Eczema

Definition

Eczema is a condition in which the skin becomes inflamed. Blisters, red protrusions, swelling, oozing, scaling, crusting, and itching are all common side effects of eczema.

Types

There are numerous types of eczema. One of the most common types is Contact Dermatitis, which is caused by contact with everyday items such as shampoo, detergents, and jewelry among others. Irritants, chemicals or allergens come in contact with the skin producing a rash. This primarily occurs in people with allergy problems, Vitamin B12 deficiencies, asthma, and respiratory problems such as hay fever. In children, 18months-2 years, atopic eczema is very common.

Atopic Eczema can cause crusty, red-colored spots on the face, head, and extremities. In older children and adults it might be more localized and persistent. It may subside by the time the child reaches 3 to 4 years but it also might reoccur within adolescence or even adulthood.

Additional forms of eczema include seborrhea eczema, which primarily occurs on the head, face, and chest; nummular eczema, which is characterized by crusty and scaly skin with coin-shaped, chronic red-colored spots. Nummular eczema normally occurs after the age of thirty-five and is often related to emotional stress and, cold wintery conditions. Chronic eczema, which occurs on the feet and hands, can become very severe and painful. Stasis eczema generally occurs on the lower thighs and is related to poor vein circulation and has a tendency to turn your skin brown. Scratch eczema occurs in specific patches, and is frequently seen on the arms, legs, shins, and around the genital area, and is further compounded by stress and itching
Trigger

Eczema is often called Dermatitis, and may be a symptom of an omega-3 essential fatty acid deficiency. Eczema can be caused by allergies, allergic reactions, digestive disorders such as hydrochloric acidity deficiency, immune diseases, and genetic metabolic disorders. In addition nutritional deficiencies, especially of niacin (vitamin B3) and B6, as well as other B vitamins, can contribute to eczema.

To minimize your risk of acquiring eczema, avoid irritating ingredients, wear organic nonirritating clothing, use soothing ointments, and get tested for allergies. If you find you are allergic to any foods or material items, avoid them at all costs.

Natural Remedies

Aromatherapy: Bergamot, chamomile, rose, melissa, neroli, eucalyptus, geranium, and/or juniper can help speed healing and relieve anxiety associated with the condition.

Diet: Consume an organic, whole foods diet and steer clear of potential allergy-inducing foods, particularly sugar, wheat, milk, dairy products, and yogurt. Additionally, a avoid excess consumption of fruit, particularly citrus or sour fruits, because these foods may aggravate signs and symptoms.

Flower Essences: Rescue Remedy® for associated stress, and Rescue Remedy Cream® on the affected areas.

Herbal treatments: Herbal remedies such as cleavers, nettle, yellowdock, red clover tea or tinctures might also be very effective. They are often combined with calming herbs such as chamomile, linden flowers, or even skullcap. A mild combination of herbs includes equal parts of cleavers, nettle, and lavender consumed three times per day in a tea infusion. A stronger mixture combines the tinctures of figwort, burdock, and cleavers in equal parts; take one teaspoon of this mixture three times a day.

To relieve itching, wash affected areas of the body with lukewarm or even cold chickweed infusion. For cracked, dry, or painful skin, make a salve from calendula flowers and St. John`s Wort leaves. Goldenseal applied topically may also be helpful.

Homeopathy: Dulcamara, Rhus tox., Sulfur, Arsen alb., and Graphites, taken alone or even in combination with each other can help speed healing. Petroleum and Psorinum are also efficient homeopathic treatments, but must be taken individually.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the application of water, ice, steam and hot and cold temps to maintain as well as restore health. Treatments include full body immersion, steam baths, bathhouses, sitz baths, colonic cleansing and the application of hot and/or even cold squeezes. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating a wide range of problems and may be easily used in the home as part of a self-care program. Many Naturopathic Physicians, Physical Therapists and Day Spas use Hydrotherapy as part of treatment. All of us suggest several at–home hydrotherapy treatments. Please seek the recommendation of your option health care practitioner before undergoing these methods to make sure they are appropriate for a person.

*Purified water is essential for any hydrotherapy treatment. The section Remedies for Dealing with Chlorinated Shower Water offers clear instructions and suggestions.

Juice Treatment: The following juice combinations might help speed healing: black currant and red grapes; carrot, beet, green spinach, cucumber, as well as parsley; and wheat lawn juice.

Dietary Supplementation: Vitamin A and GLA (gamma-linoleic acidity), an Ω-6 essential fatty acid present in high amounts in evening primrose, have each been shown to improve the symptoms of eczema. Vitamin E. Other useful supplements for preventing and reversing eczema include vitamin B complex, vitamin B6, e vitamin, magnesium, and zinc.

Topical Treatment: Utilize evening primrose oil straight to cracked and sore areas of the skin. The topical insert made from ginkgo and licorice root draw out has also been shown to improve might symptoms.

Alternative Professional Care

If your symptoms persist despite following the steps listed above, seek the help of a qualified medical expert. The following professional care therapies have all been shown to be helpful for treating as well as relieving the symptoms of eczema: Acupuncture, Ayurveda, Biofeedback Training, Bodywork (Acupressure, Shiatsu, Reflexology), Detoxification Therapy, Energy Medicine (Light Beam Generator, Photon Activator), Environmental Treatments, Hypnotherapy, Permanent Magnetic Field Therapy (North Post Magnetic Power Application), Mind/Body Medicine, Naturopathic Medicine, Orthomolecular Medicine, Osteopathy, and Air Therapy (Hydrogen Peroxide Therapy).(See Glossary for descriptions of these Alternative Therapies.)