CONTACT DERMATITIS/DIAPER RASH
Also see Eczema
Definition:
Skin irritation caused by primary chemical irritant or a delayed hypersensitivity reaction.
Etiology:
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caused by exposure to petroleum distillates, soap or other irritants (include plants, such as poison ivy, agents used
in the manufacture of clothing and leather, metal compounds, dyes, cosmetics and toiletries
some irritants require exposure to light to cause the reaction and are seen as the patient becomes suddenly more
sensitive to sunlight
allergic dermatitis: is often caused by the very applications used to treat skin irritations; anti-histamines, antibiotics
and anesthetics may be used for several years before an allergic reaction develops
diaper rash: may be caused by alkalinity of stool or urine; there is also increasing empirical evidence that ingestion
of foods to which the child is sensitive, particularly early administration of wheat and dairy, may result in
idiosyncratic skin reactions to stool and urine which abate when the offending foods are removed
Signs and Symptoms:
1. itching
2. redness
3. swelling
4. papules
5. vesicles, bullae
6. weeping
7. edema
8. scaling, desquamation
NOTE: significant diagnostic clues may be obtained by examining the location of lesions, as these may suggest the likely
irritant
Lab Findings:
1. immune globulin’s may be elevated for specific antigens
Course/Prognosis:
1. allergic dermatitis from delayed hypersensitivity may take days to develop; if the source of the irritation is removed,
the symptoms usually disappear readily; if exposure is allowed to continue, further complications such as excoriation
and infection of open sores may result
Differential Diagnosis:
1. atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, etc.
2. local infections, esp. candida
3. parasitic exposure
4. emotionally initiated skin changes
Nutrition:
Diaper rash:
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Dermatitis:
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Avoid:
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spread liquid lecithin on affected area
apply vitamin E to the affected area
in a skillet without oil brown white flour and use as a powder
oat flour ground fine as a powder
bring to a boil, 1kg raw wheat bran in ½-1 gallon water until it rises up, turn off heat, strain bran water
off, add water until it is warm then bathe baby in it
take 60-150g of pomegranate skin add water and simmer until it thickens; wash the affected area several
times a day
take 150g of mango skin and simmer in water; wash the affected area several times a day
watercress simmered in water
soak 30g fresh ginger, sliced fine, in 75ml wine for 24 hours; apply to skin BID
diaper rash: food intolerances of baby and if breast feeding (mother)
meat, dairy, hot sauces, spicy, fried, fatty, rich and/or salty foods
alcohol
fruit juices
sugar
Supplements:
1. vitamin
2. vitamin
3. vitamin
4. vitamin
A (75,000 IU QD)
B complex
B2 (25-50mg QD)
B3 (1g BID)
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CONTACT DERMATITIS/DIAPER RASH
Also see Eczema
5.
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Lifestyle:
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vitamin B5 (500mg BID)
vitamin B6 (50mg TID)
vitamin E (400-800 IU QD)
linoleic acid (1 Tbsp. QD)
flax seed oil (1-2 Tbsp. QD)
fresh air
sunlight (unless sensitive to it or cause)
Physiotherapy:
1. peroxide bath
Botanicals:
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Aloe vera: used externally as a spray
Calendula officinalis (succus): apply locally for diaper rash
Echinacea anustifolia: locally and internally for aggravated and prolonged cases of Rhus poisoning
Grindelia robusta: apply locally for Rhus poisoning
Impatiens biflora: topically, fresh juice or frozen into cubes
Olea europaea (olive oil): topically for acute dermatitis
Solanum dulcamara (toxic): chronic skin affections of a pustular vesicular character
Stillingia sylvatica (toxic): skin affections with irritation and serous d/c
Formulas:
a.
poison ivy: Lobelia inflata (toxic, moist pack); Ulmus fulva + Echinacea angustifolia
Homeopathy:
*consider a psora miasm constitutionally
1. Apis mellifica: burning, redness and swelling of the skin; may be due to cold or heat
2. Arnica montana: inflammation due to contused skin
3. Calendula: ulcers of the skin
4. Cantharis: burning with urinary difficulties
5. Rhus toxicodendron: redness, swelling, itching and burning; < heat
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