A type of skin condition in which parts of skin become itchy, rough, inflamed and cracked is known as eczema. Most often, blisters form on the skin and lead to other skin problems. There are several types of eczema, with the most common one being blisters or atopic dermatitis. Millions of people are affected and suffer from eczema and fail to get treatment as it is ignored as blisters.
Eczema is widely referred to as atopic dermatitis. We can define the term atopic as a condition that involves the immune system along with hay fever and asthma. Medically, dermatitis is defined as a situation involving the inflammation of the epidermis. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema skin condition, which involves itching and irritation.
Certain factors such as nuts, dairy products, fragrances, soaps, pollen grains, and smoke can trigger the symptoms causing eczema. People who suffer from eczema have dry, itchy, scaly skin, hand eczema and eye problems. While some people overgrow the condition, others continue to suffer from it in adulthood as well.
Various types of eczema are mentioned below. They are:
- Allergic contact dermatitis: A type of allergic reaction which occurs when the immune system recognises any foreign substance or, to be more specific, when the immune system recognises any allergen such as pollen grains or maybe smoke.
- Dyshidrotic eczema: The distinctive feature of this type of atopic dermatitis is blisters. An individual will experience irritation on the hands and soles of the foot.
- Discoid eczema: This type of eczema involves round patches of scaly, itchy and irritated skin. Discoid eczema is also known as nummular eczema.
- Neurodermatitis: Itchy and scaly patches on the skin of the forehead, wrists, head, forearms and legs are observed in neurodermatitis. The cause of neurodermatitis can be an itch, such as from an insect bite.
- Stasis dermatitis: The condition of stasis dermatitis is usually linked to cardiovascular or circulatory problems, and it is the condition involving irritation of the skin in the lower leg.
Eczema is most common in infants. The symptoms of eczema or atopic dermatitis are variable depending upon the age of the affected individual. Generally, eczema is mild. But, they can cause highly itchy patches on the skin, and if the patient rubs or scratches the affected area continuously, they are highly susceptible to skin infections.
The most common symptoms of eczema are given below:
- Crusted, open or weeping sores
- Itching
- Skin flushing
- Scaly and dry skin
Symptoms are different for people who have a dark skin colour. People who are suffering from severe eczema need more effective treatment.
Atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema that will mostly arise in infants before the age of 5, and many people will not show any symptoms after they reach adolescence. Individuals suffering from atopic dermatitis will have no symptoms for a specific period, but it may worsen.
Eczema affects people in different ways. You may have the condition as a child but not know it until you reach adulthood. The symptoms vary according to age and severity.
Symptoms in infants
Following are the symptoms in infants under the age of 2:
- Rashes that can cause itchiness
- Rashes which can bubble up before emitting the fluid
- Rashes on the cheeks and scalp
Symptoms in children
Various symptoms of atopic dermatitis in children are given below:
- Thickening of skin also known as lichenification
- Rashes which can become light or dark
- Bumpy rashes
- Rashes appearing on wrists, ankles, buttocks, legs and neck
- Rashes that appear on the surface behind knees or elbows
Symptoms in adults
Atopic dermatitis symptoms in adults are mentioned below:
- Skin infections
- Permanently itchy rashes
- Extremely dry and dehydrated skin
- Rashes that can cover most of the body
- Rashes appearing on elbow, neck and knees
- More scaly rashes than those occurring in children
The cause of eczema is unknown, but it is believed that it arises due to various environmental and genetic factors. An infant can inherit eczema if there is a family history of atopic dermatitis. The chances of inheriting eczema are higher if both the parents have a family history of eczema. Environmental factors which can cause eczema are specific allergens, irritants, microbes, hot and cold temperature, foods such as dairy products, stress and other hormonal factors.
Factors that contribute to the cause of eczema are given below:
- Allergens: Many foreign substances such as pollen grains, smoke can precipitate allergic reactions and cause eczema.
- Irritants: Irritants present in the environment, food, and foreign substances can contribute to this situation.
- Foods: Many foods such as nuts, dairy products, protein-rich food can stimulate this problem.
- Microbes: Many microbes can cause allergy, but certain specific microbes such as Staphylococcus aureus can cause severe allergic reactions.
- Sudden temperature changes
- Excessive stress
- Hormonal imbalance
No specific lab tests are performed to identify atopic dermatitis. Doctors can diagnose atopic dermatitis by examining the surface of the skin. Health professionals can carry out patch testing and other tests to identify other diseases which have led to eczema [atopic dermatitis]. In case you notice itching or rough skin when you consume certain foods, you should contact your doctor or a health professional for different supplements or other food options.
Atopic dermatitis is the most widely treated problem in homoeopathy hospitals. Treatments other than homoeopathy are costly and can be habit-forming. They also can produce side effects such as nausea and vomiting. Antihistamines, antibiotics or steroids can relieve the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. Still, the root cure of eczema or atopic dermatitis is possible by homoeopathy treatment and in a more effective manner.
Homoeopathy is very successful in atopic dermatitis. The most successful approach for atopic dermatitis in homoeopathy is the constitutional remedy. Constitutional remedies involve:
- Inquiring about the emotional and mental state of the patient.
- Their likes and dislikes.
- Their overall approach about what makes them better and worse.
- Investigating the history of the skin surface.
Practical evidence collected based on clinical trials and patient outcomes suggests that homeotherapy can treat atopic dermatitis successfully.
