Introduction:
The word “eczema” originates from the Greek term meaning “to boil,” representing a range of symptoms such as redness, dryness, itching, and occasionally, oozing, blistering, crusting, scaling, and thickening of the skin.
Atopic eczema, characterized by skin inflammation, is a prevalent skin condition that can manifest at any age, though it typically emerges during childhood.
There are cases where eczema develops later in life among individuals who did not have it during childhood.
The term “atopic” encompasses a group of conditions, including asthma, eczema, hay fever, and food allergy. These conditions share a common characteristic: heightened activity of the body’s immune system on the allergy front.
It comes as no surprise that eczema is the most commonly referred condition to homeopathic hospitals. Those who have experienced eczema are well aware of the challenges conventional medicine faces in effectively treating this often uncomfortable illness.
Conventional treatments tend to focus on symptom management rather than providing a cure. Antibiotics, antihistamines, and steroids are typically prescribed to alleviate symptoms, but their effectiveness can diminish over time or cause increased intolerance.
In recent years, new “immunosuppressive” drugs have been introduced to address severe eczema.
However, a 2006 report in the British Medical Journal stated that there is insufficient formal evidence supporting the efficacy of these agents for patients who have not responded to topical steroids.
Furthermore, patients express concerns about the long-term consequences of using potent topical corticosteroid creams, which can lead to skin atrophy or thinning of the top layer.
Therefore, individuals seek alternative approaches like homeopathy, recognizing the limitations of conventional medicine in addressing eczema effectively.
Causes:
Examining environmental factors that could trigger or exacerbate eczema may also prove beneficial.
Various environmental agents such as house dust mites, pets, mold, heat, and humidity, can contribute to the development of eczema.
According to the NES (National Eczema Society), children under five are particularly susceptible to having their symptoms worsened by food allergies, with approximately 30 percent of children with eczema having food as a contributing factor. Maintaining a healthy diet centered around fresh, additive-free foods is undeniably beneficial. Furthermore, some individuals may have specific food allergies, and combining homeopathic treatment, improved nutrition, and desensitization techniques can help alleviate allergic reactions.
Therefore, considering and addressing these environmental and dietary factors, along with homeopathic approaches, can assist in managing and calming eczema symptoms effectively.
Causes and Triggers:
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a complex skin disease influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Individuals with eczema often have an overactive immune system that reacts to topical irritants or allergens by triggering inflammation.
Several risk factors contribute to the development of eczema. These include stress, a family history of the condition or allergies, excessively dry skin, exposure to allergenic substances in shampoos or cleansers, specific food allergies, hay fever (rhinitis), residing in cold mountainous or cold and damp regions for a significant part of the year, or living in hot and swampy areas. If you have a genetic predisposition to eczema, these environmental risk factors can increase the severity, intensity, and frequency of eczema flare-ups.
Additionally, there are seven different types of eczema, including atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, neurodermatitis, nummular eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and stasis dermatitis.
Symptomatology:
Atopic dermatitis (eczema) symptoms can appear anywhere on the body and vary widely from person to person. They may include:
- Dry, cracked skin
- Itchiness (pruritus)
- Rash on swollen skin that varies in color depending on your skin color
- Small, raised bumps, on brown or Black skin
- Oozing and crusting
- Thickened skin
- Darkening of the skin around the eyes
- Raw, sensitive skin from scratching
Homeopathy approach towards Eczema:
- Arsenicum album:
Individuals who require Arsenicum album often experience anxiety, restlessness, and have a strong inclination towards cleanliness and orderliness. Their skin is dry, itchy, and intensely burning. Scratching tends to worsen the itching, while applying heat provides relief. Indigestion accompanied by burning pain and a general sensation of coldness are common symptoms indicating the need for Arsenicum.
2. Calcarea carbonica:
This remedy suits individuals who are prone to feeling chilly, with damp hands and feet. They tend to develop eczema and cracked skin that worsens during the winter. Exertion easily leads to fatigue, and they feel anxious and overwhelmed when ill or overworked. Cravings for sweets and eggs, a sluggish metabolism, and a tendency towards weight issues are other indications for Calcarea.
3. Graphites:
People who may benefit from this remedy have thick or leathery skin with cracks and soreness. They often have a history of long-term skin disorders, such as impetigo or herpes. Cracked areas are frequently found behind the ears, around the mouth, or on the hands, with a golden oozing discharge that forms crusts. Itching intensifies when getting warm in bed, and the person tends to scratch the affected areas until they bleed. Difficulty concentrating, particularly in the morning, is also observed in individuals requiring Graphites.
4. Hepar sulphuris calcareum:
This remedy can be helpful for highly sensitive individuals who are prone to feeling chilly. Their eczema is extremely painful and easily becomes infected. The skin, especially on the hands and feet, appears chapped and deeply cracked, healing very slowly. Such individuals often feel vulnerable, irritable, and have a low resistance to illness and infection.
5. Mezereum:
Individuals in need of this remedy often experience intense anxiety, primarily felt in the stomach. Eruptions are intensely itchy, starting as blisters that ooze and form thick crusts. Scratching can result in thickened skin. Cold applications typically alleviate the itchiness, although the person generally feels chilly. Cravings for fatty foods and a tendency to feel better in open air are additional indications for Mezereum.
6. Rhus toxicodendron:
Individuals who have blister-like eruptions that are red, swollen, intensely itchy, and relieved by hot applications may find relief with this remedy. Restlessness due to discomfort, irritability, and anxiety are common. Muscle stiffness, which is eased by warmth and movement, is also likely. Craving cold milk is often observed in individuals who may benefit from Rhus toxicodendron.
7. Sulphur:
The need for Sulphur arises when there are intensely burning, inflamed eruptions that itch and worsen with warmth and bathing. The affected areas may appear red, with scaling or crusted skin. The eruptions can be either dry or moist. Sulphur is sometimes helpful for individuals who have tried various medications and ointments without success in treating their eczema.
For more details around the possible care for Asthma and your specific condition please get in touch with The Healing Hands Homeopathy Clinic at www.thehealinghands.ca or call us at our number 905 925 0281 and we’ll be happy to assist and answer any queries.