Eczema facts
Eczema is a general term for many types of skin inflammation, also known as dermatitis.
Eczema is believed to result from a genetic defect that results in an abnormality of the skin's barrier function.
Eczema is not contagious, but since it is believed to be at least partially inherited, it is not uncommon to find members of the same family affected.
What causes eczema?
• Factors worseness atopic dermatitis includes molds, pollens or pollutants, contact irritants like soaps, detergents, nickel, perfumes. It has a family history of allergic conditions like asthma or hay fever.
• Irritants: soaps, detergents, shampoos, disinfectants, juices from fresh fruits, meats or vegetables
• Allergens: dust mites, pets, pollens, mould, dandruff
• Microbes: bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, viruses, certain fungi
• Hot and cold temperatures: hot weather, high and low humidity, perspiration from exercise
• Foods: dairy products, eggs, nuts and seeds, soy products, wheat
• Stress: it is not a cause of eczema but can make symptoms worse
• Hormones: women can experience worsening of eczema symptoms at times when their hormone levels are changing, for example during pregnancy and at certain points in their menstrual cycle.
Types of eczema :
CONTACT ECZEMA :
It’s a localised reaction that includes redness, itching and burning in areas where skin has come into contact with the allergen, to which an individual is sensitised.
SEBORRHOEIC ECZEMA :
It’s a form of skin inflammation of unknown cause. The symptoms include yellowish, oily, scaly areas of skin on scalp, face etc.
NEURODERMATITIS :
It begins with a localised itch which becomes intensely irritated when scratched. Stress can exacerbate the symptoms.
STASIS DERMATITIS :
It is due to circulatory problems known as venous insufficiency esp. seen in lower legs. Progression of complaints can lead to blistering, oozing, skin lesions and ulcers.
DYSHIDROTIC ECZEMA :
Irritation of skin on hands and soles of feet characterized by clear, deep blisters that itch and burns.
Symptoms :
• Scaly reddened skin
• Itching
• Blisters and oozing
• Lichenification
How is eczema diagnosed?
To diagnose eczema, doctors rely on a thorough physical examination of the skin as well as the patient's account of the history of the condition. There is no laboratory or blood tests that can be used to establish the diagnosis.
Homoeopathic treatment :
The core wisdom of the body is to push illness from a more vital to less important tissue. Thus, though eczema is a completely curable condition, this often requires professional, constitutional prescribing. Simultaneously clearing up associated allergies or overall immune weakness.
The goals for the treatment of eczema are to minimize itching, inflammation, and worsening of the condition. Treatment of eczema may involve both lifestyle changes and the use of medications. Treatment is always based upon an individual's age, overall health status, and the type and severity of the condition.
Self help:
• Avoidance of over-bathing.
• Applying moisturizer frequently, especially after bathing.
• Bathing in warm, not hot, water and using a mild soap.
• Limiting or avoiding contact with known irritants like soaps, perfumes, detergents, jewellery, environmental irritants, etc.
• Wearing loose-fitting clothing.
• Avoiding foods that cause allergic reactions.
• Exercise, meditation, or other stress-management techniques can help those for whom stress is a trigger.
• Wearing protective gloves for activities that require frequent submersion of the hands in water.
