Eczema (also called dermatitis) is an inflammation of the skin that causes itching and redness. It is a feature of many different skin disorders arising from many different causes. It can also be hereditary. Eczema is only infectious if it becomes secondarily infected.
Types of eczema include: contact eczema (caused by allergens such as plants, metals, detergents, and chemical irritants); atopic eczema (associated with allergies such as hay fever); pomphylox eczema (triggered by emotional stress); and varicose eczema (occurring in the region of varicose veins).
Symptoms
• red, scaly, cracked patches of skin, particularly on the bands, ears, feet, and legs
• burning and itching with a strong urge to scratch, possibly leading to infection, particularly in children
• small fluid-filled blisters which may burst to form sores
A person may contract eczema at any age and at any place on the body, but the ailment occurs chiefly on the ears, hands, feet, and legs. In infants, eczema is often caused by allergy to certain proteins in wheat, milk, and eggs. Emotional problems and severe mental stress are suspected of causing eczema in adults. Often, a family history of eczema exists, implying that heredity is also involved in some way.
TREATMENT
Ayurveda
Cassia pods and aloe vera may be used. Treatment might consist of a number of related therapies, including herbalism, diet and lifestyle changes, cleansing routines, and treatment to balance the body systems so that they work more efficiently.
Chinese Herbalism
Chinese herbs will be prescribed according to the specific cause and symptoms of your eczema, but some possible herbs are: wormwood, peony root, and Chinese gentian. Dittany bark and puncture vine fruit may help itching.
Traditional Home and Folk Remedies
An oatmeal bath will soothe irritation and reduce annoying itching. Bathe sore patches with an infusion of witch hazel diluted in some warm water.
Herbalism
Try drinking an infusion of burdock, chamomile, heartsease, marigold, and red clover, all of which are antiinflammatory herbs. Chickweed ointment can be applied directly to the affected area, and calendula oil may also be useful. Blackberry leaf tea can be used topically. Aloe vera gel, from the leaf of the plant, will encourage healing.
Aromatherapy
A gentle massage with a blend of chamomile, lavender, and/or melissa essential oil in a little carrier oil can be used to treat eczema. Massage the affected areas with essential oils of chamomile, sage, geranium, and lavender, all blended together with a little carrier oil.
Homeopathy
Eczema requires constitutional treatment, which means that treatment is tailored to your specific needs. The following remedies may be useful in the meantime:
• Sulfur, when the skin is burning, red, hot, and itchy.
• Graphites, when the skin appears infected.
• Petroleum, when there are deep cracks with a watery discharge.
• Urtica urens, for a nettle rash-type itchiness.
• Rhus tox., for blisters which are worse at night and improve with warmth.
Flower Essences
Impatiens is very useful for people whose rashes are associated with feelings of irritability and impatience. Take internally or mix into a neutral cream. Rescue Remedy, taken internally or used externally in a cream or wash, is useful for skin troubles.
Vitamins and Minerals
Increase your intake of vitamin A, found in liver, eggs, butter, milk, and red and orange vegetables. Take a B-complex supplement each day, and make sure your tablet contains good levels of niacin (B3), which is also found naturally in peanuts, meat, fish, and pulses. Vitamin C and bioflavonoids (which are often contained in a good vitamin C supplement) act as a natural antihistamine. Evening primrose oil has been used successfully in the treatment of eczema, reducing itching and encouraging healing.
Monday, 13 January 2014
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
0 comments:
Post a Comment