Eczema is a generalized term that encompasses various inflammatory skin conditions. It is used synonymously with the term “Dermatitis” which means superficial inflammation of the skin (epidermis) that can be acute, chronic and recurring; can have a number of causes. Atopic dermatitis is another term used to define eczema.
Eczema is characterized by very distinctive reactive patterns of the skin, as discussed below.
Eczema is an inflammation of the skin which is characterized by dryness, flakiness, heat and, probably most importantly, itching. Eczema can occur on just about any part of the body; however, in infants, eczema typically occurs on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, legs, scalp, and neck. Affected areas usually appear very dry, thickened, or scaly. There may be some amount of hyperpigmentation of the affected parts. In children and adults, eczema typically occurs on the face, neck, and the insides of the elbows, knees, and ankles. In some people, the itchy rash can produce an oozing and crusting. In others, the condition may appear more scaly, dry, and red. Chronic scratching causes the skin to take on a leathery texture because the skin has thickened (lichenification).
There are two groups of eczemas called exogenous and endogenous. Exogenous eczema is mostly caused by contact with external factors such as irritant substances, certain allergens and due to photosensitivity.
CAUSES
It is difficult to determine the exact cause of eczema as there are many different types of eczema and each has its own causes. Largely, the cause of atopic (endogenous) eczema is genetic (inherited). Contact with irritants such as detergents, soaps, certain clothing or shoes, metal compounds (nickel, mercury, etc), dyes, cosmetic preparations (deodorants, nail paints, etc), topical creams, rubber, leather, resins, etc. Exposure to sunlight, Napkin rash in infants. For certain other types of eczema, such as infantile and adult seborrhoiec eczema, discoid eczema, the causes remain unknown. In the later years eczema can be caused by a blood circulatory problems in the legs (stasis dermatitis).
SYMPTOMS
Atopic dermatitis (eczema). Usually beginning in infancy, this red, itchy rash most commonly occurs where the skin flexes — inside the elbows, behind the knees and the front of the neck. When scratched, the rash can leak fluid and crust over. People with atopic dermatitis may experience improvement and then flare-ups.
Contact dermatitis. This rash occurs on areas of the body that have come into contact with substances that either irritate the skin or cause an allergic reaction, such as poison ivy, soap and essential oils. The red rash may burn, sting or itch. Blisters may develop.
Seborrheic dermatitis. This condition causes scaly patches, red skin and stubborn dandruff. It usually affects oily areas of the body, such as the face, upper chest and back. It can be a long-term condition with periods of remission and flare-ups. In infants, this disorder is known as cradle cap.
HOMOEOPATHIC APPROACH
Eczema is a chronic skin disease reflected due to immunological changes within the body. Eczema is curable only if the immunological disturbance is corrected by internal medicines such as in homeopathy. Homeopathy offers effective and safe treatment for eczema. The individualized treatment is based on the study of patients patches, extent, cause, genetic pattern, emotional sphere, hormonal imbalance, and other factors which lead and maintain the disease. Every case calls for detailed study of the patient individually. There are no disease specific medicines in homeopathy. The exact treatment is determined only on “in-depth” evaluation of the individual case.