Adult Eczema & Dermatitis

Dermatitis Eczema = Dermatitis = Inflammation of the Skin

Dermatitis and eczema are both Greek words meaning inflammation of the skin. In cases of eczema and dermatitis the skin can flare-up and can become one or all of the following: dry, scaly, itchy, red and hot.

The Cause?

Contact Dermatitis is caused by the direct action of substances on the skin causing inflammation of the skin. There are a number of common irritants, which may result in red itchy, dry skin at the point of contact, including:

• Detergents / Soaps
• Acids / Alkalis
• Petrol products / Oil industry
• Latex - rubber gloves, elastic in clothing
• Nickel - jewellery, belts
• Chromate - leather shoes and cement
• Lanolin - creams, ointments
• Colophany - plasters
• Paraphenylenediamine - hair dyes
• Plants - poison ivy
• Certain preservatives - creams, ointments
• Food
• Deodorant

By identifying the substance causing the reaction and striving to avoid contact with the irritant, flare-ups can be dramatically reduced. Some of these irritants are used in skincare products such as harsh preservatives, foaming agents and lanolin and should be avoided in order to reduce skin flare-ups.  Replace these irritating skincare products with gentle washes, shampoo and moisturisers to gently cleanse, soothe and moisturise the skin.

Some of these irritants are used in skincare products such as harsh preservatives, foaming agents and lanolin and should be avoided in order to reduce skin flare-ups.  For more information on these ingredients, visit our chemicals page. Also check out the Greenpeace Chemical Home Report which assesses the effects of these ingredients on our bodies and our health.