Introduction Causes Do's and Don'ts

Types Symptoms Homoeopathic treatment

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin causing a distinctive pattern of symptoms such as redness, skin edema, itching and dryness, sometimes there is crusting, flaking, blistering, cracking, oozing or bleeding from the lesions. Sometimes healed lesions show areas of temporary skin discoloration, scarring is rare. It may run in families and is often associated with asthma.

• Atopic Dermatitis:
  It is one of the commonest form of eczema, mostly affecting the infants and children. It is believed to have a genetic predisposition and found in children whose family members have history of Hay Fever or Asthma. The lesions are characteristically found on the scalp, face, neck, elbows, behind knees, and buttocks.
• Contact Dermatitis:
  There are two types of contact dermatitis. The cause can be individualist depending upon each persons sensibilities. E.g. after coming in contact with metals (nickel, poison ivy, solvents, etc.).
  1. Allergic- It results from a delayed reaction after coming in contact with some allergen.
  2. Irritant - It results form an immediate reaction after coming in contact with an allergen
• Xerotic Eczema
  - It is caused by excessive dryness of the skin. The skin of limbs and trunk are commonly affected. The lesions are worst during winter.
• Seborrhoeic Dermatitis
  - There is presence of greasy scaly lesions of the scalp and eyebrows. Pimples and scales may be present in adjacent to the lesions. In infants scaly, yellow crusty lesions are known as cradle cap.

• The causes of Eczema are varied and each type of eczema has its own causative and triggering factors. Broadly the causes can be divided as inherent predispositions and exogenous factors.
• Genetic tendencies and family history of eczema and other allergic disorders like asthma, urticaria, food allergies, etc. predisposes the person to develop eczema.
• Stress also plays an important role in precipitating eczema.
• Exogenous factors include contact with irritants such solvents (soaps, detergents), rubber, metal substances (nickel), certain cloths, cosmetics, food additives (preservative, colors), topical applications, etc. The list can be endless as each person will have his own hypersensitivity.
• Eczematous lesions can occur after exposure to sunlight.
• In babies diaper rash or napkin eczema is possible.

• Intense itching
• Dryness and redness of the skin with flakiness
• Persistent scratching of the skin may lead to leathery appearance known as lichenification.
• Occasionally there may be small eruptions and blisters that ooze fluid.

• Do not scratch especially with long nails. It may lead to secondary infection.
• To soothe the irritation apply non-medicated ointments like petroleum jelly.
• A diet rich in Vitamin A and zinc helps in regeneration of skin.
• Avoid foods you are allergic to.
• Avoid nickel plated jewellery, cosmetics, and other articles that give you skin complaints.
• Relax and de-stress yourself through yoga, disciplined sports and meditation.
• If you are suffering from varicose veins or swollen feet, then relieve by elevating the leg. This reduces the chance of gravitational eczema.
• Do not self medicate.
• In infants when there is a prolonged duration or change in nappy rash pattern take physicians opinion.

The scope of Homeopathic treatment is immense. Homeopathy is equally effective in all forms of eczema and in all age groups. The medicines have to be taken orally and it does not involve the use of any steroids or local applications.

The classical constitutional approach addresses the issues of genetic predisposition and family tendencies and treats the disease form the roots and gives lasting relief. Homeopathic medicines effectively influences the idiosyncrasies of the person thus the persons reaction to allergens is controlled and his condition is not severely aggravated by triggering factors.

There will be relief in the current itching, redness and other local symptoms. The progress, spread and recurrence of the lesions will be controlled. Homeopathic medicines are safe and gentle; they can be taken by all people including infants, pregnant and lactating mothers. These medicines help to overcome dependence on antihistamines and steroids.