Written by Dr Sarika Doshi

Eczema is a common condition of skin where skin becomes patchy, red, inflamed, itchy, sometimes rough and cracked. In some condition patients suffer from blisters. It is more common in children but may be seen in adults as well.

Eczema is sometimes called atopic dermatitis, which is the most common form. “Atopic” refers to an allergy. People with eczema often have allergies or asthma along with itchy, red skin. There are other forms of Eczema also and each one has its own type of symptoms and triggering factors.

Common symptoms of Eczema are -

• Redness of skin with or without itching
• Dryness of skin
• Patchy areas of skin
• Sometimes intense itching

Types and Clinical Features

Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema. It usually starts in childhood, and often gets milder or goes away by adulthood. It is said to be allergic. So along with this form, Asthma and Hay fever are the accompanying diseases.

Causes -

Atopic dermatitis is seen when your skin’s natural barrier against the elements is weakened or you become sensitive to some of the external or internal factors like some environmental changes, pollution, some food products etc. This means your skin is less able to protect you against irritants and allergens. Atopic dermatitis is likely caused by a combination of factors such as:

• Genetical Causes
• Dry skin
• An immune system problem or low immunity due to some other diseases
• Other factors in the environment which affects the skin conditions like dust, pollution, sever winter etc.

Symptoms -

• The rash often seen typically on creases of your elbows or knees.
• Skin in areas where the rash appears may turn lighter or darker, or get thicker.
• Small bumps may appear and leak fluid if you scratch them,leaving scar on affected area.
• Babies often get the rash on their scalp and cheeks also on butts.
• Almost always, your skin will itch before a rash appears in eczema.
• Itching, which may be severe, especially at night
• Raw, sensitive, swollen skin from scratching.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a form of dermatitis (i.e. eczema) caused by an allergic reaction to a material, called an allergen, in contact with the skin. The allergen is harmless to people that are not allergic to it. Allergic contact dermatitis is also called contact allergy. In Contact dermatitis Skin becomes red, itchy when contact with a allergen. The rash isn't contagious or life-threatening, but it can be very uncomfortable.

Causes -

Contact dermatitis happens when you touch a substance that irritates your skin or causes an allergic reaction. The most common causes are:

• Detergents, bleach, jewelry, latex, paint, poison ivy and other poisonous plants, skin care products, including makeup, soaps and perfumes, tobacco smoke etc.
• Sometimes Hair dyes or straighteners or some Citrus fruit, especially the peel may trigger the dermatitis.

As it's caused by an allergy, your immune system is also involved in the following way. After you touch something, it mistakenly thinks your body is under attack. It springs into action, making antibodies to fight the invader. A chain of events causes a release of chemicals, including histamine. That's what causes the allergic reaction.

Usually, you won't get a rash the first time your skin touches something you're allergic to. But that touch sensitizes your skin, and you could have a reaction the next time. If you get an allergic rash, chances are you've touched that trigger before and just didn't know it.

Symptoms -

Symptoms of contact dematitis are almost same as Eczema, except there is history of contact with the allergen.

• A red rash
• Itching, which may be severe
• Dry, cracked, scaly skin
• Bumps and blisters, sometimes with oozing and crusting leaving behind scars
• Swelling of affected area, burning sensation or tenderness of skin

There are a few other forms of eczema seen rarely like - Dyshidrotic eczema or commonly known as foot eczema, Neurodermatitis, Hand eczema etc.

HomeoCure® Approach

A number of homeopathic medicines are known to have an affinity with the skin and there is a variety of approaches that can be used specifically in eczema. One of the most successful methods is to find and prescribe the “constitutional” remedy, that is, the remedy that fits the overall person.

There is evidence from both clinical trials and patient outcome studies to show that homeopathy can have great results in eczema. Homeopathy for eczema also helps to avoid side-effects (as seen with steroids) such as thinning of the skin, atrophy of the skin and secondary, fungal and bacterial infections of the skin.

Eczema treatment duration may vary from patient to patient, depending on several factors, like the duration of eczema, its extent and severity and the history of treatment. However, homeopathy treatment for eczema has multiple benefits to offer to every patient and hence, it is strongly suggested for all cases.

Some of homeopathic medicines that gives relief are: Graphites, Natrum Mur, Sulphur, Vinca Minor, Petroleum, Mezerium, Arsenic Album, Hepar Sulph Etc. But it should be taken strictly under guidance of Registerd Homeopathic Practioner only.