Eczema is a chronic skin condition which involves irritation and inflammation of the skin. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. Eczema is frequently seen in infants and children, and most will outgrow it before school age. But, for some, it can remain a long-lasting problem.
DID YOU KNOW?
- Eczema appears in early childhood, between two-to-six months of age
- Statistics suggest that about 85% of people start suffering from eczema before five years of age
- People who live in cities and dry climates may be more likely to get eczema
- Children can have eczema caused by allergic reactions to certain food
WHAT CAUSES ECZEMA?
It is thought to be caused due to an exaggerated response by the body’s immune system to an irritant. It is commonly seen in families with a history of other allergic conditions and asthma. Beside the cause, there are triggers which can result in flare-ups. Stress may worsen eczema.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of eczema differ from one person to another. Even, the appearance of the rash may be different, depending on the area involved. Following are the common symptoms of eczema:
- Itching that may be severe, particularly at night
- Red to brownish-grey patches, especially on the hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, inside the bend of the elbows and knees
- Small, raised bumps, which may ooze out fluid and crust over when scratched
- Thickened, cracked, dry, scaly skin
- Raw, sensitive, swollen skin from scratching
COMPLICATIONS OF ECZEMA
Neurodermatitis is a complication of eczema, which starts with a patch of itchy skin. Scratching this area can increase the intensity of itching, further resulting in affected skin to be discoloured, thick and leathery. Repeated scratching breaks the skin, which escalates the risk of infection from bacteria and viruses.
Other complications include eye problems, irritant hand dermatitis, and allergic contact dermatitis. In some cases, eczema can precede asthma and hay fever.
Eczema can result in sleep disturbance and behavioural problem. Childhood eczema can have a profound effect on the quality of life of both the child who is suffering as well as the family.
HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR ECZEMA
Homeopathic medicines gently propel the power of our immune system to scour the illness from its roots. Homeopathy avoids the use of external applications in treating eczema, or any other skin disease. It selects an appropriate remedy to treat the individual — keeping in mind their physical, mental and emotional states, family history, and so on.
Eczema is evidenced to respond to homeopathic treatment most favourably. Homeopathy not only removes eczema from its roots, it also prevents the possibility of recurrence.
Homeopathy also helps to get rid of the possibility of hypersensitivity disorders such as allergies or asthma being triggered once eczema is treated successfully.
SELF-CARE TIPS FOR ECZEMA
If you have eczema, here are a few tips you can do at home to avoid or reduce eczema flare-ups:
- Moisturize your skin frequently
- Drink plenty of fluids and keep yourself hydrated
- Avoid sudden changes in temperature or humidity
- Do not use soaps, detergents or solvents that are harsh on the skin
- Avoid eczema triggers
- Keep your nails trimmed to avoid scratching
- Wash your clothes, towels, etc. in mild detergents and avoid strong chemicals
- Take quick, warm showers and apply moisturizer to skin immediately
- Avoid excessive sweating because this may flare-up the rashes
- Take adequate steps to control stress- practice breathing exercises, relaxation techniques etc.