When it comes to skin problems most of us are truly unaware of the various treatment options available. In most cases, if we notice an inflamed patch of red, dry skin, we over react and consult our doctor. In some instances this may be wise, however, we must not take everything doctors and dermatologists (skin specialists) recommend lightly. Take the diagnosis and treatment of dermatitis for example.

Also known as eczema, dermatitis is usually caused by exposure to an allergic reaction or irritating chemicals. As a result of the reaction or irritation, the skin often becomes red, swollen or blistered, and intensely itchy. There are quite a number of forms of dermatitis with an equally varied range of treatments. So what do the experts say?

EXPERT'S OPINION: CONTACT DERMATITIS

The inflammation caused by contact dermatitis is largely a result of either contact with an irritating chemical, or an allergic reaction. Removing contact with the 'irritant' or 'allergic' is clearly the primary means of treating the problem. This is great for future avoidance; however, it does nothing to reduce the current inflammation which can stay present for up to 6 weeks.

One of the common recommendations made by doctors and dermatologists is to apply moisturizer; a technique extremely effective in rehydrating the skin and therefore reducing itchiness. The problem is that the most medical experts recommend the use of Sorbolene creams which themselves commonly elicit allergic reactions. It is for this reason that the recommendation of 100% natural skin balms is a much safer option, due to the low percentage of unwanted reactions and the exceptional hydration properties they posses.

EXPERT'S OPINION: ATOPIC DERMATITIS

Atopic dermatitis is common in babies and young children; however it frequently persist through adulthood. Atopic dermatitis causes a pinkish-red, scaly rash that can get lumpy, weepy and crusty. In adult cases this is found mostly in the elbows, behind the knees, and/or on wrists and hands. It is a condition that can't be cured, only managed.

Due to the unrelenting nature of this condition medical experts are often quick to issue a plethora of corticosteroid creams and ointments to reduce the inflammation. However there is a large degree of danger surrounding the use of such creams. Like all forms of steroids, their use goes hand-in-hand with a lengthy list of potential side effects. These include and are not limited to:

- High Blood Pressure - Poor Immune Defense - Pancreatitis - Abdominal Pain - Sleeplessness - Skin thinning (atrophy) and stretch marks (striae) - Easy bruising and tearing of the skin - Perioral dermatitis (rash around the mouth) - Enlarged blood vessels (telangiectasia) - Susceptibility to skin infections - Disguising infection e.g. tinea incognito - Allergy to the steroid cream

Natural skin balms are much more effective

With the long list of side effects associated with corticosteroid creams and ointments, most of which far more damaging the initial inflammation they are designed to treat, it is not hard to see why this treatment plan should be clearly avoided. In order to effortlessly bring moisture back to the skin in the most harmonious means available to the body, a natural solution is the only logical answer.