Dealing with itchy, red, oozing, crusting, scaling and sometimes blistered skin can have you looking for relief anywhere you can find it; from diet, herbs and medication, to home remedies. Dermatitis is an inflammatory, usually recurring, condition of the skin, which may be related to food sensitivities, a lack of certain vitamins or from environmental exposure to allergens.
Causes
Dermatitis can be caused by contact with an irritating substance such as detergent, makeup, or common metals found in jewelry. Or, the cause can be in the environment, such as poison oak or ivy, or from a multitude of other plants. Another cause can be food sensitivity from dairy products, fats, processed foods and gluten found in grains, with major food allergens being wheat, corn, soy and milk. Continued exposure to these substances can result in the spreading and worsening of the affected area.
Essential Fatty Acids
According to the Mayo Clinic, several options are available in treating dermatitis. Increasing your daily intake of omega-3 fatty acids has shown promise in treating the inflammation and pain, as this nutrient has anti-inflammatory properties. Foods containing omega-3 fatty acids include fish oil, flax seeds, canola oil, flax seed oil and walnut oil. Evening primrose oil, an over the counter supplement, can also be helpful in treating dermatitis, as it contains substantial amounts of gamma-linolenic acid or GLA, another essential fatty acid.
Vitamins
Adding certain nutrients to your daily diet, such as foods rich in B vitamins, can help you to avoid outbreaks, as a deficiency in any of the B vitamins can cause dermatitis. Adding niacin to your diet can also be helpful, as a deficiency in this micronutrient affects the skin and mucous membranes. Taking vitamins A and C have also shown to be effective in treating the symptoms of dermatitis, as vitamin A has been found to support skin tissue, while vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties.
Minerals
Zinc is a micronutrient often used in the treatment of dermatitis and eczema. People with dermatitis and eczema are often found to be deficient in this mineral, which plays an essential role in the metabolism of essential fatty acids. Individuals with dermatitis have also been found to have a manganese deficiency, which causes scaly dermatitis.
