Rashes – Eczema – Dermatitis

I thought I would write this article for those who are afflicted with rashes and dermatitis
for discussion and sharing. I have been prone to intermittently breaking out in rashes
for some years now. To date, I have done a huge lot of both research and
contemplation over these matters, and here is the material that I have un-earthed.

What is a Rash?

A rash is an inflammation of the skin, leading to itchy, red, sore skin. Rashes can be
caused by:

 Sweat / heat
 Irritant contact dermatitis
 Allergic dermatitis/eczema
 Food allergies (hives, urticaria)
 Systemic illness, e.g. rheumatic fever, Lyme disease
 Infections
 Insect bites / scrapes / cuts / cat scratches

The Skin

The skin is an organ which –

 Provides a physical protective barrier between the “outside” and the inner form

 Helps to regulate body temperature (sweat cools the skin as it evaporates)

 Eliminates toxins (mineral salts and waste acids, i.e. urea) through pores in the
skin

 Is three tiered, made up of epidermis, dermis and subcutaneous layer, with

keratin, a hard impermeable protein forming the outer or top layer.

 Has one of the body’s primary defence systems via S.A.L.T - the skin
associated lymphoid tissue, composed of migrating or visitng leukocytes
(white blood cells, including T cells), keratinocytes, Langerhans cells and
lymphatic endothelial cells of the skin. The epidermis contains all of the
components needed for an effective immune response, i.e. antigen-presenting
Langerhans cells, T cells (specialised white blood cells of two types T1 and T2),
and chemical cytokines extruded from leukocytes and keratinocytes.

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Inflammation

The body's primary response to injury or infection is called inflammation. The

purpose of inflammation is to provide an environment around the injured or infected
region that maximises repair and anti infection processes. It does this by flooding the
area with the materials and enzymes needed so that repair work can be done most
effectively and infection fought. The damaged cells release inflammatory chemicals
which increase the blood flow to the area. This results in the redness and heat, and if
fluid enters the skin tissue (skin cells) from leaky capillaries, oedema results or
swelling, with associated soreness. It is when a person has an exagerrated response
or an allergic response, that results in extreme inflammation, where the inflammation
becomes worse than the actual effect or the suspected effect of the product or
substance that triggered the response.

Binding sites for several pro-inflammatory chemokines are found on the endothelial
cells (ECs) of the micro-vascular lymphatic system in human dermis. Endothelial
refers to a lining or covering, and vascular means capable of transportation. The
lymphatic system is a network of conduits and lymphoid tissues that carry a clear fluid
called lymph. Lymph is excess fluid that is drained from the spaces between the cells
into the lymph vessels, which is returned to the cells with nutrients when required .
The lymph is filtered in the lymph nodes, with bacteria, debris and pathogens (harmful
micro-organisms) being trapped and destroyed by the lymphocytes (a type of white
blood cell or leukocyte).

What is an Allergy?

An allergy or an allergic reaction is an inappropriate, over-blown or excessive

response mounted by the body's immune system against a harmless substance. You
develop allergies for two reasons: First, you are genetically predisposed to be allergic;
second, factors in your environment, especially when you are young, make you more
susceptible. Most allergies are caused by some combination of genetics and
environment.

Allergies can involve air-borne substances, chemicals, food, animal fur, clothes,
metals, and other substances or compounds, including even sun-light in some rare
cases. The symptoms of food allergies can be hives or urticaria, i.e. itchy raised
inflamed lumps, as well as abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.

For a description of types of allergies, please see the web-page below.

http://www.healthline.com/sw/hr-sr-what-to-do-about-allergies/4

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Allergies, Irritants and Intolerances

People often confuse reactions to irritants in the environment — like a runny nose
from cold air, smoke, or perfumes — with a true allergic reaction such as hay fever,
which is an immune system response to an allergen such as ragweed. Some people
develop an itchy or sore red rash after contact with certain chemicals such as a harsh
laundry detergent, or after a small amount of cat fur lands on their skin, but if the
immune system isn't involved, it is an irritation, not an allergy.

An inflammation does not always involve an allergic response of the immune

system. If this is the case, the inflammation is short-lived, i.e. disappears within a very
short time of the initial irritant. It is best to know what irritates your skin and to avoid
irritants.

Likewise, someone who suffers from bloating and diarrhea after drinking milk or eating
dairy products may have an intolerance, not an allergy, to lactose, a natural sugar
found in cow's milk, because they lack the enzymes needed to digest. However, this
picture can get murky because some people are, in fact, allergic to one or more of the
proteins in milk. This illustrates how tricky it can be to determine a diagnosis and
design a treatment.

Auto-immune Disorders / Diseases

Autoimmune disorders are where the body's immune system reacts against some of
its own tissue and produces antibodies to attack itself. The skin and mucous
membranes house macrophages (white cells of the tissues) and antibodies. The
macrophages job is to digest the antigens while the antibodies trap the antigens that
got away. If the antigens break through these barriers, the body reacts by producing
lymphocytes (B and T cells) programmed to attack and kill the antigen. In general
terms, when antibodies are directed against the body's own cells, or when B and T
cells attack and destroy their own body's cells and not foreign antigens, an
autoimmune disorder can result.

Examples are diabetes, some cases of hepatitis, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple
sclerosis. Do not confuse a sweat rash with autoimmune disorder.

Heat rash / Sweat rash

A heat rash is a skin condition that often occurs in the summer months. Summer
weather is hot and often humid in many parts of the world and these are the prime
conditions for the development of this type of skin rash or skin irritation. It can also
develop in cooler weather when individuals get too hot because they are overdressed
or wearing tight fitting clothing.

This type of rash is known by other names as well, such as prickly heat, miliaria, sun
rash, or sweat rash.

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A miliaria rash occurs when excessive sweating occurs, skin pores subsequently get
clogged, and the skin over heats internally. It is characterized by the appearance of a
cluster of red pimples with red skin surrounding them. Small blisters may also be
present. The rash is often very itchy, prickly or may sting and burn quite significantly.
The areas of the skin most often affected include the upper chest and neck, back,
groin, under the breasts, and in skin creases or skin fold areas such as elbow and
knee regions. Children, especially younger children, are usually affected more often
than adults although an adult miliaria rash does occur in many people.

Prickly rash treatments are generally quite basic and include keeping the skin clean of
sweat and cooling the skin and body. Cool showers and light loose fitting clothing will
help. In addition, staying out of the sun would also be a good idea. Seeking an air-
conditioned environment is beneficial. In many cases, the prickly rash will disappear
on its own in a short amount of time, if the basic advice given above is followed.
Calamine lotion can soothe the itch, but avoid any oil-based products because these
may lead to additional skin pore clogging and prevent the heat rash healing process
from occurring.

In more severe prickly heat or miliaria cases, infection or heat exhaustion is possible.
For these cases, medical attention is required in order to treat the infection or to
prevent death from the heat exhaustion condition.

[ Source of information: http://www.healthy-skincare.com/heat-rash.html ]

The Immune System

The body’s natural antibodies identify an intruder particle, called an antigen, which
may be a chemical, cat dander, or something entering the body through broken skin,
to help get rid of the antigen. B cells and T cells circulate within the blood-stream,
including the blood vessels that feed the skin. B cells and T cells secrete chemicals or
compounds into the body’s fluids. Antibodies are proteins, called immunoglobulins,
that can recognize (match) specific antigens. Antibodies match an antigen much as a
key matches a lock, then coat or opsonise the angtigen, and then neutralises the
antigen and signals other cells to migrate to the area and destroy the antigen. There
are four types of immunoglobulins, including IgE or Immunoglobulin E.

The Helper T cells or TH cells coordinate immune responses by communicating with

other cells. Some stimulate nearby B cells to produce antibody, others call in microbe-
gobbling cells called phagocytes, still others activate other T cells. Cytotoxic or
Natural Killer T cells directly attack other cells carrying certain foreign or abnormal
molecules on their surfaces. TH1 cells stimulate production of coating antibodies.

Langerhans cells are thought to add a marker molecule to an antigen so that the
antigen is recognised as “non-self” by the first line of defence in the skin’s immune
system.

Cytokines are messenger molecules secreted by the B and T cells. They are the
chief communication signals of the T cells. Cytokines include chemokines.

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Mast cells are found resident in tissues throughout the body, particularly in
association with structures such as blood vessels and nerves, and in proximity to the
skin and other surfaces that interface with the external environment. Mast cells are
bone marrow-derived and particularly depend upon stem cell factor for their survival.
Mast cells appear to be highly engineered cells with multiple critical biological
functions. After activation by the T cells, mast cells may immediately extrude granule-
associated mediators and generate lipid-derived substances that induce immediate
allergic inflammation.

Biological functions of mast cells appear to include a role in innate immunity,

involvement in host defense mechanisms against parasitic infestations,
immunomodulation of the immune system, and tissue repair and angiogenesis (the
growth of new blood vessels).

Histamines are messenger or mediator proteins released by mast cells and

keratinocytes. They increase permeability of blood vessels in the area, thus causing
increased blood flow to the site, with associated swelling and soreness

Mast cell activation may also be followed by the production of more cytokines and
chemokines, which are already being produced by the B cells and T cells.

Cytokine and chemokine secretion activated by the mast cells may occur hours
after the initial cause of the allergic response, and may contribute to chronic
inflammation.

Cytokines and chemokines control immune and inflammatory responses, through

complex processes. In some cases, an imbalance of cytokines that dampen
inflammation and of cytokines that promote inflammation, may result in a high level of
inflammation, especially in combination with the release of histamine.

The action of cytokines and chemokines and histamine may become severe enough
to look like the skin is burned, and in fact the upper layer of the skin (stratum corneum)
IS indeed burnt in some instances, and then sloughs off. This is when the subject
(person with the rash) sees her skin literally peeling away (because it has been burnt
by the heat of the warm blood being channeled to the site of the rash).

In atopic dermatitis sufferers (and other allergy sufferers, e.g. hay-fever, food allergies
and contact dermatitis), there may be an imbalance of the T H cells, with too many
TH2 cells, which not only “recruit” (or communicate with) mast cells and B cells, and
produce cytokines to act against an “innocent” substance (which the immune system
mistakenly treats as a threat), but stimulates production of the neutralising
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. This antibody surrounds the allergen and
triggers an allergic response, primarily or initially via activation of the mast cells by the
antibody. The mast cells are stimulated to produce their own cytokines, which in turn
lead to the production of more IgE which continues or cascades the cycle.

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Dermatitis (externally induced) and Eczema (genetically induced)

Dermatitis (also called dermatitis skin rash) is an inflammation of the skin, causing
redness and itching. It is a common condition which is, by itself, not life-threatening,
but it can make a person feel uncomfortable, painful and self-conscious. A
combination of self-care steps and medications can help treat dermatitis.

Dermatitis may be acute or chronic. Acute refers to sudden short-term episodes, while
chronic refers to a long term condition. The acute condition is usually characterised
by erythema, tiny vesicles that may rupture and by pruritus (itching).

Dermatitis and Eczema both involve inflammations and swelling of the skin. They may
be induced by internal (genetic) and external (environmental) factors acting on their
own or in combination.

Atopy refers to the tendency to asthma, eczema and hay fever. Atopy is largely
inherited (genetic). It is characterised by an overactive immune response to
environmental factors. The same factors have no effect on the skin of a non-atopic
person.

Eczema is a chronic condition, and is also referred to as Atopic Dermatitis. Atopic

dermatitis refers to a genetic origin of recurring inflammation of the epidermis of the
skin. Eczema is considered an endogenous condition of genetic origin, while
dermatitis is exogenous, i.e. due to environmental origin such as contact with an
irritant.

The terms eczema and dermatitis are used synonymously while some dermatologists
refer to dermatitis as inflammation of the skin of any origin.

Eczema is generally claimed to occur due to a high level of antibodies, usually

immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the bloodstream, which renders the individual sensitive or
hypersensitive to a wide range of 'trigger' factors, called antigens, in the diet or
environment. The prime symptom is itching which may be very severe, accompanied
by redness, papules, vesicles, scaling, weeping exudation of sebum and when this
dries, crusting. However, there is no known single cause for eczema, and it probably
is due to more than one condition. Eczema / atopic dermatitis has a characteristic
clinical appearance that usually appears in infancy or early childhood.

Recently, there is emerging evidence that inflammation in atopic dermatitis results

primarily from inherited abnormalities in the skin – the skin “barrier defect”. An
inherited abnormality in filaggrin expression is now considered a primary cause of
disordered barrier function. Filaggrin is a filament-associated protein which binds to
keratin fibres in the epidermal cells. This barrier failure causes increased permeability
of the skin and reduces its antimicrobial function.

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The loss of skin barrier function means that:

 Water is lost
 Irritants may penetrate (soap, detergent, solvents, dirt etc.)
 Allergens may penetrate it (pollens, dust-mite antigens, microbes)
 The specialised immune cells of the epidermis (Langerhans cells) in atopic
dermatitis have an increased response to these antigens and interact with dermal
T cells to produce a TH2 response, releasing inflammatory cytokines.

The inflammation induced by this TH2 response exacerbates the barrier defect.

 Ceramide (a fatty acid) is reduced

 Filaggrin is reduced
 Antimicrobial peptides are reduced
 Bacteria colonise and infect the skin
 Infections are more difficult to control

Both genetic make-up of the individual and ‘external’ environmental factors contribute
to the likelihood of developing eczema, its severity and its response to treatment. Dry
skin is a sign of the loss of barrier function.

The immune system develops in the first six months of life. This skin barrier
abnormality or disorder and / or the immune system over-reacting with an excessive
production of TH2 cells and IgE, causes dermatitis.

Besides Eczema / Atopic Dermatitis, there are other types of dermatitis:

 Contact dermatitis - caused by a substance or chemical

 Light dermatitis - caused by the sun
 Diaper / Nappy rash (babies)
 Dermatitis herpetiformis - blistering skin rash of elbows, knees, and buttocks.
 Exfoliative dermatitis – the skin falls or flakes off
 Perioral dermatitis - affecting the face and oral region
 Seborrheic dermatitis - scaling affecting the face and scalp causing cradle cap
and dandruff.

While Atopic Dermatitis is often characterised by an allergic reaction, contact

dermatitis may or may not involve an allergic response. The difference between
whether it is allergy caused or not will be in the manifestation of the symptoms. That
is, where there is a general inflammation of the skin due to an irritant, and not due to
an allergy, called irritant contact dermatitis, the inflammation will appear
immediately after exposure to the irritant, and will not last for long. However, an
allergic contact dermatitis will produce a more lasting inflammation with associated
itchiness and soreness, and the symptoms may arise several hours after contact with
the irritant.

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Irritant contact dermatitis is caused by a particular amount, or excessive contact
with an irritant. Irritant contact dermatitis occurs when chemicals or physical agents
damage the surface of the skin faster than the skin is able to repair the damage. The
dermatitis or eczema is often well demarcated with a glazed surface but there may be
redness, itching, swelling, blistering and scaling of the damaged area. This may be
indistinguishable from other types of dermatitis.

Irritants damage the skin by removing oils and moisture from its outer layer, allowing
the irritants to penetrate more deeply and cause further damage by triggering
inflammation. Allergic contact dermatitis may look similar to irritant contact
dermatitis, but it is caused by an immune response following skin contact with an
allergen. Tiny quantities may be sufficient to cause allergy, whereas a certain
minimum exposure is necessary for irritant contact dermatitis. Irritant and allergic
contact dermatitis may coexist.

Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) is inflammation of the skin typically manifested by

erythema, mild edema, and scaling. Irritant contact dermatitis is a nonspecific
response of the skin to direct chemical damage that releases mediators of
inflammation predominately from epidermal cells. Irritant contact dermatitis is the
clinical result of sufficient inflammation arising from the release of proinflammatory
cytokines from skin cells (principally keratinocytes), usually in response to chemical
stimuli. The 3 main pathophysiological changes are skin barrier disruption, epidermal
cellular changes, and cytokine release. Skin irritation predisposes the skin to develop
sensitization to topical agents. Skin irritation by both nonallergenic and allergenic
compounds induces Langerhans cell migration and maturation.

Insect bites, scrapes and cat scratches introduce substances such as chemicals, dirt,
toxins, and bacteria into the layers of the skin, which can cause ICD.

Treatment and my Experiences

I have come to the informed conclusion that I have been afflicted by Irritant Contact
Dermatitis and Allergic Contact Dermatitis. Although I have been to several
different traditional doctors (General Practitioners) and to three Naturopaths and
even to a Dermatologist (skin specialist), I have largely had to research and find
information for myself on the physiology behind rashes or dermatitis.

When I asked the GP what is behind the rashes that I got, she responded that I simply
have a tendency to get rashes, like some people had a tendency toward hay-fever, so
I assume she was talking about a genetic component. The Dermatologist saw me
when I no longer had a rash, because, generally speaking, it take four weeks or so to
book in to see a specialist and by that time, the condition one has has usually
disappeared. All he said is that I have very, very dry skin, and to have only 3 minute
luke-warm showers. I tried to ask him what types of dermatitis there are, whereupon
he actually got angry and simply dismissed my question; no doubt thinking himself to
be the expert and me to have no right to be pretending to be the expert somehow, ha.

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The first naturopath I saw in Australia about 20 years ago acted in-appropriately
toward me and the next one, a few years back, performed a SCIO evaluation upon
me, at my request. The SCIO method supposedly picks up what substances one is
allergic to, without the discomfort of a patch test (minute amounts of different
allergens placed on the skin) or a RAST test (measures IgE levels). The SCIO
technique is an electromagnetic scan which somehow calculates the biological
reactivity and resonance in the body with allergens, etc. I was given a little bottle of
“medicine” to take, to help return my body to energetic equilibrium, but I really don’t
know if it helped or not, because at that stage, once again, my rash was nearly over.

However, the SCIO Naturopath told me I was allergic to rye, xanthan and amaranth
gum, and to my surprise, to cat dander (fur and/or saliva). Sometimes when our
cat’s soft fur lands on my skin, it immediately causes itching and a red area to flare up,
but it doesn’t last for long. Perhaps I am not so sensitized to cat’s fur, having lived
with lots of cats when I was a child as well as an adult, sort of along the lines of the
theory that children build up a healthy immune system by being exposed to some
germs as they are growing. My skin or immune system may have become more
tolerant of cat dander.

Regarding my food allergies, xanthan gum is added as a powder to dry bread

ingredients and acts as a thickener for many commercial food products such as
dressings, gravies and sauces. Amaranth gum or starch is a type of grain which is
used in baked goods. Rye is a cereal used in breads, beer, etc. The SCIO
practitioner said it was likely that cat dander had reacted with some insect bites on my
legs, causing the rash I that I was seeing her about. For more information on the
SCIO methodology, click on the link below.

http://www.quantumtrainingaustralia.com/faq.htm

On 10th January 2009 I had a free half hour appointment with a Naturopath at a Good
Life Health store. Although I think that he did not know a lot about the physiological
functioning of allergies and dermatitis, he suggested that my rashes were due to a
combination of things and that I should treat my skin, i.e. add moisture to my skin by
taking Flax-seed Oil capsules.

The Naturopath also pointed out that the digestive system is very important in the
immune response, i.e. the colon or large intestine, and recommended that I take
probiotics or “good” bacteria, to facilitate the functioning of my colon. As well, he
prescribed a homeopathic medicine for me, see list below.

I asked him wouldn’t my cat, whom has been with me for nine years now, be
upsetting my skin all the year around if I was allergic to cat dander. He replied, not
necessarily, that to have an allergic or irritant response, it may require a combination
of cat dander with sweating or something else. So, the plot or the equation thickens
really.

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For me personally, the equation seems to be –

( Insect bites or Scrapes or Sweat or Some Chemicals or Some Plants

or Some Clothes )

And / Or Cat dander

= Irritant and / or Allergic Contact Dermatitis

GPs say that rashes / dermatitis are generally treated by applying hydrocortisone
cream, also called a corticosteroid cream (or a stronger topical steroid) and by
taking anti-histamine tablets, such as Telfast, and also simply waiting for the body to
heal itself over time. The anti-histamine reduces the inflammation and thus lessens
the itchiness and soreness, but does not cure the rash. The hydrocortisone cream (a
topical corticosteroid, or adrenocortical steroid, topical meaning applied to the skin) is
supposed to heal the rash over time. It reduces the actions of chemicals in the body
that cause inflammation, redness, and swelling. However, these steroids can have
quite potent effects, and must be used sparingly. If you have not used them before,
be very careful to start with, or better still, try natural means instead.
Corticosteroid cream is particularly for rashes caused by abundant chemokine
release, rather than when histamine is involved. Anti-histamine tablets will not work
when it is the chemokines that are causing the inflammation.

Steroid creams are only available via prescription, and come in different classes of
strength, such as mild, moderate, potent, and very potent. The strengths start with
0.5 to 2.5% hydrocortisone, such as Derm Aid. Side effects can include interruption
of the functioning of the adrenal glands, which naturally produce cortisol, which is a
hormone that helps to maintain blood pressure, immune function and the body's anti-
inflammatory processes. A few years back, I was prescribed oral steroids to treat a
severe rash on my left leg (that looked like orange peel and gave off a heat when you
held your hand high above my leg) by a Locum services doctor (operates out of
hours). These strong steroids did cure the rash, but also gave me some side-effects.
A very curious side-effect was that my hair or scalp became really oily, but, luckily, this
condition was only temporary!

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The trick for treatment is:

 Don’ts use soap, which strips natural oils from the skin. Use a soap
replacement for sensitive, dry skin, or natural soaps especially for
dermatitis sufferers.
 Use a body moisturiser liberally all year around
 Avoid allergens
 Avoid sweating too much and wash away excessive sweat
 Apply a good anti-itch and anti-inflammatory and antiseptic cream
immediately to insect bites, e.g. Paraderm
 Reduce the inflammation as soon as possible
 Drink plenty of water, have a good diet
 Look after your digestive system – probiotics and eating alkaline forming
foods
 Wear loose fitting “breathable” clothing
 Use a barrier cream on hands and all over before exposure to dust, grime
and chemicals
 Take a homeopathic medicine or aspirin for reducing the pain

I have come up with a list of treatments, of which I have personally tried.

 QV wash – good alternative to soap

 Cetaphil wash – shower & bath – preferred over QV
 DermaVeen colloidal oatmeal bath and shower oil – my favourite
 DermaVeen colloidal oatmeal body moisturiser – my favourite moisturiser

See : http://www.dermatech.com.au/ Australian product, marketed overseas

 QV moisturiser
 Pinetarsol i.e. pine tar – reduces inflammation but I find colloidal oatmeal
better for me
 Essential oil of Lavender – can’t tell if this helped me or not
 Apple cider vinegar - this did soothe the soreness or inflammation
 Colloidal silver – 16 to 20 ppm applied topically and also drunk – hard to tell if
it helped
 Eczema Medi-honey cream – has helped in the long term
 Calendula ointment – helps when scarring has appeared
 Chickweed cream – gave me a bad reaction !!

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  Emu Oil cream (with Vitamin E, from farm-bred emus) – a nice cold cream
which helps moisturise, but it contains parabens
 “Anti-inflam relief” homeopathic medicine - 20 ml oral liquid taken twice a
day (15 drops each dose) to reduce inflammation - contains sulfur, clematis,
belladonna, gun powder and other weird things – seems to be helping (but
taken at a late stage)
 Probiotic 8 – consisting of 8 species or 5 billion bacteria – one capsule a day –
I think that this is definitely helping my digestive system
 Flax-seed Oil – for the skin - Microgenics brand, 1000 mg per capsule – two
capsules a day – definitely helping me as I feel “better” after taking these !!
 Bee Pollen – a complete nutrient for good health – definitely helping me – I
have been taking these for a while now – 500 mg per capsule x 2 daily
 Goats milk and Oatmeal Soap or Goats milk and Honey Soap

Notes on the above

I only recently began drinking Colloidal Silver at 15 ml each day over the first 4 days,
then at 10 ml per day. Some say to apply 40ppm colloidal silver to the rash, but I used
what I was drinking in a little bottle to squirt onto the rashes. The concentration is 16
to 20 ppm. The Naturopath said that he thinks it doesn’t really matter too much what
concentration of C.S. that one applies topically (i.e. to the skin).

Using colloidal oatmeal was recently suggested to me, and I have found it has been
a tremendous help to me in reducing itching and in healing. I recommend using
DermaVeen colloidal oatmeal in the bath and shower, and as a body moisturiser,
which you can use all over, including on the face. For more information about c.o.
please click on the links below. Of course, all treatments are unique to an individual,
and each person needs to try out and find what works best for them.

http://www.colloidaloatmeal.com/index.htm

http://www.dermatech.com.au/pages/default.asp?pid=72

The Medihoney formulation contains antibacterial honey, aloe vera, german

chamomile, natural vitamin E, coconut oil, beeswax and evening primrose oil.
MEDIHONEY® is the first topical honey product in the world to achieve Therapeutic
Goods Administration (TGA) listing. A 75g tube was bought from my local chemist for
$13.90 AUD.

http://www.medihoney.com/News6.htm

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Goldenseal Powder for insect bites, and Aloe Vera sap and the Sausage tree
ointment have also been suggested to me to try, but to date, I have not yet tried them
out, although I certainly would like to try them !! Thank you to all those who have
made suggestions.

A word about probiotics or “good living organisms”. About 80% of your immune
system lives in your gastrointestinal tract. It is the first line of defense. Our body
flushes most of the toxins and wastes through our colon. But when a colon becomes
clogged and dirty, those toxins just lay dormant inside of our bodies. This greatly taxes
the major organs, including the skin, causing them to have work that much harder to
fend off sickness. The end results are a decreased immune system response because
the body is already working that much harder to flush out the toxins.

Sugars and carbohydrates tax the immune system as they are acidic and should be
avoided. Yoghurt and milk containing Probiotic organisms should be avoided because
the milk can disrupt the mucous membranes of the body. Colon cleansing is a short
term treatment to clear out the colon, but you must be very careful in choosing what is
the right method for you. Probiotics should be taken after colon cleansing and taking
antibiotics, to restore the good bacteria. Antibiotics can disturb the digestive system,
and result in diarrhoea.

Be careful also when choosing a Probiotic. My Naturopath recommended cytobifidus

for me, which is in the Probiotic 8 capsules that I bought.

http://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/b/weil-healthy-living/2028/protect-health-with-probiotics/

If you are allergic to bee-stings, then don’t try Bee Pollen, which is not just flower
pollen, but is the pollen which has been taken by bees and has had bee substances
added to it.

http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/bee.htm

http://www.answers.com/topic/bee-pollen

Flax-seed Oil contains two Essential Fatty Acids, 56% Omega 3 and 16% Omega 6.
One of the properties of Flax oil seems to be a strengthening of the immune system,
so that it works as it should. Not only does flax-seed oil contain important essential
fats, omega-3s and omega-6s, but it is also rich in lignans, which have antibacterial,
antiviral and antifungal properties, and may play a vital role in the prevention of breast,
prostate, uterine and colon cancers. EFAs are also good for the brain, and I found
that taking flax-seed oil capsules made me more alert !!

http://ezinearticles.com/?Flax-Seed-Oil-Benefits-For-The-Skin&id=431258

http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/flaxoil.htm

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 ********************************

All-natural / Organic formulations are best !!

Be careful when using off-the shelf or supermarket treatments and when trying
out C.A.M or Complementary Alternative Medications as what works for one
person may not necessarily work for another. If you haven’t tried something
before, research what you plan to try, and test it out first with a small quantity.

Consider using a moisturiser and a barrier cream without parabens, and

experiment with lanolin formulations, if you wish. Lanolin is from sheep’s wool and
can irritate some skins, but is not as bad as it is sometimes made out to be, in terms
or being an irritant or causing an allergic reaction in huge numbers of people. On the
other hand, parabens do not initially disturb the skin, but many sources say that they
can have a bad long-term effect on even a totally healthy person.

Parabens are a family of alkyl esters of para-hydroxybenzoic acid that differ by

various chemical substitutions. The six widely marketed para-hydroxybenzoic acid
esters are methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, isobutylparaben,
butylparaben, and benzylparaben. They differ in their solubility and range of
antimicrobial activity. They are used as preservatives, but of course there are
organic (natural) alternatives. See :

http://thenaturalhealthguide.com.au/reviews/parabens-in-cosmetics-friends-or-foes/

The QV Silic 15 Barrier Cream (made by the Ego company that manufactures the
QV wash and moisturiser) contains 15% Dimethicone (a silicone based polymer or oil
with skin moisturising properties) but no parabens or lanolin, while Fauldings Barrier
Cream contains Dimethicone and also parabens and lanolin. Dimethicone has been
approved by the Food and Drug Authoirty as being safe to use in cosmetics and
creams. It works in a similar way to parafiin, coating the skin, lubricating the skin and
locking in moisture. Neways Barrier cream does not contain lanolin or paraffin, but
contains Dimethicone (despite claiming not to contain silicone) and has plenty of
parabens. They are occlusive creams, i.e. stop compounds from leaving the skin.

http://www.visiblehealth.co.uk/barrier_cream.htm

http://www.itsyourlife.uk.com/barrier_cream.html

The QV moisturiser contains liquid paraffin, soft white paraffin (solid paraffin) and
glycerol. Paraffin or petroleum jelly (also called petrolateum or paraffin wax) is what
comprises Vaseline. Paraffin is a mixture of hydrocarbons or a petrochemical and
seals in moisture by adding a greasy layer to the skin, thus preventing water
evaporating from the skin. Some sources say it is best to avoid using paraffin for
treating burns or rashes.

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Heavy Paraffin and Dimethicone based barrier creams can trap an infection, so
do not use them if there is a possibility of infection or an actual infection. Using a
common-sense approach, it is a matter of trial and error as to whether you prefer
using a paraffin based moisturiser on a daily basis (where there is no infection), or
another moisturiser, such as all natural Shea Butter or Cocoa Butter or DermaVeen
Colloidal Oatmeal or an Aveeno product. Personally, I have found using the
DermaVeen colloidal oatmeal bath and shower oil followed by the DermaVeen
colloidal oatmeal moisturiser to be “life-savers” for me while having many rashes,
including heat rashes, and it does not contain lanolin, parabens, OR petrochemicals!!

Be careful of barrier cream products like Skin Sure !! The Skin Sure formulation
includes Triclosan as an active anti-bacteiral agent, but Triclosan can be
carcinogenic (cause cancer).

The Naturalene brand of the Invisble Glove barrier cream from the U.K. contains
Virgin Wheat Germ Oil (a rich source of natural vitamin E), Benzoin Extract (rapid
healing qualities), and Vegetable Oil. My research shows that people who use it like
it a lot. It is preferable to use this barrier cream, as the others contain Dimethicone or
parabens.

Be careful because there are other barrier creams around with the words “Invisible
Glove” but the ingredients contain parabens and /or triethanolamine, the latter which
is known to irritate eyes and possibly even exacerbate dermatitis. All Naturalene
products are 100% natural, made entirely from plant extracts, totally non-toxic and
environmentally friendly.

http://www.discountvitaminsexpress.com.au/cgix/display.asp?prodID=30354

The jury is still out regarding the possible negative long-term effects of parabens, i.e.
nothing is clear about parabens yet. I have been using Emu Oil cream and may other
preparations which contain parabens, but have not had an immediate adverse
reaction to using such formulations.

Always check and research all the ingredients first !!

http://msds.chem.ox.ac.uk/#MSDS

Click on the link above, scroll down to the

MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) Information

and click on the letter for the chemical you want to research

and / or do your own research

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The Final Words - A Spiritual link to Dermatitis
As Louise Hays points out, illnesses and disorders reflect something going on in the
spiritual arena, or that the mind – body – spirit balance is out of sorts. Problems
with the skin show that “something is getting under one’s skin”, so to speak. If one
looks at an illness, even a rash, as a self-defense measure, then she can look at
what she is afraid of and is trying to defend herself from. Some texts say that
metaphorically a skin rash means that one is feeling “rash” or that she has been too
forward or put herself out too much, or has stepped over the boundaries.

I feel that this latest rash of mine was partly caused by temporary feelings of
resentment by myself toward others and myself. However, I have faced these
feelings, and believe that I have done the hard work to change my “infra-structure” or
frame-work, which will greatly reduce, if not eliminate the rashes which I am prone to
get, which I find not just discomforting, but painful and wearing on my energy.

Given the choice between a rash and stepping back a little and asking myself “what
are my issues that I am worried or resentful about”, I will now gladly choose the latter.

Theta healing has helped me look at the origins or roots of my fearful feelings, such
as an erroneous belief that “God doesn’t love me” accompanied by still left-over
feelings of guilt, remaining from a huge burden of guilt previously experienced /
manifested by me. I believe that, after a tremendous amount of “clearing” or bringing
up and purging that which no longer serves me, that I have now over-come all guilt. I
am ready to love and enjoy myself truly, and I am ready to set my boundaries as
much as I am letting others enjoy themselves.

I have also been introduced to EFT (the emotional freedom technique) and to
tapping, which I believe are also great techniques to help on the spiritual level, and I
have been attuned to Reiki.

May your body reflect your mind and spirit –

happy, healthy and well.

Written by A Concerned Citizen, 2009

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Internet references

http://www.emc.maricopa.edu/faculty/farabee/BIOBK/BioBookIMMUN.html

http://www.healthline.com/sw/hr-sr-what-to-do-about-allergies

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/12/051220000731.htm

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7616007

http://www.web-books.com/eLibrary/Medicine/Physiology/Immune/Antigen.htm

http://www.bio.davidson.edu/courses/Immunology/Students/spring2000/lamar/mfirp.ht
m

http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/I/Inflammation.html

http://www.healthy-skincare.com/heat-rash.html

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9354811

http://student.ccbcmd.edu/courses/bio141/lecguide/unit5/intro/lymphoid/lymphoid.html

http://www.nature.com/icb/journal/v81/n6/full/icb200371a.html

http://microvet.arizona.edu/courses/MIC419/Tutorials/cytokines.html

http://www.peterkelly.com.au/inflammation.htm

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1049353-overview

http://www.egopharm.com.au/EgoProducts/Silic15/Silic15Cream.html

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/100004783.html

http://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/ingredient_details.php?ingredient_id=47

http://www.snowdriftfarm.com/silicone_use.html

http://www.patient.co.uk/pharmacy/Hands_First_Invisible_Gloves_Barrier_Cream.htm
?ID=HFIG125

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