Groundbreaking Research on Different Types of Dermatitis

Is your skin more flaky than smooth and dewy?
You’re not alone; here’s how to navigate your skin with dermatitis.

Are you plagued with angry, red, scaly skin?

Do you scratch so hard that it makes your skin weep?

Is sleep deprivation average as you deal with the scratch-itch cycle?

Does your skin blister so much that it is painful?

Are you constantly seeking answers from the Gods of moisturization and hydration?

Then, chances are you need a dermatitis intervention.

Fortunately, we’ve got you covered, from symptoms to solutions and everything in between.

What is dermatitis?

This general term refers to skin inflammation; it is used interchangeably with ‘eczema’.

It is a series of chronic skin conditions that produce itchy rashes and scaly skin. When scratched, the sores can weep and be painful to touch.

Types of dermatitis?

Dermatitis takes on many different forms, depending on the trigger and the location of the rash:

Atopic dermatitis

This is the most common form and is often associated with baby eczema. Because it tends to run in families, it is thought to result from a genetic skin defect.

People with atopic dermatitis typically have sensitive and dry skin, which environmental factors, including dust, cats, emotional stress, and certain foods, can easily aggravate.

Contact dermatitis

We often see this type of dermatitis in our clinic. It appears as red, scaly rashes with a defined border.

It occurs when your skin comes into contact with an offending allergen or irritant, such as chemicals, nickel, fragrance, or detergent.

Irritant dermatitis

Unlike contact dermatitis, which affects only a small portion of the skin, this develops as soon as the skin comes into contact with the irritant.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis

This is a common scaling rash that primarily occurs in areas with numerous oil glands, particularly the scalp.

However, it can also be found on the eyebrows, ears, edges of the eyelid, skin near the nose, and folds of skin in the armpits and groin—even on the chest or back at times.

It is thought to be caused by excessive amounts of a particular yeast, Pityrosporum ovale or Malassezia Furfur.

This yeast is a perfectly normal inhabitant of your skin, but those who suffer from seborrheic dermatitis have reduced resistance to it.

It is all about the base.

Time and time again, we’re told that the key to flawless skin is a good base.

The problem is that if you have this skin condition, we don’t need to tell you that it is often more like sandpaper than silk.

A simple skincare routine is key. Avoid irritating foaming cleansers, physical exfoliants, cleansing brushes, harsh toners, fragrances, and actives.

Please avoid overusing hydrocortisone. While using bursts of more potent corticosteroids on the skin can be beneficial, it is essential to use them carefully. Please read our article on hydrocortisone here.

Instead, focus on replenishing your skin’s protective lipid barrier.

Our soothing skin staples are Xcell Skin Shot and Fortify  Barrier Repair Cream. Layering intermittently helps rebuild an inflamed barrier, resulting in smoother, healthier skin.

Our clients adopt the mantra, “The less I do, the better I feel, and the better my skin feels.” Whilst it’s human nature to keep applying ointments to calm the inflammation, less is always best, especially sores that weep.

Important treatment research

While we are not dermatologists, through Samantha’s (owner of Naked Chemist) own journey with her skin and by treating many clients, she has found the best results by researching this condition with Dr Aron, a consultant dermatologist.

Dr. Richard Aron has been doing the most critical work lately in treating this skin concern. His theory is that atopic dermatitis is mediated mainly by a bacterium called Staphylococcus aureus.

He says the critical issue in atopic eczema patients referred to me is Staph aureus infection. This is a fascinating article.

The dramatic results Dr Aron gets from many of his patients are because he kills the bacteria.

Studies have shown that 90% of their atopic patients have these bacteria colonised on their skin; most healthy people do not.

Contrary to what medical professionals and dermatologists recommend, he believes using a much weaker steroid for a much longer time, associated with an antibiotic, is key.

He says that when the skin of people with this condition is infected with this bacterium, exotoxins are released, causing havoc on the skin.

It creates the signature flare-ups of eczema, and he believes that an antibiotic cream, a steroid cream, and a moisturiser are needed. Once you eliminate the bacteria, you reduce the risk of flare-ups.

To support this, one of the world’s leading experts on eczema, Professor Richard Gallo at the University of California, San Diego, has studied the microbiome.

Gallo discovered that our skin’s microbiome produces natural antibiotics, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which kill off Staph Aureus.

He also found that the skin microbiome in people with atopic dermatitis produces insufficient AMPs, leaving them at greater risk of infection.

To conclude. The naked truth

In conclusion, dermatitis encompasses various forms of skin inflammation, which are commonly referred to interchangeably as eczema.

It is crucial to understand the types and triggers of dermatitis, from atopic dermatitis associated with genetic factors to contact and irritant dermatitis triggered by external substances.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis, often occurring in oily areas, is linked to yeast overgrowth.

Less is often more when managing dermatitis flare-ups, and treatment research, particularly by experts like Dr Richard Aron, illuminates practical approaches with emphasis on managing these conditions through targeting Staphylococcus aureus bacteria colonisation through prolonged steroid use alongside antibiotics has shown promising results in reducing flare-ups.

Professor Richard Gallo’s research on the skin microbiome further underscores the importance of maintaining a healthy bacterial balance to mitigate dermatitis symptoms.

By understanding these insights and adopting tailored skincare practices, individuals with dermatitis can better manage their condition and promote healthier skin.