Dermatitis refers to inflammation of the skin, often characterized by redness and itching. Additionally there may be scaling, desquamation, induration, or eruptive lesions present. There are several types of dermatitis, the most common being atopic dermatitis (eczema) and contact dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is an inherited condition of unknown etiology, and more commonly afflicts children. Contact dermatitis can be further divided into two types, allergic and irritant. Plants like poison ivy, metals such as nickel, and the chemicals in cosmetics and cleaning products are common sources of contact dermatitis. In many cases, the exact cause cannot be determined. Most holistic traditions emphasize the importance of systemic treatment to address skin disease, as symptoms appearing on the skin may be merely the manifestations of an internal imbalance. Holistic treatments for skin conditions generally emphasize supporting the liver and emunctories to promote natural detoxification processes.
Homeopathics
Poison Ivy Antigens™ - (Formerly called Contact Allergy Antigens) homeopathic antigen formula for relief of symptoms associated with poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and stinging nettles.**
* Cort Sym™ Gel - topical gel indicated for itchy skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes due to eczema, dermatitis, swelling and rash with small blisters, red, inflamed skin; genital and anal itching.**
HFM Cord - (Formerly called Coxsackie Cord) homeopathic nosode blend of several coxsackie virus serotypes.**
Dermapar™ - glandular homeopathic for relief of itching, burning, weeping, cracks, and skin eruptions.**
Drainpar™ - glandular homeopathic for liver, lymph, and kidney support and drainage.**
* Derma Rash HP™ - (Formerly called Eczema HP) high potency formula indicated for eczema, skin irritation, and chronic skin eruptions.**
Elimitone™ - tonifier for lymphatic drainage and immune system support.**
Histamine Phenolic - isopathic phenolic remedy, for relief of symptoms associated with allergic reactions.**
Psora Miasm - homeopathic miasm formula indicated to treat illnesses associated with the psoric miasm. According to classical homeopathic theory, the psoric miasm is a widely inherited predisposition to developing skin disease.**
Derma Scale HP™ - (Formerly called Psoriasis HP) high potency formula to relieve burning, scaling, and dryness of skin.**
Scrophulous HP™ - high potency formula for stimulating detoxification and lymphatic drainage.**
Sulphur - single homeopathic remedy indicated for red, burning, itching skin, aggravated by heat and/or bathing.**
Herbals
Burdocom™ - fortifier for the smooth muscles, skin, and liver, indicated for skin support.
Dandecom™ - fortifier for the liver, indicated to support detoxification.
Echinacom™ or Echinacom C™ - fortifier for the immune system, indicated to support lymphatic drainage..
Gencom™ - fortifier for the emunctories, indicated to support detoxification.
Turmericom™ - (Formerly called Inflammacom) fortifier for the immune system, indicated to maintain a healthy and balanced inflammatory response..
Scrophularicom™ - fortifier for the lymph, spleen, and liver, indicated to support detoxification.
Trifolocom™ - fortifier for the lymphatic system and spleen, indicated to support lymphatic drainage.
Nutritionals
B-Complex - B vitamin supplement to help maintain healthy skin and proper circulation.
C-TR 1500 - vitamin C may help stabilize mast cell membranes to reduce allergic response.
*D3 125 MG - vitamin D to help support the skin’s innate immune system.
Enervimin™ Stress Focus - full-spectrum vitamin and mineral formula designed for those under stress, high in the B vitamins to support skin health.
* G.L.A. Borage - rich in essential fatty acids to help maintain healthy skin.
Hepa-Detox - vitamin formula with herbs to support the liver and promote detoxification.
High Delivery Acidophilus (HDA) - probiotic blend to support the microbiome, immune function, and skin health.
Immunique™ - essential nutrients for tissue healing and immune support.
Initial-E™ - vitamin E to support the skin and immune system.
Mineral Magic - highly concentrated natural source of minerals and colloidal trace minerals needed for maintenance of tissues.
Primrose Oil - essential fatty acid supplement for maintaining healthy hair and skin.
Zinc Picolinate - zinc aids skin healing and supports immune function.
Additional Considerations
Applying a mixture of vitamin E and raw honey topically can relieve itching and promote healing of the tissue. The patient should minimize the use of chemicals on the skin, such as bubble bath, detergents, and perfumed skin lotions. Encourage your patient to wear rubber gloves when using harsh detergents or chemicals.
Food sensitivities may exacerbate skin conditions. A gluten-free and dairy-free diet has proven beneficial in controlling dermatitis in some patients. Consider additional testing for other food sensitivities. If food allergies are suspected, please refer to the Allergies (Food Sensitivities) page of this guide.
[i] Anogeianaki A, Castellani ML, Tripodi D, et al. Vitamins and mast cells. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2010;23(4):991–996. doi:10.1177/039463201002300403
*Denotes primary remedy.
**These statements are based upon traditional homeopathic practice.
**Claims based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence. Not FDA evaluated.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
revised 3/1/21