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The Affects of Eczema
By Alex Christie (BA Hons, LCHE, MARH, B.Inst.A.T.)
In the United Kingdom eczema affects about one fifth of all school children and one in twelve adults. The severity of eczema can vary. In mild forms the skin is dry, hot and itchy, whilst in more severe forms the skin can become broken, raw and bleed. Eczema is not contagious. Homeopathy offers safe, effective and natural treatment for eczema.
What is Eczema?
Atopic eczema is believed to be an inherited condition and runs in families, often together with asthma and hayfever. People with atopic eczema seem to be sensitive to environmental allergens which are harmless to others. In atopic eczema the immune system over-reacts producing inflamed, irritated and sore skin. The skin is typically very itchy, dry, red and inflamed. Constant scratching can cause the skin to split.
Other types of eczema are caused by chemicals and detergents, allergens such as nickel, and yeast growths - such as Candida.
Elderly people with circulatory problems in the legs may develop eczema.
Allergic contact dermatitis is an allergic reaction which often develops over a period of time through repeated contact with a particular substance, after which the immune system reacts to this substance. For example, an allergic reaction may be triggered by ammonia, found in cleaning fluids, or nickel, found in earrings, belt buckles and jeans buttons. Reactions can also occur after contact with other substances such as perfumes and rubber (does your skin flare up after wearing rubber gloves?). In order to prevent repeated reactions it is best to avoid contact with the substances that irritate your skin.
Irritant contact dermatitis is a type of eczema caused by frequent contact with everyday substances, such as detergents and chemicals, which are irritating to the skin. It most commonly occurs on the hands of adults and can be prevented by avoiding the irritants and keeping the skin moisturized. Hairdressers may suffer from this type of eczema.
Infantile seborrhoeic eczema or cradle cap is a common condition affecting babies under one year old, the exact cause of which is unknown. It usually starts on the scalp or the nappy area and quickly spreads. Although this eczema may look unpleasant, it is not sore or itchy and does not cause the baby discomfort, and it typically clears within a matter of months. Babies with cradle cap may react adversely to vaccinations. You may wish to vaccinate your child at a later age when his/her immune system has had time to develop if s/he has cradle cap. If your child had cradle cap and subsequently reacted badly to vaccinations take him/her to a qualified homeopath and kinesiologist as soon as possible. Homoeopathy offers natural treatment that can minimize the damage of vaccinosis.
Safe, Natural Treatment for Cradle Cap
Essential Oils of Eycalyptus lemon 1 drop, and Geranium 1 drop diluted in 2 tablespoons of almond oil. Massage very gently to the scalp with your fingertips, avoiding the fontanelles. Apply once daily until the cradle cap goes.
Adult seborrhoeic eczema typically affects adults between the ages of 20 and 40. It usually appears on the scalp as mild dandruff, but can spread to the face, ears and chest. The skin becomes red, inflamed and starts to flake. The condition is believed to be caused by a yeast growth. Candida treatment can eliminate this. See the Candida questionnaire in the Candida section if you would like to find out more.
Varicose eczema affects the lower legs of people over 50 and is caused by poor circulation. Commonly the skin around the ankles becomes speckled, itchy and inflamed. Homoeopathic treatment can eliminate this and avoid it developing into an ulcer.
Discoid eczema appears suddenly as a few coin shaped areas of red skin, normally on the trunk or lower legs. They become itchy and can weep fluid. Discoid eczema may be caused by Candida and can be effectively treated with homeopathy and herbs.
Does Diet Affect Eczema?
Food intolerances and / or Candida are often behind eczema. It is highly advisable to keep a food diary and note any skin reactions, and essential that you visit an allergy practitioner to have your baby or child tested if you suspect food related symptoms.
Orthodox Treatment of Eczema
Topical steroids are the common treatment offered by orthodox medicine. These only temporarily treat eczema symptoms, and never address the cause. Repeated use weakens and thins the skin, and affects the adrenals. Steroids should be used in a severe outbreaks. Ideally, natural treatment using herbal creams and homeopathic treatment are recommended if you are looking to treat the cause of your eczema. If you have been taking steroids either orally or applying steroidal creams to your skin regularly, it is essential that you do not suddenly stop your treatment, but that you withdraw gradually and under the guidance of a practitioner, and with the knowledge of your doctor. You run the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms if you stop steroidal treatments suddenly.
Topical Immunomodulators
Tacrolimus/Pimecrolimus (Protopic) are ointments applied to the skin. These are new drugs available for use in the treatment of atopic eczema. They are non-steroidal yet like steroids work by suppressing the immune system so the body does not react to the allergen. The creams do not address the cause of the allergic reaction. The long-term effects of these drugs on the immune system are not yet known.
Simple Steps to Reduce Itching
For children in particular, the itchiness of eczema can be very distressing. There are many methods of reducing the itchiness of the skin and minimizing the damage from scratching. Cotton clothing and bedding keep the skin cool and allow it to breathe, whereas synthetic fabrics and wool can irritate. The use of a non-biological washing powder and avoidance of fabric softeners can also help to reduce the itchiness of the skin. Children’s nails should be kept short to minimize damage from scratching. During the day, distraction is often the best way of reducing the amount of scratching. At night-time, cotton mittens over children’s hands can be helpful in reducing damage to the skin occurring during sleep.
It is thought that people who have atopic eczema may be affected by allergens in the droppings of the house dust mite. This mite thrives in warm and moist environments and unfortunately likes to live in bedding, mattresses, curtains and carpets. It is believed that reducing the amount of house dust mites in the home may improve the condition of the skin. This can be achieved in a number of ways, from effective and regular vacuuming, to damp dusting and airing of bedding. Visit your allergy practitioner and get yourself tested for House Dust Mite intolerance, and if necessary desensitize yourself to this with homeopathic medications if you suspect this is causing your eczema outbreaks.
Safe and Natural Treatments to Alleviate Eczema Symptoms for all Ages
Homeopathic Treatment
The most effective and natural treatment for eczema is homeopathy. Homeopathy causes no harmful side-effects, it is safe for all ages – from infants to the elderly – and it treats the root cause of eczema. The causes are manifold. Is your eczema hormonal – did it start after the birth of one of your children? Or did it start after antibiotic treatment, with your skin erupting sporadically for reasons that are not clear, and do you possibly also suffer from low energy and bloating? In which case it may not be eczema at all but fungal skin reaction caused by Candida (see the Candida questionnaire in the Candida section). Whatever the cause homeopathy can offer natural remedies to treat your eczema, eradicating symptoms sometimes in a matter of months.
Natural herbal and homeopathic treatments do not interfere with the immune system and do not contain drugs that are absorbed by the skin into the bloodstream. They do not weaken the skin with long-term use, but reduce symptoms safely and naturally. Below are some suggestions.
 Creams
 Creams can reduce water loss from the skin, preventing the dryness normally associated with eczema. Use natural creams such as starflower cream, available from Napiers Herbal Healthcare.
Verde make creams for eczema. Location 75 Northcote Rd, SW11. Phone: 020 7223 2095
Essential Oils can be added to base oils to relieve itching:
Chamomile German10 drops
Yarrow 5 drops
Tagetes 5 drops
added to
30ml vegetable oil
30 drops jojoba oil
10 drops evening primrose oil
This should be applied to the affected area twice daily.
(Courtesy of Valerie Ann Wormwood, The Fragrant Pharmacy)
Oat bath
Place oats into a linen bag and soak these in the bath. Oats soften the water and this avoids drying out the skin too much.
Soft Skin herbal bath tea bags of oatmeal and rose petals are available from Napiers Herbal Healthcare
 How can I help?
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