at night before I went to bed.

Coal Tar

Posted by Julie (Bendigo, Victoria Australia) on 11/27/2008
★★★★★

When I was in my teens I suffered terribly from dermatitis on my hands, mainly my palms, nothing would cure it, my life was disrupted by my problem. I went to many GPs with no results. Then a pharmacist gave me a mixture of coal tar ointment, told me to apply it at night and wrap my hands in clear platic wrap every night, for, I cant remember how long, a week maybe, it smells very strong, but I perservered. After applying this treatment, I have never suffered from dermatitis on my hands again, I am now in my fifties. Hope this may help someone.

Prescriptions

Posted by Karie (Boca Raton, FL ) on 11/24/2008
★★★★★

I work in a Salon for 13 years and I got Contact Drematitis I tried everything even the Apple Cider Vinager. I finally talked to one of my customers and he referred me to a Product Under Perscription Only. The Cream was called Elcon Cream. It took it away in 2 days. I was shocked, I had tried everything for 1 month. I have some left over and now I use it when needed. You have to make sure the you clean the site where the rashes are with Antiseptic Wash every time you put on the cream. I wanted to let everyone know what worked for me. I know how bad it can itch and Hurt. I hope you take my advice. Karie, FL

Antiseptic Handwash

Posted by Violet (St. Pete, Fl) on 09/21/2009

Hi Robert Henry, I got that info from my vet. I sleep with my dogs all the time and after reading M's post I called my vet to inquire about the mites. That is what she told me.

I was not aware that demodex gets into human hair roots but I am well aware of all your other comments (worms, e-coli, where dogs lick).

I am on this site all the time but I have just recently started posting, in fact that was only the 2nd time I have posted here and from the tone of your reply obviously I have upset you. Sorry :-(

As for reading more, I am a very prolific reader but I have by no means read everything on this site yet... I'm working on it ;-)

I am always interested in hearing what others have to say, and I am more than interested in learning as much as I can about natural cures. Now I'm off to read the demodex posts.

Shea Butter

Posted by Ginger (New York, New York) on 06/25/2008
★★★★★

Contact Dermititis: I recommend 100% organic shea butter....great healer for a lot of skin problems.

Coconut Oil

Posted by Adria (Kennesaw, GA) on 05/30/2008
★★★★★

I have been taking coconut oil capsules (2000 mg twice daily) for 3 weeks today. It has completely cured the psoriasis I have had on my elbows for over 25 years now. I'll have to get back with you to let you know what else it has helped me with. But, so far, I LOVE IT!

Vinegar and Olive Oil

Posted by Tom (Sunnyvale, CA) on 05/09/2007
★★★★★

vinegar and olive oil Ailment: psoriasis

When I was in elementary school, I had psoriasis on my elbows and knees, and all over the side of my face! It got behind my ears so bad I used to dream that my ears were falling off.

None of the doctor's remedies helped. Then my parents found this old home-remedy book from around the 1700s. It had what I call the salad dressing cure.

You soak the affected skin with vinegar for a few minutes, then you cover it with warmed olive oil (make sure it isn't too hot).

It got so I hated vinegar for years because of the smell (I think Apple Cider Vinegar would have been much more bearable), but it worked! The psoriasis went completely away, and I no longer felt like a freak at school.

Every few years I'll get a tiny patch on my knee or elbow. If it bothers me I'll use the treatment and it will go away.

Cold Showers

Posted by Katrina (Sterling, VA) on 08/28/2006
★★★★★

After the death of two very close friends and a lot of stress, I ended up with stress induced psoriasis all over my head, neck and shoulder. I tried EVERYTHING OTC and nothing worked so finally, I gave up, and started saving money to go to the doctor. I came across the cold water therapy on this site and although I did nto intend to use it to treat this issue, it sure cured it. I started taking cold water showers in the hottest months here in Virginia. Immediately I noticed the increase in energy and my hair is SUPER SOFT even after months of harsh psoriasis shampoos that had my hair turning to straw. Call me crazy, but it seems my shower doesn't get as grimey as it did before when I was using hot water. My complexion has improved, and there is an obvious difference in my pores. Basically, I have nothing bad to say about cold showers. After 2 months of them, I can't even STAND a hot shower now.

Ingredients to Avoid

Posted by Lisa (Austin, TX) on 07/31/2006
★★★★★

I had a bad case around my nose but did not want antibiotics again. I switched to a SLS-free toothpaste. I also did an internal cleanse (Cleansesmart)and added a probiotic (Jarro-Dophilus). Within 4 days it is gone!