Our Comprehensive Guide to Eczema and Dermatitis - Your Path to Healthier Skin

Dive into our comprehensive guide on eczema and dermatitis, two of the most common chronic skin conditions impacting millions of individuals around the world.

Although the exact cause of eczema remains unclear, it is thought to be influenced by a combination of genetic, allergic, and environmental factors. Eczema often presents as a red, itchy, and inflamed rash, causing both discomfort and self-consciousness.

Various forms of eczema exist, including atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, seborheic dermatitis and xerotic dermatitis.

Numerous triggers can exacerbate eczema symptoms, such as stress, harsh detergents or soaps, woolen clothing, and extreme temperatures. In some cases, food allergies or intolerances may also provoke flare-ups. Identifying and avoiding these triggers is essential for managing eczema symptoms and preventing outbreaks.

Living with eczema can be challenging, but with proper care and a focus on natural and alternative approaches, individuals can find relief and maintain healthy skin.

Explore this page for more information, resources, and support on living with eczema and dermatitis using natural methods.

Eczema Treatment in Australia

The Different Types of Dermatitis

ATOPIC DERMATITIS

Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a chronic skin condition characterized by inflammation, redness, itching, and dryness.

It typically occurs in individuals with a genetic predisposition to developing allergies and is more common in children, although it can affect people of all ages.

Atopic dermatitis is often associated with other atopic (allergic) conditions, such as asthma and hay fever.

The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, immune system, and environmental factors.

People with atopic dermatitis often have a weakened skin barrier, making it easier for allergens and irritants to enter the skin and trigger an immune response.

Symptoms of atopic dermatitis can vary in severity and include:

  1. Itchy skin
  2. Red, inflamed patches of skin
  3. Dry, cracked, or scaly skin
  4. Small, fluid-filled blisters that may ooze and crust over
Learn More About Eczema v's Dermatitis

CONTACT DERMATITIS

Contact dermatitis is a type of skin inflammation that occurs when your skin comes into contact with a substance that either causes irritation or triggers an allergic reaction.

It usually presents as a red, itchy rash on the skin.

There are two main types of contact dermatitis:

Irritant contact dermatitis: This is the more common form and occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritating substance, such as soap, detergent, or certain chemicals.

It can also be caused by environmental factors like cold or heat, and it usually affects people with sensitive skin or those who have frequent contact with irritants due to their occupation.

Allergic contact dermatitis: This form is caused by an immune system reaction to an allergen, such as poison ivy, nickel, or latex.

The allergic reaction can occur after just one exposure or develop after repeated exposures to the allergen.

It is important to identify and avoid the irritants or allergens causing the reaction.

Learn More About Triggers

XEROTIC DERMATITIS

Xerotic dermatitis, also known as eczema craquelé or asteatotic eczema, is a type of dermatitis that occurs when the skin becomes excessively dry and loses its natural moisture.

This dryness can lead to the development of fine cracks or fissures on the skin's surface, giving it a "crazed" or "cracked" appearance.

Xerotic dermatitis is more common in older adults, as the skin's ability to retain moisture tends to decrease with age.

Some factors that can contribute to xerotic dermatitis include:

  1. Cold, dry weather
  2. Overuse of soaps, detergents, or other harsh cleansers
  3. Prolonged exposure to water or hot showers
  4. Medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism or certain genetic disorders
  5. Use of certain medications that can cause dry skin
Read The Blog Managing Eczema

SEBORHEIC DERMATITIS

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, chronic skin condition that affects areas of the body with a high concentration of oil-producing (sebaceous) glands.

It typically causes red, inflamed, and scaly patches of skin, often accompanied by dandruff. The most commonly affected areas include the scalp, face (particularly around the nose, eyebrows, and ears), and upper chest or back.

The exact cause of seborrheic dermatitis is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve a combination of factors, including:

  1. Overproduction of sebum (skin oil)
  2. An abnormal immune response
  3. The presence of a yeast called Malassezia, which is a normal component of the skin's microbiome but may cause inflammation in susceptible individuals

Seborrheic dermatitis can affect people of all ages but is more common in infants (referred to as "cradle cap") and adults between the ages of 30 and 60.

Learn About Natural Supplements

Topical steroids are effective and safe to use in the short-term, but may have more side-effects than benefits if used incorrectly, over a long period of time, or when applied to skin that is very thin such as around the eyes, lips, genital areas and on very young babies and children, for a prolonged period of time, as the absorption increases. 

There are a variety of different types and symptoms associated with eczema.

Eczema is an umbrella term often used to describe the relapsing-remitting cycle of dry, itchy, rashy skin.

1. Eczema commonly starts with dry, itchy skin. The scratching is what turns it into the angry, red rash we’re so familiar with.

2. It’s most commonly found in the skin flexures – the elbow patches, knees, neck.

3. It can affect all age groups, but it is most commonly diagnosed before 5 years of age and affects 10% - 20% of kids. About half will outgrow it before adulthood.

4. Diagnosis is primarily clinical and based on symptoms.

5. Atopic Dermatitis is the most common form and is part of the “atopic triad,” along with asthma and allergies.

6. Approximately 70 percent of patients have a positive family history of atopic diseases.

7. Most common triggers: food, stress, irritants, and environmentIncidence of eczema is increasing 2- to 3x in industrialized nations since the 1970s.

Perioral Dermatitis Healing Stages And Triggers

Just a couple of our happy customers

baby eczema before treatment
baby eczema after treatment
eczema flair up on arm before treatment
eczema flair up on arm after treatment
Topical Steroid Withdrawal before treatment
Topical Steroid Withdrawal after treatment

Trusted Family SKincare

Dyshidrotic eczema

Dyshidrotic eczema causes small, intensely itchy blisters on the palms of hands, soles of feet and edges of the fingers and toes. While the actual cause of dyshidrotic eczema isn’t known, it is more common in people who have another form of eczema and tends to run in families, suggesting a genetic component.

Flares happen only on the hands and feet and usually begin with a rash of painful, deep-seated blisters called vesicles, although sometimes itching and burning sensations begin first. As blisters heal, the skin dries and often reddens and peels. This leaves it tender and dry and sometimes creates painful fissures or cracks. Skin can also become infected.

After only 3 days his eczema had completely healed.

My son suffers from Dyshidrotic eczema and we have tried all kinds of creams and oils as well as prescribed steroid creams.
When my sons eczema flared up I used it straight away, my son said it took the itch and pain away only after a few minutes and the next day the results were amazing, this eczema had improved by 80%.
After only 3 days his eczema had completely healed.

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Manuka Balm  applied 2-3 times a day for 5 days.

The redness had settled and blisters cleared up in 5 days.
She has had Dyshidrotic eczema for over a year and had tried other various creams, including those on prescription.

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Manuka Balm applied 2-3 times a day for 1 day

The redness had settled and the blisters cleared up in 5 days.

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Manuka Balm applied 2-3 times a day

The redness had settled and blisters cleared up in 5 days.

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Tubifast dressings

DermaGen by Botanical Chemist Apparel & Accessories 1metre BLUE line Tubifast dressings
DermaGen by Botanical Chemist Apparel & Accessories Tubifast dressings
DermaGen by Botanical Chemist Apparel & Accessories Tubifast dressings
DermaGen by Botanical Chemist Apparel & Accessories Tubifast dressings
DermaGen by Botanical Chemist Apparel & Accessories Tubifast dressings
DermaGen by Botanical Chemist Apparel & Accessories Tubifast dressings

Tubifast dressings

Regular price $2.95
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We usually recommend using Tubifast dressings as they are light and breathable, keeping the product on the skin with increased absorption, and preventing the child or baby from scratching. You can buy them in metres or a box of 10 metres.

They can be washed and re-used several times (up to 10-15 times), if there is no active skin infection.

You can use it to wrap the head or arms and limbs. ( PS: Red: babies small limbs, Green: 6 months onwards, most kids fall into this condition. Blue: Adult limbs Yellow: Child’s torso) 

New Tubifast 2-Way Stretch is the world’s first and only lightweight elasticated tubular bandage with radial and longitudinal stretch.

This unique mode of action allows patients complete freedom of movement, with added comfort.

Ideal for dressing retention and skin covering for any part of the body. It can also be used for patch wrapping and as an under-cast stockinette. 

Tubifast 2-Way Stretch holds dressings securely in place without the need for tapes, pins or ties.

It is quick and easy to use, with less risk of fraying than traditional tubular bandages. 

Because of its tubular construction, Tubifast 2-Way Stretch is particularly suitable for holding dressings in place on difficult areas such as stumps of amputee patients.

Use Within Wrapping
Wet wrapping is a therapy used in the treatment of atopic eczema, and involves the use of an emollient under retention bandaging.

An emollient (such as Epaderm Ointment which is designed for use in wet wrapping) is applied to the affected skin, which is then covered with a damp layer of Tubifast Bandage. 

Working together, the emollient and the damp layer keep the skin hydrated and moist, and help reduce inflammation.

The damp Tubifast Garment also acts as a retaining layer, ensuring that the emollient stays in contact with the skin.

The damp layer also cools and soothes the skin and helps to reduce the itch. 

A second, dry layer is then applied, which keeps the patient’s clothing dry and prevents further scratching from aggravating the skin and causing potential injury.

Dry wrapping is a similar process to wet wrapping. An emollient is applied to the affected skin, which is then covered with a single, dry layer of Tubifast Bandage.

Fibre content: VISCOSE, NYLON and ELASTANE.

Sizing
It is recommended that Tubifast Bandages are sized according to dimension. See table below.

Size
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FAQs

A balm does not contain water, so has no preservatives or alcohol which may cause stinging on broken, raw and inflamed skin. Whan the skin is in that condition, it is generally more sensitive and reactive. A balm is also better suited for skin that needs intensive treatment with actives as it sits on the skin for longer and allows better penetration of actives. It also contain waxes such as beeswax or candelilla wax (plant version of beeswax) which will increase hydration of the skin by preventing moisture loss from the skin's surface. It acts as a natural barrier when the skin is broken and compromised. It may feel oiler on the face, so a serum or cream would be better for the face.

They can reduce the redness, inflammation, itch and help the skin heal, but it's not a cure if there are allergens that are causing the auto-immune system to flare-up.

This can happen if there is leaky gut, a genetic predisposition, or if certain foods or environmental allergens are getting into the system.

It's best to get a test done to find out what you are allergic to so you can minimise exposure to the allergen. These products will relieve the symptoms which will then give you more time to look at any changes you can make to improve your health condition. Naturopaths can perform tests to see if there is a leaky gut, or if you are allergic or intolerant to certain foods.

They can also advise you on how to manage stress which is a big trigger, and what supplements to take to help heal the gut.

Victoria Martin is an expert in auto-immune diseases and can help you unravel your symptoms.

Get in touch for a chat or to make an appointment.

A patch test can be done to ensure there are no allergic reactions to Propolis, Manuka Oil or Calendula. Most people are not allergic to these actives, but a small percentage of people react to the tea tree family, daisy-family or pollen in the propolis.

If you are unsure of allergies to pollen, use the products which does not contain pollen such as the Manuka Oil Balm or Manuka Oil Cream.

Yes, we can custom-blend any product to suit your needs. Please get in touch with us to make your request.

Yes, email us for a quote or further information.

Email:karencheah@pharmacymr.com.au