Above all, it is important to know that eczema is not caused by an infection and is actually an inflammation of the skin. Eczema can occur on several parts of the body: on the elbows, wrists, face, hands, etc.. There are several types of eczema, but the one we encounter most often is atopic eczema or dermatitis. In this case, it is a hereditary disease that is mainly found in families affected by with allergies, asthma or hay fever. Atopic eczema is often seen in young children and infants. It is a mild illness that is treatable by homoeopathy and that gradually disappears from the age of four or six years old.
Other types of eczema are contact eczema, circumscribed neurodermatitis, varicose eczema, nummular eczema, dyshidrosis and seborrhoea. Contact eczema, also called contact dermatitis, occurs following contact with an allergen, that is to say, a matter likely to cause an allergic reaction. When the affected area itches a lot, the condition is called neurodermatitis. This type of eczema is often caused by emotional stress or by an insect bite.
When the eczema mainly affects the lower limbs, it is referred to as varicose eczema. The latter is due to poor circulation of blood through the varicose veins. As for nummular eczema, it only affects adults. This type of eczema mainly proliferates in the winter, when the skin is too dry. When the itching and the formation of vesicles are located on the soles of the feet, the fingers’ various sides and palms, the condition is called dyshidrosis. The last type of eczema affects the scalp and face and is called seborrhoea.
Whatever the type of eczema, the following symptoms will appear: red patches, scales, dryness , irritation, formation of small vesicles, changes in pigmentation, absence of hair and thickening of the skin. Depending on the type of eczema, different body parts will be affected. Thus, in cases of atopic eczema, irritation is mainly localized on the face, around the elbows or behind the knees.
In children and young infants, atopic dermatitis can be recognized by red patches on the thumb, chest, shoulders, scalp and cheeks. For children who are over two years old, red marks appear on the ears, ankles, knees, wrists, and in the folds of elbows. During adolescence, redness on the feet’s soles, around the eyes and the skin fold of lower limbs also manifest themselves, in addition to the other symptoms mentioned above. Meanwhile, an adult suffering from eczema has rashes on the hands, feet, ankles and neck.
Symptoms of seborrhoea have nothing to do with the classic signs mentioned above, since this type of eczema only affects the scalp. Indeed, it is characterized by an unpleasant odour, fatty deposits, flaking skin and yellowish eruptions.
Cracking of the skin, presence of vesicles on the feet’s soles, fingers and palm of hands are some external signs that can help you recognize dyshidrosis. Concerning varicose eczema, it results in the presence of dark brown patches, as well as inflamed and flaking skin around the legs and ankles. When the itching is significant, the red spots become rough and start appearing in the neck, back, legs and ankles, you can be sure to have a circumscribed neurodermatitis. As for contact dermatitis, it is characterized by oozing blisters that appear on the skin.
The treatment of eczema needs to be based on the phase or stage of the disease. In the erythematous phase, the skin turns red and is covered in oedemas and vesicles. In the vesicular stage however, an important formation of pruritus and vesicles occurs. For both of these phases, it is recommended to take 5 granules of Apis Mellifica 15 CH as often as necessary when the itching is relieved by applying cool compresses, 5 granules of Croton Tiglium 15 CH in case intense pruritus and vesicles on the skin, 5 granules of Staphysagria 15 CH if the eczema outbreak is caused by something that makes you upset and 5 granules of Urtica Urens 5 CH when the itching is aggravated by scratching. As a routine procedure, it is also recommended to take 5 granules of Lung histamine 15 CH as often as necessary.
During the oozing phase, that is to say when the vesicles become wet, the most effective homoeopathic remedies are the following: Petroleum for smelly and irritating oozing , Mezereum 15 CH in the presence of scabs, Graphites 30 CH if the red patches are located in the skin folds and if oozing looks like liquid honey.
If eczema is localized in the pavilions of the ears, it is recommended to use Tellurium metallicum 5 CH, whereas if the oozing is located on a child’s cheeks, it is advisable to resort to Viola tricolour 5 CH.
While waiting for a medical consultation, 5 granules of these remedies should be taken four times a day. In regard to eczema that affects the face and scalp, Antimonium Crudum is recommended. Moreover, whatever the degree of the disease’s evolution, Anagamos can be used to treat dyshidrosis. If the affected body part is covered in thick, yellowish vesicles, Mezereum is recommended. On the other hand, if they are large enough and cause painful sensations, Cantharis should be taken instead.
Children are the population group that is most affected by eczema. In case some of the mentioned symptoms occur, the affected child or baby must immediately be taken to a doctor, especially if purulent pimples and fever manifest themselves. As for adults, it is recommended to consult a homoeopath if no improvement is seen after a few days of treatment. The same should be done in case blisters appear of the skin becomes very dry.
• Antimonium Crudum
• Apis Mellifica
• Croton Tiglium
• Graphites
• Mezereum
• Lung Histamine
• Staphysagria
• Tellurium Metallicum
• Urtica Urens
• Viola tricolour
• Pruritus
Good to know: Eczema can lead to lesions that affect other organs than the skin. This is why the sole application of ointment is not enough to get rid of skin rashes. Indeed, such conditions must be subjected to an in-depth treatment. Homoeopathic remedies are well-suited to this purpose, on top of which they are fast-acting.
