Dermatitis: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by itchy, red, and scaly patches, often caused by irritants, allergies, or skin conditions such as psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis.

The causes of dermatitis can be varied, including genetics, environmental factors, stress, and certain foods. If left untreated, dermatitis can lead to skin infections, anxiety, and even depression. Fortunately, several herbal remedies, such as aloe vera, chamomile, and calendula, have shown promise in relieving symptoms when applied topically in the form of creams, ointments, or infused oils.

However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before using herbal remedies, as some may interact with medications or exacerbate underlying conditions, and to patch test any new products to avoid further irritation.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of dermatitis, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of dermatitis?

The main causes of dermatitis are multifactorial, with genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and immune system dysfunction playing significant roles.

Irritants such as soaps, detergents, and fragrances can cause allergic contact dermatitis, while physical agents like friction, heat, and cold can lead to irritant contact dermatitis. Insect bites and stings, as well as plant dermatitis, can also trigger reactions. Certain medical conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and allergies, can increase the risk of developing dermatitis.

Additionally, exposure to metals like nickel, chromium, and cobalt can cause contact dermatitis due to their allergenic properties.

• Irritants: Irritants such as soaps, detergents, and other chemicals can cause dermatitis by damaging the skin's natural barrier and triggering an allergic or irritant reaction.
• Allergens: Allergens like nickel, latex, and certain metals can cause dermatitis by triggering an allergic immune response and leading to inflammation and skin damage.
• Fragrances: Fragrances in personal care products, such as perfumes, shampoos, and lotions, can cause dermatitis by irritating the skin and triggering an allergic reaction.
• Soaps: Soaps can cause dermatitis by stripping the skin of its natural oils and causing dryness, irritation, and inflammation.
• Moisture: Excess moisture, such as sweating or exposure to water, can cause dermatitis by creating an environment conducive to bacterial and fungal growth and leading to skin irritation and inflammation.
• Infections: Infections, such as bacterial or fungal infections, can cause dermatitis by triggering an immune response and leading to inflammation and skin damage.
• Stress: Stress can cause dermatitis by weakening the immune system and making the skin more susceptible to irritation and inflammation.
• Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy or menopause, can cause dermatitis by altering the skin's natural balance and leading to inflammation and skin damage.
• Genetics: Genetics can play a role in dermatitis by predisposing individuals to certain types of dermatitis, such as atopic dermatitis.
• Vitamin deficiencies: Vitamin deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamin B12 or omega-3 fatty acids, can cause dermatitis by impairing the skin's natural barrier function and leading to inflammation and skin damage.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for dermatitis?

The main medicinal herbs used for dermatitis are Calendula officinalis, Urtica dioica, Aloe barbadensis, Symphytum officinale, Saponaria officinalis, Hypericum perforatum, Aloe vera, Echinacea purpurea, Plantago major, Avena sativa.

Calendula officinalis contains triterpenoids and flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it effective in soothing and healing skin irritations and promoting wound healing. Urtica dioica or Stinging Nettle has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties due to its high content of flavonoids and phenolic acids, which can reduce inflammation and promote skin regeneration. Aloe barbadensis or Aloe vera gel contains aloin, aloe-emodin, and other anthraquinones with anti-inflammatory, soothing, and antimicrobial properties that can reduce redness and itching associated with dermatitis.

Avena sativa or Oat kernel oil has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties due to its high content of avenanthramides, which can reduce skin irritation and promote skin health.

• Calendula officinalis: Calendula officinalis helps with dermatitis due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can reduce redness and prevent infection, allowing the skin to heal and recover from inflammation.
• Urtica dioica: Urtica dioica helps with dermatitis through its anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce swelling and alleviate itching, as well as its antioxidant properties, which can protect the skin from oxidative stress and promote healing.
• Aloe barbadensis: Aloe barbadensis helps with dermatitis due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can calm irritated skin, reduce redness, and promote wound healing, making it an effective treatment for skin irritations and inflammation.
• Symphytum officinale: Symphytum officinale helps with dermatitis through its mucilaginous properties, which can soothe and protect the skin, reducing inflammation and promoting healing, as well as its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can further alleviate symptoms and promote recovery.
• Saponaria officinalis: Saponaria officinalis helps with dermatitis due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which can reduce redness and prevent infection, as well as its antioxidant properties, which can protect the skin from oxidative stress and promote healing, making it an effective treatment for skin irritations.
• Hypericum perforatum: Hypericum perforatum helps with dermatitis through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can reduce inflammation and protect the skin from oxidative stress, promoting healing and recovery from skin irritations and inflammation.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps with dermatitis due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can calm irritated skin, reduce redness, and promote wound healing, making it an effective treatment for skin irritations and inflammation, and its antioxidant properties can further protect the skin from oxidative stress.
• Echinacea purpurea: Echinacea purpurea helps with dermatitis through its anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce swelling and alleviate itching, as well as its antioxidant properties, which can protect the skin from oxidative stress and promote healing, but it is not typically used directly on the skin for dermatitis.
• Plantago major: Plantago major helps with dermatitis due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can reduce inflammation and protect the skin from oxidative stress, promoting healing and recovery from skin irritations and inflammation, as well as its soothing properties, which can calm irritated skin.
• Avena sativa: Avena sativa helps with dermatitis through its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, which can calm irritated skin, reduce redness, and promote wound healing, making it an effective treatment for skin irritations and inflammation, and its antioxidant properties can further protect the skin from oxidative stress.

What are the main herbal preparations used for dermatitis?

The main herbal preparations used for dermatitis are Tincture, Salve, Cream, Decoction, Ointment, Gel, Capsule, Poultice, Suppository, Oil.

Tincture, a concentrated liquid extract, can be applied topically to reduce inflammation and itching associated with dermatitis, due to its high concentration of bioactive compounds. Salve and Cream, topical preparations, can provide a protective barrier and soothe skin irritation, often containing herbs like calendula and aloe vera, which have anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties. Decoction, a liquid extract made by steeping herbs in water, can be applied topically or taken orally to reduce inflammation and itching, while Ointment, a semi-solid preparation, can provide a protective barrier and soothe skin irritation.

Capsule, Poultice, Suppository, and Oil preparations may be used to target dermatitis from a systemic perspective, with herbs like turmeric and ginger providing anti-inflammatory properties.

• Tincture: A tincture of the plant Aloe vera can help with dermatitis by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of damaged skin due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
• Salve: A salve made from the plant Calendula officinalis can help with dermatitis by protecting the skin from further irritation and promoting the healing of damaged skin due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Cream: A cream containing the plant Echinacea purpurea can help with dermatitis by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of damaged skin due to its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
• Decoction: A decoction of the plant Hypericum perforatum can help with dermatitis by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of damaged skin due to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
• Ointment: An ointment made from the plant Plantago major can help with dermatitis by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of damaged skin due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
• Gel: A gel made from the plant Aloe barbadensis can help with dermatitis by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of damaged skin due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
• Capsule: A capsule containing the plant Eucalyptus globulus can help with dermatitis by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of damaged skin due to its anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
• Poultice: A poultice made from the plant Plantago lanceolata can help with dermatitis by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of damaged skin due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
• Suppository: A suppository containing the plant Calendula officinalis can help with dermatitis by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of damaged skin in the anal and genital areas due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
• Oil: An oil made from the plant Lavandula angustifolia can help with dermatitis by reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of damaged skin due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.