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Homeopathic Remedies For Atopic Dermatitis

Homeopathic Remedies For Atopic Dermatitis

Homeopathic Remedies for Atopic dermatitis Treatment

Homeopathic Remedies for Atopic Dermatitis Treatment

Atopic Dermatitis is a chronic skin condition characterized by dry, itchy skin and skin inflammation. It is non-contagious which means it does not spread from one person to another via direct skin-to-skin contact. It is also known as Atopic Eczema. Yet another name for it is Endogenous Eczema. When Atopic Dermatitis occurs in infants, it is referred to as Infantile Eczema. Atopic Dermatitis begins in childhood (before age of 5yrs and in most cases around 3 months to 6 months) and it may terminate its course in childhood only but it may continue till adulthood in a few cases. Atopic Dermatitis shows a remitting (during this phase, skin inflammation clears off) and relapsing (during this phase, this condition flare-ups) type of course. Homeopathic medicines offer a very effective treatment for Atopic Dermatitis. Homeopathic remedies for Atopic Dermatitis are made from natural substances, they help in decreasing the severity of the complaint, itching and healing of rashes and eruptions.

Homeopathic Treatment

Atopic Dermatitis is very efficiently treated with natural homeopathic medicines. They help in managing the acute phase in the beginning and afterward with the constitutional natural homeopathic remedies selected solely on the basis of individual symptoms, there is a promise of eradicating the disease from its root. The homeopathic medicine selection is based upon the totality of symptoms including the site and type of eruption, the worsening and relieving factors, time of itching, sensitivity towards heat and cold, and the peculiar mental symptoms if present in a high degree. Homeopathic remedies help in eradicating Dermatitis from the root by increasing the patient’s immunity to the optimal level so that there are no hypertensive flare-ups. The homeopathic treatment for Atopic Dermatitis is not instant and does take time, varying from months to a year depending upon the severity, duration of Dermatitis, plus the individual response to the remedy taken.

 Top Natural Homeopathic Remedies For Atopic Dermatitis

The top listed homeopathic medicines for treating cases of Atopic Dermatitis are Graphites, Petroleum, Sulphur, Natrum Mur, Rhus Tox, Arsenic Album, Mezereum, Galphimia Glauca and Histaminum.

1. Graphites – Top Homeopathic Remedy For Atopic Dermatitis

Graphites is one of the best homeopathic medicines for managing Atopic Dermatitis. It proves highly effective when there is dry, rough skin. It may have cracks as well. Though it can be used for any affected skin area but it works most prominently on lesions in the bends of elbows or bend of knees, neck and behind the ear. Keeping aside dryness, it is equally effective for cases where skin vesicles (fluid-filled bumps) occur that ooze sticky, gluey discharge. Graphites also brings good results in eczema on face, nose, chin.

2. Petroleum – For Dry, Cracked Skin

Petroleum is an ideal medicine when the skin gets dry and cracked. Bleeding occurs from the cracks. The lesions with time get thickened and covered with crusts. Marked burning and itching also accompany the cracks. The flare of Atopic Dermatitis with dry, cracked skin in winter is highly characteristic to use Petroleum.

 3. Sulphur – To Manage Skin Itching

Sulphur is a leading medicine most frequently used in treating Atopic Dermatitis. The main complaint for which it is used is intolerable skin itching. The skin is excessively dry with scales and intolerable itching. In majority of cases, the itching is at its peak at night or when the person’s body gets warm in bed. Scratching is followed by a burning sensation on skin. Relapse of dermatitis in the spring season or in damp weather is also effectively dealt with this medicine. Homeopathic remedy Sulphur must always be considered as the first line of treatment for Atopic Dermatitis that is being suppressed by use of local medications like ointments or any other form of external medication.

4. Natrum Mur – For Rash / Eruptions In Bends Of Limbs And Scalp Margin

Natrum Mur is beneficial for rash/eruptions appearing in bends of limbs that include crease of elbow and back of knee. The eruptions may be dry or ooze fluid. Warmth and heat worsen the condition for using Natrum Mur. Additionally, the eruptions occur specifically at the margins of scalp. The eruptions are dry with rawness of skin along the margin of scalp. Crusting may also occur along the hairline. Taking salt worsens the condition. Persons needing it may also suffer nasal allergy with marked sneezing, runny nose along with dermatitis complaint.

 5. Rhus Tox – For Eruptions With Thick Crusts That Ooze Fluid

Rhus Tox is of great help for Atopic Dermatitis with eruptions covered with thick crusts that ooze fluid. The skin becomes red with excessive itching, or fluid-filled vesicular bumps appear on the skin. Marked burning and intense itching are felt.  Scratching makes the itching worse. Scaling of skin may also appear.

6. Arsenic Album – For Dry Scaly Eruptions

This medicine works well for cases having dry, rough scaly eruptions. In most cases, eczema is marked on the face. There occurs intense itching and burning in the eruptions. It is worse at night in most cases requiring it. The affected skin can be oversensitive to touch.

7. Mezereum – For Eruptions That Discharge Sticky Fluid

Mezereum is very beneficial for Atopic Dermatitis with eruptions oozing fluid. The fluid is very sticky. It is also indicated when thick scabs form on the skin with pus under it indicating infection. At times blood may ooze out on touching crusty eruptions. The eruptions are attended with marked itching. It gets worse from bathing with warm water.

8. Galphimia Glauca And Histaminum – For Atopic Dermatitis With Allergic Nasal Symptoms

Both natural homeopathic medicines Galphimia Glauca and Histaminum are very beneficial in the treatment of Atopic Dermatitis where hay fever/allergic rhinitis is associated with it. These natural medicines effectively treat allergy complaints like eczemas, hay fever and asthma.

Signs And Symptoms Of Atopic Dermatitis

Signs and Symptoms usually begin before 5 yrs of age.

1. Dry, rough, red, itchy skin is the main sign of Atopic Dermatitis. The itching is mild to intense varying from case to case. Itching is worse at night due to warmth of the bed.

2. Eruptions: In some persons, papular, vesicular or pustular eruptions appear on the skin. Papular eruptions are raised eruptions on skin, vesicular ones are fluid-filled eruptions and the pustular contains pus in it. When these eruptions start to ooze out fluid or pus, it is termed Weeping Eczema.

3. Thickening, Crusting And Scaling Of Skin

4. Deep cracks and fissures with bleeding: It is noted in the long run.

5. Skin infection from excessive scratching can occur. Red bumps and at times pus formation indicates infection.

6. Body parts affected by Atopic Dermatitis:

Although Atopic Dermatitis can appear on any part of the body, its common sites are bends of elbows, behind knees, face and neck. Other sites of infection may be around eyes and ankles. Scalp and face are the common sites in Infantile Eczema. Atopic Dermatitis in bends of elbow, knees or behind ears is known as Flexural Eczema.

Signs And Symptoms In Infants (Babies Less Than One Year Age)

In infants, there is dry skin with redness, itching and scaling. This may disturb sleep. Rash on cheeks, scalp, front of arms or legs may occur. In some cases, fluid may ooze from rash.

Signs And Symptoms In Children

In children, a rash is frequently noted in the bend of knees and elbows. The rash is very dry and scaly. The affected skin patches may be thick and light or dark colored. Rash on the neck and face is also noted.

Signs And Symptoms In Adults

Dry scaly skin is seen commonly in adults. Hands and feet are commonly affected. Besides, bend of elbows/knees, face, area around eyes and back of neck can be affected.

Causes And Symptoms Of Atopic Dermatitis Or Atopic Eczema

1. No cause has been detected behind Atopic Dermatitis, but its appearance is attributed to dysfunction of immune system. Due to misguided immune system, there is increase in inflammatory cells causing skin inflammation.

2. Further it is considered that genetic factors also play a role in it. This is based on the evidence that the person with Atopic Dermatitis usually gives a family history of Eczema or other atopic disease like asthmahay fever / nasal allergy or food allergies. The word “atopic” refers to the tendency to produce a hypersensitive reaction to an allergen in a person with a strong genetic predisposing element. A person having a parent or sibling suffering from Atopic Dermatitis is at great risk of developing atopic dermatitis. Additionally, those with Atopic Dermatitis are at risk to get other atopic conditions like asthma, nasal allergy, food allergy, etc. Persons having Atopic Dermatitis have changes in the gene affecting production of filaggrin. Filaggrin is a protein responsible for conserving skin moisture and keeping strong skin barrier. If it is low, skin gets dry and skin barrier is altered due to which irritants and even virus, bacteria can gain entry causing skin infections.

3. Hygiene Hypothesis

When children who are exposed to microorganisms early in their childhood, it helps build up their immune system and protects them against allergic diseases. So children in less hygienic environment are at less risk of Atopic Dermatitis. On the other hand, in children living in highly clean environments, the immune system does not get an opportunity to develop putting them at high risk of allergies.

4. In some, an excess of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on skin can lead to Atopic Dermatitis

Trigger And Worsening Factors

Some of the trigger and worsening factors for Atopic Dermatitis include stress, weather changes (cold dry weather), woollens, synthetic clothes, dust mites, sweating, soaps, detergents, bathing with hot water. In some persons, certain food items, including egg, cow’s milk, gluten and fish, can worsen the condition.

Pathophysiology

1. This condition begins when the normal protective skin barrier is disturbed. Following this, the allergens find a chance to reach the deeper layers of skin.  It activates huge number of immune cells and a chain of immune reaction by these activated cells results in skin inflammation.  Firstly, epidermal inflammatory dendritic and innate lymphoid cells are activated that invites Th2CD4+ helper T cells to the skin that causes skin inflammation causing lesions of Atopic Dermatitis. These Th2 helper T cells further cause release of more inflammatory markers like cytokines (IL-4, IL-13 etc.) which further activates plasma and B lymphocyte cells to release antigen specific IgE adding to the inflammation.

2. Next is changes in the filaggrin gene affecting production of filaggrin. Filaggrin is a protein produced by keratinocytes skin cells. Filaggrin makes skin cells secrete moisturizing factors that keep the skin moisturized and maintain strong skin barrier. If it is low skin barrier gets disrupted, skin gets dry (xerosis). As a result, allergens, irritants and even virus, bacteria can gain entry causing skin infections.

3. In Atopic Dermatitis, there is release of pruritogens (mast cells, keratinocytes, T cells and eosinophils release pruritogens) that stimulates itching. These cells activate nerve fibers in the skin that leads to itching and pain sensation. Scratching the affected skin also contributes to the release of pruritogens leading to itch scratch cycle in which scratching increases the itching, so the more the person scratches, the more the itching gets worse or increases.

Complications

Persons having Atopic Dermatitis may develop allergic rhinitis, asthma, allergic contact dermatitis and food allergies. Skin may become thick and leathery. Skin infection can occur when skin breaks from repeated scratching, and bacteria or virus enters skin. Itching in the rash may disturb sleep. The affected skin after healing of the rash may become dark or light, named post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and post-inflammatory hypopigmentation respectively.

Lifestyle Management

1. Keep the skin moisturized. Apply moisturizer to the skin soon after the bath when skin is still wet.

2. Avoid bathing with hot water, prefer warm water over hot water to take bath. Limit the bathing time to about 10 minutes.

3. Use gentle soaps

4. Try to avoid trigger factors that would flare or worsen your rash, for example: synthetic clothes, certain soaps, food triggers (cow’s milk, eggs etc.), dust mites, animal dander,etc.

 

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FOOD ALLERGIES AND HOMEOPATHY

food_allergy_faq (1)

 Ever heard of someone developing a life-threatening allergic reaction from something as small as a peanut? Someone suffering an asthma attack just after taking a spoonful of cooked mushrooms? Or a severe attack of migraine triggered by black pepper? These may sound strange, but true!

Food allergy is the reaction of the immune system that occurs immediately after eating a certain food. If one has food allergy, the immune system overreacts to a particular protein found in that food. Coming in contact with even a little amount of that particular food can trigger symptoms. Some people may experience severe symptoms from a food allergy, including the potentially fatal anaphylactic reaction (swelling of the throat, airways become narrow blocking breathing). Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening reaction that can impair breathing and send the body into shock; reactions may simultaneously affect different parts of the body (for example, a stomach-ache accompanied by a rash).

 Many people think the terms ‘food allergy’ and ‘food intolerance’ mean the same, but they do not. Food intolerance is an adverse food-induced reaction that does not involve the immune system. Lactose intolerance is one example of food intolerance. A person with lactose intolerance lacks an enzyme that is needed to digest milk sugar. When the person eats milk products, symptoms such as gas, bloating and abdominal pain may occur.

Although an individual may be allergic to any food, such as fruits, vegetables and meats, these are not as common as the following eight foods which account for 90 per cent of all food-allergic reactions: Milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts (walnut, cashew, etc.), fish, shellfish, soya and wheat.

Homeopathic Treatment For Food Allergy

Homeopathic treatment of food allergies can be very beneficial as it treats food allergies by optimising the overcharged immune system. Though the treatment may require a more serious approach, most of the allergies can be treated with homeopathy. Homeopathy views food allergies as an expression of a disturbance in the patient’s healing system. Food allergies are not a disease to be cured in themselves, but a reflection of an underlying imbalance.

Food sensitivity or intolerance can be treated by homeopathic medicines that are specific to that particular problem. For example, homeopathic medicine Silicea for milk intolerance in infants, when even the mother’s milk disagrees; Zingiber for diarrhea that sets in after eating melons; Antim crudum for headache that comes after eating fruits.

Homeopathic Medicines For Food Allergies

1. Calcarea Carb – For Milk Allergy

Calcarea Carb is an important homeopathic medicine for milk allergy when there is vomiting after consuming milk. There is nausea, distension of abdomen, cutting pain and diarrhea. In some cases, there may be a cold sensation in the abdomen.

How And When To Take Calcarea Carb?

If symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and loose stools appear after consuming any milk product, calcarea carbonica can be taken. Low potency (30C), can be taken 2-3 times in a day. High potency 200C can be taken once in a day if expected results are not seen after taking low potency. It is advisable to consult an experienced homeopath before administering 1M or higher potency.

2. Colchicum – For Allergy From Egg

Colchicum is a well-known homeopathic medicine used for gastrointestinal ailments arising after eating eggs. It is the best remedy for distension of the abdomen with gas and loud flatus. There are frequent tasteless burps with pressing/ tearing/ cutting or stitching pain and cramps in stomach. The patient cannot bear the smell of food, it causes nausea and vomiting. The stool contains white large particles in large quantities with mucus-like rice water. All the symptoms of Colchicum are relieved by bending forward.

When And How To Use Colchicum?

It is used in case of stomach pain or feeling of pressure on the stomach with heaviness and continuous rumbling of gas. The recommended dosage in most of the cases is 30C which can be used up to 2-3 times in a day.

200C and 1M are considered very high potencies. The suggested dose of 200C is once in a day, not to be repeated frequently. It is best to consult an experienced homeopath as self-medication should not be done in high power dosage.

3. Urtica Urens – Homeopathic Remedy For Shell Fish/Fish Allergy

Urtica Urens is a top-ranked homeopathic medicine for treating shell fish allergy. There is violent itching with burning and stinging pain on skin. Sometimes along with itching, swelling all over rashes are formed known as hives. The skin looks red, raised and requires constant scratching. The eruption and itching disappear as soon as the patient lies down and reappear immediately after rising. The complaints get worse by water, touch, air, rising up and disappear after lying down.

When and How to use Urtica Urens?

This remedy can be used in rashes or hives which arise after consuming fish/shell fish. Symptoms mainly categorise with intense skin itching, followed by burning. It can be taken 2-3 times in a day in 30C potency. Higher potencies such as 200C and 1M can also be used but it is best to seek professional help before using them.

4Lycopodium – For Wheat Allergy

Lycopodium offers a homeopathic cure for wheat allergy when consumption of wheat products triggers a gastric reaction. It comprises of symptoms like bloating, burping (tasting sour) and flatulence. It is well indicated for weak digestion with burning burping and bitter taste in mouth.

When and How to take lycopodium?

It is a remedy that is used in wheat allergy with a much-bloated abdomen, heartburn, waterbrash (acid reflux from stomach upwards to the throat) and noisy flatulence. Both the lower and the highest potencies are credited with excellent results. But as it is a deep-acting remedy hence lower potency, 30C is usually preferred, 2-3 times in a day. Otherwise 200C potency or higher dose, has proved efficacious, but should not be taken too frequently.

5. Apis Mellifica – For Skin Issues In Food Allergy

Apis Mellifica is a wonderful medicine for treating Urticaria (rashes of round, red welts) on the skin where itching is severe. It is a great remedy when hives develop due to milk allergy. The body is covered with large, elevated bumps accompanied by stinging, burning, pricking or itching. The wheals (red, swollen marks) are painful, tender, hot and extremely sensitive to touch with stinging pain. There is also violent itching and burning in the wheals. The person needing Apis Mellifica may experience worsening of symptoms by warmth and relief by cold applications.

When and How to take Apis mellifica?

The symptoms such as hives/wheals/ bumps caused due to specific foods are largely benefitted by Apis. The complaints include rapid swelling of the affected area along with stinging pain, burning, itching and redness. The lower potency 30C works well in these conditions and can be repeated 2-3 times in a day. A careful analysis should be done before using it in 200C and 1M potencies and should not be frequently repeated if the symptoms doesn’t seem to get better.

Common Food Allergens 

In adults, they include:

Peanuts

Tree nuts, such as walnuts

Shellfish, including shrimps, crayfish, lobsters and crabs

For children, the food allergens that most often cause problems are:

Eggs

Milk

Peanuts

Types Of Food Allergies

Pollen Food Allergy Syndrome

Also termed as oral allergy syndrome, pollen food allergy syndrome affects many people having hay fever. In this condition, a protein found in certain nuts, spices, fresh fruits and vegetables can trigger an allergic reaction that can cause itching in the mouth. In serious reactions, it can lead to throat swelling or anaphylaxis.

Proteins in certain fruits, vegetables or nuts cause the reaction as they are similar to allergy-causing proteins found in certain pollens. This is an example of cross reactivity.

Exercise-Induced Food Allergy Syndrome

In this condition after eating certain foods, there is itching, a person may faint and can get ‘hives’ or even anaphylaxis when body temperature goes up after exercising. One can prevent it by avoiding eating anything for a few hours before exercising.

Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES)

Also referred to as delayed food allergy, it is a severe condition causing vomiting and diarrhea after consuming food allergen, like milk, soy and grains. FPIES mostly develops in infancy when the baby is introduced to solid food.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis

In this condition, there is inflammation of esophagus (food pipe). It occurs due to allergy or sensitivity to particular proteins found in foods. Many people with this condition have a family history of asthma, rhinitis, dermatitis or food allergy.

Symptoms Of Food Allergy

The symptoms that the allergic individual produces are individual in nature.  They can range from a mild asthmatic attack to a severe life-threatening allergic response anaphylaxis.

–  If people are allergic to a particular food, for example, they may first experience itching in the mouth as they start to eat food.

– After the food is digested in the stomach, abdominal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea or pain may start.

– When the food allergens enter and travel through the bloodstream, they can cause a drop in blood pressure.

– As the allergens reach the skin, they can induce hives or eczema, or when they reach the lungs, they may cause asthma.

– All of this takes place within a few minutes to an hour.

 Other symptoms include

– Shortness of breath

– Wheezing,

– Repetitive cough

– Shock or circulatory collapse

– Tight, hoarse throat; trouble swallowing

– Swelling of the tongue, affecting the ability to talk or breathe

– Weak pulse

– Pale or blue colouring of skin

– Dizziness or fainting

Most food-related symptoms occur within two hours of ingestion; often they start within minutes. In some very rare cases, the reaction may be delayed by four to six hours or even longer. Delayed reactions are most typically seen in children who develop eczema as a symptom of food allergy and in people with a rare allergy to red meat caused by the bite of a lone star tick.

Pathophysiology Of Food Allergy

 Our immune system uses two components to deal with food allergies. One of these is immunoglobulin E (IgE), a type of blood-moving protein known as an antibody. The other is mast cells, which are found in all body tissues but are particularly prevalent in the digestive tract, nose, throat, and lungs. When you eat a food to which you are allergic to for the first time, certain cells produce a lot of IgE to counter the allergen in the food. IgE is released and adheres to the surface of the mast cells. Although you won’t have an allergic reaction just yet, your body is prepared to do so.

The allergen reacts with that IgE the time you consume the meal containing the allergen, causing the mast cells to release histamine and other substances. These compounds will produce different symptoms depending on the tissue they are in. Additionally, some food allergens can enter your bloodstream because they aren’t destroyed by the cooking heat, stomach acids, or other food-digesting enzymes. They can then spread throughout your body and trigger allergic reactions. The timing and the place are impacted by the digestive process. Your mouth can start to itch. Then, you can have symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, or stomach pain. Blood-borne food allergies can lower blood pressure. They can cause hives ( reddish bumps on skin) when they reach the skin.

Risk Factors Of Food Allergy

1. Family history: Risk of having food allergy increases if one has a family history of asthma, hives, eczema or allergies, like hay fever.

2. Age: Food allergies are more common in children, especially infants. As a child grow older, the digestive system  matures and the body is less affected by the food that triggers allergy.

3. Asthma: Asthma and food allergy commonly occur simultaneously. When they occur symptoms of both are severe.

4. Other allergies: If one is having a particular type of allergic reaction like hay fever, one is more prone to risk of  developing food allergy.

Dr. Vikas Sharma is a Chandigarh-based homeopathic doctor. He has been practicing homeopathy for the last 13 years.

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Call Dr. Sharma's Clinic - From United States and Canada call 703-659-0873. Patients From rest of the world and India call +91-6283487321

SKIN PROBLEMS AND HOMEOPATHY

 THE WONDER OF HOMEOPATHY

imageOF the little that we know about the body’s vast healing responses, Hahnemann’s views make the most it. One of his most important teachings concerns the danger of suppressing the visible symptoms of an illness. He used the example of an itching red rash on the skin. Better to have the disease on the surface of the body, he taught, because from the surface it can exit outwards.

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