Understanding Dermatitis
Dermatitis is an umbrella term for inflammation of the skin that produces redness, itching and irritation. Unlike psoriasis, which speeds up skin‑cell turnover, dermatitis is mainly a barrier‑breakdown problem: when the outer layer loses lipids and moisture, irritants seep in and the immune system flares. Up to 15 % of adults experience some form of dermatitis, with hand, face and scalp being common hot‑spots.
Recognising Dermatitis Symptoms
Dermatitis symptoms common to many sufferers include:
- Red, inflamed patches that may be warm to the touch.
- Dry, flaky or cracked skin—sometimes leading to painful fissures.
- Persistent itching that worsens at night or after sweating.
- Oozing blisters or tiny vesicles during acute flare‑ups.
- Thickened, leathery skin (lichenification) after chronic scratching.
Dermatitis is often confused with eczema; in fact, atopic dermatitis is the most common subtype. Others include contact dermatitis (triggered by irritants or allergens) and seborrhoeic dermatitis (linked to yeast on oily areas like the scalp).
Why Does Dermatitis Happen?
Dermatitis has many causes and the cause is rarely a single one. Key contributors include:
- Compromised skin barrier – fewer natural ceramides allow transepidermal water loss.
- External irritants – detergents, fragrances, solvents and friction damage fragile skin.
- Allergens – nickel, fragrances, preservatives and plant resins provoke allergic contact dermatitis.
- Microbes – Staphylococcus aureus and Malassezia yeast can worsen inflammation.
- Climate & stress – cold, dry air or psychological stress deplete lipids and trigger immune over‑reaction.
Conventional Treatment Options
Dermatologists will typically combine:
- Regular emollients & barrier creams to replenish lipids.
- Topical steroids for short bursts to settle inflammation.
- Calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus) for delicate areas like eyelids.
- Antihistamines for severe itch, antibiotics/antifungals when infection is evident.
- Patch testing & avoidance for confirmed contact allergens.
Many patients, however, prefer steroid‑free, fragrance‑free options for daily maintenance—enter Rescue Balm
How Rescue Balm Addresses Dermatitis
Created by an eczema sufferer, Rescue Balm targets the core drivers of flare‑ups:
Dermatitis Challenge |
Key Ingredient |
Benefit |
Impaired lipid barrier |
Beeswax & squalane |
Semi‑occlusive seal that prevents water loss while letting skin breathe. |
Dryness & flaking |
Olive, hemp seed & safflower oils |
Rich in essential fatty acids that restore suppleness. |
Itch & inflammation |
Calendula, chamomile & nettle extracts |
Flavonoids calm cytokine release and soothe stinging. |
Oxidative stress |
Vitamin E & rosehip oil |
.Antioxidants aid barrier repair and fade post‑inflammatory marks. |
How to Use
Because Rescue Balm is anhydrous and preservative‑free, every swipe delivers concentrated nourishment without stinging—ideal for cheeks, eyelids and baby skin (6 weeks +).
- Cleanse gently with a fragrance‑free, pH‑balanced wash.
- Pat skin almost dry, leaving a hint of moisture.
- Warm a pea‑sized amount of balm between fingertips.
- Press onto affected areas; avoid vigorous rubbing that can trigger flare‑ups.
- Re‑apply as needed—especially after hand‑washing or exposure to water, wind or detergents.
- At night, use a thicker layer under cotton gloves or socks for an intensive barrier mask.
Everyday Dermatitis Care Tips
These simple every-day tips may also help you to manage your symptoms or lessen flare-ups:
- Switch to gentle detergents—look for non‑bio, fragrance‑free formulas.
- Wear natural fibres like cotton; avoid scratchy wool directly on skin.
- Short, lukewarm showers followed by immediate moisturising.
- Manage stress with breathing exercises, meditation or light exercise.
- Humidify indoor air during winter to keep ambient moisture above 40 %.
- Patch‑test new products on a small area before full use.
Rescue Balm integrates seamlessly: keep a tin by every sink, one in your bag and another at your bedside so relief is never out of reach.
Takeaway:
Dermatitis thrives on a leaky barrier, inflammatory triggers and microbial intruders. A winning routine replenishes lipids, soothes irritation and shields against further damage. Rescue Balm delivers all three with 100 % natural, cruelty‑free ingredients handmade in Scotland—helping you calm flare‑ups, rebuild confidence and enjoy comfortable skin every day.