Eczema , Atopic Dermatitis

Why do most knowledgeable people strongly advocate the use of homeopathy in skin disorders? What makes it so effective in chronic skin conditions? The answer is short and simple, because healing with homeopathic medicines is permanent, non-suppressive and non-toxic.

As homeopathic medicines are highly diluted, the risk of developing any toxicity is negligible and also when effectively prescribed, the side-effects are very uncommon. Homeopathy, when correctly prescribed, can cure even the worst forms of chronic skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis, lichen, etc.

Eczema (eck-zeh-ma) is a group of chronic skin conditions that cause skin to become irritated. There are many forms of eczema, but atopic dermatitis is the most common form. “Dermatitis” refers to the inflammation of skin and “atopic” refers to a group of diseases where there is often an inherited tendency to develop other allergic conditions such as asthma and hay fever.

The exact cause of atopic dermatitis is not known, but a combination of genetic (hereditary) and environmental factors seem to play some role in it.It is also caused by a difference in the way a person?s immune system reacts to things ? skin allergies may be involved in some forms of eczema. If one or more member in the family suffers from atopic kind of disease, asthma, nasal allergies, etc. the chances of having atopic dermatitis are high.

In atopic dermatitis, itching is the primary and the main symptom. Scratching then leads to redness, swelling and cracking, oozing out of clear fluid. This at times results in the formation of scales and crusts.There may be variation in how the disease presents itself in different individuals, but the common symptoms are itchy and dry skin, rashes on hand, feet, bends of elbows and knees and face with itching as the most predominant symptom.Other factors such as a secondary infection and scratching also determine the way disease would present itself. Scratching in response to an itch caused by the disease usually irritates the skin further and increases the inflammation; this actually increases itchiness.

For a homeopath, eczema is not just a skin disorder, it is the reflection of an inner disturbance that is showing on the exterior.

Homoeopathic prescription for any chronic skin disorder would consider both the local symptoms of the skin and the constitutional analysis. The constitutional analysis would include one?s mental picture, likes and dislikes, thermal sensitivities, family history, sleep pattern, etc.

This approach in which not only the affected organ but also the complete being is taken into consideration is what makes the homoeopathic treatment so effective. The most commonly used medicines in treating eczemas are sulphur, graphite, arsenic album, and psorinum.

Controlling atopic dermatitis

Limiting allergy

Most patients with atopic dermatitis find great relief once they are able to identify and thereby avoid the substances that cause these symptoms. Allergens are substances from foods, plants, animals or the air that inflame the skin.

Cutting off exposure to irritants

Irritants are substances that cause the skin to inflame, itch and burn, when present in high enough concentrations with long enough contact. Some common irritants are wool or synthetic fibres, soaps and detergents, some perfumes and cosmetics, substances such as chlorine, mineral oil, or solvents, dust or sand, cigarette smoke.

Other factors that help in controlling

Prevent scratching or rubbing whenever possible, consistent humidity levels and a cool stable temperature will also help. Reduce emotional stress.