IMPORTANT
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Eczema and Dermatitis

A family history of asthma, hay fever and eczema is the major indicator that any child will be at risk of developing this type of skin condition. Atopic allergies run in families, even though they can skip generation or two.

These conditions can be caused by any number of irritants and children and babies are at as much risk as, say, hairdressers who develop allergies to the chemicals in hair dyes – a common cause of skin problems in adults. Probably the most common cause of eczema in babies is cows’ milk. The dry, scaly patches may appear at any time, even before the baby gets any of it, simply because mother is drinking too much milk herself.

Foods are one of the most likely causes of skin eruptions in children and young people – particularly if they contain artificial additives. Dairy produce, shellfish, eggs, citrus fruit, strawberries, red meat and wheat products may also cause allergic skin problems. Young people working in catering may sometimes get adverse reactions from just handling food. Garlic, raw fish and mangoes are the most common culprits.

Nickel is another frequent cause of these conditions – which is really bad news for teenagers who spend half their lives in jeans and mums who rely on these easy-care trousers for fashion-conscious and mischievous younger children. But there is a simple answer to belly-button dermatitis – and it’s not jeans that are the problem, fatigues or other trousers with metal studs can cause it. Painting the inside of the waist stud with nail varnish helps, but you need to remove it with nail varnish remover as soon as it starts to crack, leave the nail varnish remover to evaporate, then reapply. That’s not the end of the story, however. Some people have an allergic reaction to toluene, a chemical used in nail varnish, which can also cause dermatitis on the fingers. If you think your belly button or finger dermatitis is caused by toluene, tell your kids to look at the labels before they buy any nail varnish and avoid those containing toluene.

Nickel is also used in earrings and can cause painful, bloody and unsightly inflammations, so make sure they buy earrings that are specially made for sensitive ears – you can get them in any jewellery shop or department store these days. The same problem can occur with any other sort of body piercing – in the navel, nose, eyebrows or other funny places young people choose to adorn their bodies – and with costume jewellery. It’s worth remembering that recent studies show that one woman in four and one man in 20 now has uncomfortable contact dermatitis as a result of nickel allergy.

A less common form of this type of allergy is from money, which could be a problem for young people earning extra pocket money by working on supermarket checkouts at the weekends.

Some foods contain minute amounts of nickel, too. If your kids are very sensitive to this mineral it may be worth avoiding the following foods during an attack:

  • Shellfish
  • Salmon
  • Herrings
  • Canned fruits and vegetables
  • All bean, peas, lentils, peanuts and Soya products
  • Leeks
  • Lettuce
  • Pineapples, prunes, raspberries, rhubarb and figs
  • Oats and wholemeal flour
  • Tea from dispensers
  • Cocoa and chocolate
  • Most nuts and nut products

    These herbs can help used as skin preparations:

  • Borage – whizzed in a liquidiser and mixed with an equal amount of witchhazel
  • Evening Primrose Oil cream
  • Comfrey cream
  • Aloe Vera gel – or the sap squeezed from an Aloe Vera plant, which grows very easily as a houseplant in the northern hemisphere

    Garlic – as pills or used in cooking – can help stimulate the production of antihistamines, which fight the allergic response.

    The Homoeopathic remedies Rhus toxidodendron, Kali arsenicum, Kreosotum and Petroleum might also bring relief, but if your child has a long-term problem, it’s best to see a Homoeopath or a GP trained in Homoeopathy before trying these treatments with over-the-counter remedies.

    Aromatherapy oils which may help as creams or bath additives include:

  • Lavender
  • Roman Chamomile
  • Tea Tree oil

    One very useful treatment is to put two tablespoons of oats into a muslin bag and hang it under the tap when filling the bath. Then use the bag as a sponge to wash the affected areas. The Vitamin E in the oats, together with their natural oils help to improve the moisture levels in the skin cells.

    Tea Tree oil is a very effective antiviral and antifungal. You could also add a few drops to the conditioning rinse in your washing to stop the spread of any infection which can be a secondary complication as a result of scratching. It’s best to use non-biological washing powder and insist that the young sufferer uses separate towels and face cloths from the rest of the family to avoid the risk of them getting it too.

    Naturopathic treatment can be very helpful for these conditions.
    This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk).
    The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.