- 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 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.
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.