Eczema is a form of dermatitis where there is inflammation of the outer layer of the skin, it is characterized by the skin becoming dry, red, irritated and itchy.Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that causes inflammation, redness, dryness, and itching.
It happens when the skin’s protective barrier isn’t working properly, making it more sensitive to irritants, allergens, and environmental factors.
Causes of Eczema
It usually develops from a combination of genetic, immune, and environmental factors.
Family history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever (allergic rhinitis) increases risk.
Mutation in the filaggrin gene can weaken the skin barrier, making it easier for moisture to escape and irritants to enter.
The immune system reacts too strongly to triggers, causing inflammation and itching.
Even harmless substances (like dust or mild soaps) can trigger flare-ups.
A weak barrier lets irritants, bacteria, and allergens penetrate the skin.
Leads to dryness, cracking, and infection risk.
Climate: Cold, dry air or hot, humid weather.
Irritants: Soaps, detergents, shampoos, fragrances, cleaning products.
Allergens: Pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander.
Pollution & smoke exposure.
Eggs, dairy, soy, wheat, nuts, and seafood may worsen symptoms (especially in children).
Stress and anxiety.
Excess sweating.
Hormonal changes (e.g., before menstruation or during pregnancy).
Eczema has been classified into various types and the commonest one is atopic eczema or also medically termed as atopic dermatitis.
Other types of eczema include: contact dermatitis, xerotica eczema i.e. winter itch where the condition worsens in winter, seborrheic dermatitis also called as cradle cap in infants and is closely related to dandruff.
Eczema is more the description of a symptom rather than a disease and can be manifested due to many internal and external factors acting singly or in combination with each other.
In case of irritant contact dermatitis, after exposure to a mild irritant such as a detergent, the child may develop a rash.
Allergic contact dermatitis develops when an allergen (substance to which a person is allergic) touches the skin. Common allergens include poison ivy and nickel.
In other type of eczema, a variety of genetic and environmental factors play a role.
Eczema can occur acutely or can be chronic with repeated acute flare ups.
Its presentation is characterized by hot, red, itchy skin with redness and swelling, papules, vesicles or large blisters, exudation and crusting and scaling.
Chronic eczema is less vesicular, more scaly but also pigmented and thickened and more likely to develop painful blisters.
Some babies are born with eczema; others develop it soon after birth. In such cases one can point out to an inherited tendency or predisposition and there may be a family history of asthma, allergies or skin problems.
symptoms of eczema
There are four main types of ear infections. Each has a different combination of symptoms.
Eczema damages the skin’s natural moisture barrier, making it unable to hold water effectively.
This causes patches that feel tight, rough, or flaky.
In severe cases, the skin may crack, increasing the risk of infection.
One of the most bothersome symptoms; the itch can range from mild to intense.
Often worsens at night, disturbing sleep.
Scratching can lead to a “scratch-itch cycle,” where itching and scratching keep worsening each other, sometimes breaking the skin.
Areas of skin become red, warm, and swollen due to inflammation.
These patches can appear anywhere but are most common on the hands, face, neck, inside elbows, behind knees, and ankles.
In darker skin tones, patches may appear dark brown, purple, or gray instead of red.
Tiny fluid-filled bumps may form in the affected area.
When scratched, they can ooze clear or yellowish fluid, then dry into a crust or scab.
This is often a sign of more severe eczema or secondary infection.
The Homeopathic Approach
The Homeopathic approach for Eczema is to treat the child as a whole rather than treating only the disease. Eczema is simply an external presentation of an internal disorder due to lowered vitality and immunity. When the whole person is treated, the power of the immune system is enhanced thereby causing the disease to disappear.
A constitutional remedy (specific to the individual) is selected by assessing the physical, mental and emotional states, family history, and the past health history of the person. The type of eczema, location, aggravating and relieving factors will be taken into consideration, besides many other factors in choosing the remedy.
