5 Best Homeopathic Medicines for Eczema

Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a common skin complaint characterized by inflamed skin with rough, red, itchy rash. The rash may be dry and have cracks without any eruptions. In other cases, eruptions may arise in the form of papules, vesicles or pustules, or skin peels.

Papules refer to eruptions (bumps on the skin) of less than 1 cm without any fluid; vesicles are fluid-filled eruptions; pustules refer to pus-filled eruptions. These eruptions later lead to thickening of the skin. Itching, with mild or severe intensity, may be felt. Upon scratching, the skin may bleed. Eczema may cover a small area or maybe widespread all over the body.

Top Homeopathic Medicines for Eczema

Homeopathy treats eczema in two phases: In the first phase, the medicines control itching; in the second phase, they heal the lesions and control the progression of eczema.

The top five medicines for the treatment of eczema are Graphites, Sulphur, Natrum Mur, Petroleum and Psorinum. These medicines are natural without any side effects and are suitable for persons of all age groups.

1. Graphites – top-grade medicine for eczema

Graphites is a renowned homeopathic medicine to treat eczema. It works well in case of both, dry eczema and moist eczema. The key symptoms to recommend it in dry eczema are excessively rough, dry skin along with intense irritation. Cracks may develop on the affected skin.

In moist eczema, it should be used when the skin oozes moist, sticky fluid in any part of the body-bend, such as the elbow, behind the knees, behind the ears, on one’s face (especially around the mouth, chin and nose), on one’s hands, between fingers, eyelids and scalp.

When and How to use Graphites?

It is a homeopathic physician’s first choice in treating eczema cases. Anyone diagnosed with eczema of any type can take this medicine. In the majority of cases, it works well in low potencies. Initially, it can be taken in 3X potency once or twice a day depending on the intensity of the complaint.

2. Sulphur – for itchy eczema

Sulphur is the best medicine for itchy eczema. It can control itching in eczema patches very effectively. Those who need it, complain about worsening of itching in the evening and night. Warm temperatures worsen itching which leads to scratching followed by burning sensation. Upon scratching, a person is relieved of itching in the affected part but it appears in some other part of the body. Sulphur can also be used for the symptoms of moist eczema when there is a discharge of yellow fluid from eruptions. Sulphur is also the most appropriate choice when eczema cases have been treated with ointments in the past with no relief.

When and How to use Sulphur?

It should be used if there is itching in eczema rashes. Though it can be used in both low and high potencies, it is safe to take this medicine in 30C power initially. Its dosage should not exceed one dose a day. Do not use its high potencies without physician’s consultation.

3. Natrum Mur – for eczema on the margins of the hairline

For eczema on the edges of the hair, Natrum Mur is a highly recommended medicine. There is marked redness and inflammation on the edge of the hairline. The rash may ooze fluid. It may also damage the hair.

When and How to use Natrum Mur?

This medicine can be used successfully when eczema is specifically located on the margins of the hairline. It is most commonly used in 6X potency. Natrum 6X can be taken three to four times a day as per the severity of the symptoms.

4. Petroleum – for eczema with deep cracks on skin accompanied by bleeding

The foremost indication to use petroleum in eczema is when you see deep cracks on the skin, accompanied by bleeding. Where eczema hits, the skin is dry, hard, and rough. This medicine helps reduce the dryness of skin and heals cracks in the most effective and gentle manner.  Although cracks can develop on the skin in any part of the body, hands are the most affected which may feel the burning sensation and itching. In many cases, eczema tends to get worse in winters, for which petroleum is the most frequently prescribed medication.

When and How to use Petroleum?

This medicine is mostly used to treat eczema with cracks and bleeding, especially to soothe flare-ups of eczema in winter. It can be taken in 30C potency twice a day.

5. Psorinum – for eczema in bends (folds of skin)

Psorinum is a very effective medicine when eczema appears in the bends or the folds of skin. Rashes may occur in the bend of the elbow, armpit-folds or area behind the ear. In case of eczema behind the ear, a discharge may ooze out, the rash may be itchy which disturbs sleep as it gets worse at night.

When and How to use Psorinum?

It is the best medicine when eczema occurs in bends/folds of skin. Use of this medicine is recommended in 200C potency and even potencies higher than this. It is advised not to use this medicine without consultation with a homeopathic doctor as it is a strong medicine and the dose varies for every individual and is usually not to be repeated very frequently.

Note

One may consider using these medicines for about two-three weeks. For prolonging their use and switching to high potencies, consultation with homeopathic doctor is important.

What causes eczema?

The exact cause of eczema is not known. A combination of genetic and environmental factors is believed to play a major role. Persons with a family history of eczema or any other allergy (over-reaction of the immune system to something that does not have any effect on the majority of people) such as nasal allergy, asthma, etc. are at higher risk of developing eczema. According to research, those suffering from eczema do not produce adequate protein filaggrin, which is responsible for keeping skin moisturized and healthy.

There are a few environmental triggers that can flare up eczema. These include irritants (like soaps, detergents), certain food products (like dairy products, nuts, eggs, wheat), extreme temperatures (either very hot or very cold), low humidity (dry air), increased sweating, allergens (e.g. dust mites, pet dander), synthetic fabric, wool, and stress.

What are the various types of eczema?

Various types of eczema include atopic dermatitis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, and venous/stasis eczema.

1. Atopic dermatitis

Characterized by skin inflammation with a dry, itchy rash, this disease runs in the family and starts during childhood. Atopy means a genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases. Asthma and hay fever are often reported in addition to eczema in atopic dermatitis.

The signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis may vary depending on the age group:

– In kids up to 2 yrs of age

The rash mainly appears on the scalp and face, especially on the cheeks. The rash is very itchy; oozing and crusting may occur.

– In 3-18 yrs of age

Rashes occur frequently in the bend of the elbow or knees, wrist, ankle or neck. The rash is scaly, dry and may be dark or light as compared to the unaffected skin. Skin thickening may occur.

– In adults

The rash mainly is seen in the bend of the elbow, knee, and neck and sometimes may cover the entire body. In contrast, the affected skin is dry and very itchy. The rash can be very scaly, other skin infections may follow.

2. Contact dermatitis

It is mainly of two types – allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis. In allergic contact dermatitis, the allergic reaction appears on the skin when exposed to a foreign substance, like metals (nickel, gold) or cosmetics. Irritant contact dermatitis arises when the skin comes in contact with a toxic or an irritant substance, such as detergent, bleach or battery acid.

3. Seborrhoeic dermatitis

It mainly affects the scalp, face, and eyelids. It will show up as flakes or as greasy/ crusty eruptions. In infants, thick, crusty eruptions appear on the scalp and are referred to as cradle cap.

4. Dyshidrotic eczema

It is mainly visible on the soles and palms. It is characterized by the presence of vesicles (fluid-filled bumps)

5. Venous/stasis eczema

It mainly develops on the lower limbs due to poor blood circulation and varicose veins. There is a tendency of developing leg ulcer in such cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I know I have eczema?

Eczema can be broadly divided into two categories – dry and moist. Dry eczema appears as itchy rash, while moist eczema will show up as skin eruptions oozing discharge which varies in consistency from watery to sticky or pus-like. If you see any of these signs, there are chances that you may have eczema. There are no specific lab investigations for eczema. Eczema is diagnosed based on the clinical presentation of skin eruptions. A family history of eczema adds to the likelihood of its presence.

2.  At what age is eczema likely to appear?

In a majority of the cases, eczema starts early, before five years of age. However, eczema can show up in the teenage years and in adults as well.

3. Which part of the skin is more vulnerable to eczema?

Eczema can develop on the skin anywhere from head to toe but may vary with the age group. In children, common areas are the face, scalp, and chest. Adults are more likely to get eczema at the elbow bends and behind the knees.

4. Why does my child have eczema?

The answer could lie in his genes. If a child has eczema, there are chances he has atopic dermatitis. Atopy is a term applied to a genetic predisposition toward developing allergic diseases like hay fever, dermatitis, and asthma.

5. Is eczema an allergy?

There are cases of eczema that are allergic in origin, but not every case is an allergy. In allergic eczema, the skin reacts to coming in contact with an allergen. A few common allergens are poison ivy (a plant), nickel, cosmetics, and antibiotic creams.

6. Can eczema spread from skin contact?

No, eczema is not contagious. It does not spread from one person to another via the skin.

7.  My 2-year-old has eczema. Will it disappear on its own as he grows?

Yes, there are chances that your child’s eczema will go away as he gets older. However, the age at which a child will start to show improvement varies though most children do start to get better by the age of three years.

8. Is eczema related to weather?

Eczema can occur irrespective of the weather conditions though it usually gets triggered in cold weather.

9. Will applying topical steroids/ointment help cure eczema?

Ointment application offers relief from itching and the burning sensation. However, this relief is short-term and ends up suppressing eczema. Treatment of eczema needs to work inside out to show results.

10. I have had eczema for years. Does homeopathy have a permanent solution?

Yes, eczema can be permanently cured by medicines though the results vary from person to person. Factors such as the severity of eczema, its spread and the duration decide the extent to which medicines will help. Also, each body responds differently to homeopathy.

11. Can any lifestyle changes bring relief from eczema?

Yes, a few basic day-to-day measures can help manage eczema. These measures are:

1. Avoid bathing with water that is too cold or too hot.
2. Use a very mild soap while bathing.
3. Avoid using cosmetics and perfumes.
4. Wear cotton clothes preferably, avoid synthetics and woolens.
5. Do yoga, meditation or breathing exercises to manage stress.
6. Avoid excessive scratching of the skin; use a moisturizer in dry eczema to reduce itching.
7. Avoid exposure to extreme cold.