What It Is, Signs & Homeopathic Management of Eczema
Eczema is a chronic skin condition which presents with itching, redness, dryness and inflammation of skin.
It shows a vicious cycle of itching, scratching and itching again, along with burning and bleeding from affected skin.
There is a saying that “No one develops Eczema, people are born with it”– this is because it is mostly a genetically inherited condition.
Eczema is more common in infancy and in females during reproductive age group
What happens in Eczema?
- Dryness of skin
- Recurrent skin rashes with itching usually more in the night
- Swelling, inflammation, crusting, flaking or blistering of skin
- Papules and vesicles may also be present
Home Remedies
Do’s
- Non-medicated skin relaxants like petroleum jelly can be applied to soothe the itching and irritation. Applying them immediately after bathing on softly dried skin for better effect.
- Know your Food Allergies.
- Drink plenty of water. This will keep skin hydrated and help to combat the disease better.
- Go for Yoga/ Pranayama. The exercises help to relax the mind, improve circulation and enhance immunity.
Don’ts
- Do not scratch especially with long nails. It may lead to secondary infection.
- Avoid nickel plated jewelry, cosmetics, and other articles that give you skin complaints.
- Dairy products, sugar, white flour, fried foods and processed foods may cause exacerbation.
- Avoid the excess fat from meat- buy lean and preferably organic.
- Keep away from sugar, gluten (wheat, barley, rye and oats) and raw eggs.
- Be cautious of eggs, fish, peanuts and soy.
- Do not use your bath soap excessively. Soap tends to dry the skin and can aggravate eczema.
Eczema Diet And Nutrition
- Drink plenty of water.
- Have lots of fresh and raw fruits and vegetables.
- Eat a generally healthy diet, including five portions of vegetables per day, brown rice, millet, oily fish and a little fruit (no oranges).
- Consume diet rich in vitamin A and zinc, helps in regeneration of the skin.
- Diet rich in vitamin A: Liver oils of fish, egg, milk and milk products,
- Yellow orange colour fruits and vegetables; green leafy vegetables are good source of – carotene.
- Foods rich in zinc: Shellfish, beef and other red meats, eggs and seafood, nuts, sea plants especially Japanese sea plants.
- Increase intake of vitamin C, it helps maintain healthy skin: Milk and milk products, citrus fruits, green vegetables
- Fruits and vegetables when fresh have maximum of vitamin C.
- Have coriander leaves frequently, its high in vitamin C and helps to maintain healthy skin.
- You can have 3-4 strands of saffron in milk, it is beneficial for skin.
- Basil leaves (Tulsi) are said to be helpful in skin ailments, eat 3-4 fresh leaves daily.
- Breast feed your child; breast milk increases the immunity of your child and helps preventing eczema in future.
How well Homeopathy works in Eczema?
Homeopathy, today, is the most effective treatment for Eczema. It works towards balancing the susceptibility of the individual by prescribing a remedy which is most suitable to his or her constitution.
We treat the patient taking all the symptoms in detail after investigating the whole case. We have many medicines in homeopathic treatment for Eczema. Some of them include:
- Rhus toxicodendron: Very good remedy for Eczema with red, swollen, blister-like eruptions that itch intensely, and are relieved by hot application.
- Mezereum: Eruptions which start with blisters followed by oozing and formation of thick crusts. Intense itching ameliorated by cold application. Skin is thickened due to scratching.
- Thuja: Dry skin with brown, thick spots. Eruptions on scratching mainly on covered parts. Very sensitive to touch.
- Apis Mellifica: Thick, rose-coloured rashes, can be felt as rough rashes under fingers. Aggravated by heat and skin is sensitive to touch.
- Graphites: Eczema with thick sticky discharge, dirty looking skin, chilly patient with marked aversion to sweets.
It is, however, worthwhile to remember that self-medication is not recommended.