So what is eczema? It’s an atopic or allergic dermatitis (caused by an allergic reaction). ?What’s interesting is an allergic response may not happen for days after the initial exposure which makes it difficult to identify the original cause.

Most people experience symptoms like skin irritation, dryness, itching and redness around the area. ?The most common areas affected are?the face, creases of the joints or on the trunk.?It’s often confused with poison ivy, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, fungal infections and impetigo. ?It has been characterized as a skin disease, but technically that’s not true. ?It’s an immune system disorder that’s triggered by an allergic reaction.

The most common sources associated with eczema are dairy, wheat (especially if it’s grown in the U.S.), tree pollen, pet dander, mold and dust. ?If you’re prone to allergies, then repeated exposure to any or all of these substances over time can manifest as eczema. ?Our bodies are designed to push things out through the orifices (nose, eyes, mouth, skin, etc.). ?In an attempt to rid the body of what it perceives to be a foreign entity, it sends inflammation producing cells to the surface of the skin. ?The result is itching and redness which often is aggravated by scratching the affected area.

Traditional treatments include anti-inflammatory drugs and creams, topical or oral steroids and antihistamines. ?These medications are designed to suppress or push the condition back into the body. ?The problem with this is our bodies aren’t designed this way. ?When we encounter something that doesn’t belong, the first line of defense is to push it out. ?So by taking prescription and over the counter medications, we’re essentially counter-acting our own immune response. ?When using these treatments, the condition often appears to resolve. ?But once the drugs are stopped the eczema returns. ?Over time it may appear that the medication has worked, but in essence all it’s done is push the disease state inward. ?The individual’s health, however, continues to decline so the person in now dealing with more than just a skin condition.

One of the biggest problems a homeopath faces when they work with a case of eczema is the condition often gets worse (temporarily) before it gets better. ?Why? ?Because homeopathy works with our immune systems, not against it. ?It will try once again to push the problem to the surface. ?Many people may decide they don’t want to put themselves through that and continue with drugs even though their overall health gets worse. ?For those willing to push on, they may have their eczema return but their overall health will most likely improve dramatically. ?According to Hering’s Law of Cure, symptoms will be resolved in this order: inside first, then outside; top to bottom.

Common remedies to consider are:

Sulphur: It’s often used in skin irritations. ?The eczema symptoms tend to be extremely itchy with scratching even to the point of bleeding. ?It’s worse from the heat generated under the bed covers, bathing and itching. ?The person may even sleep with one foot out from under the covers at night. ?They crave sweets, alcohol, have an aversion to eggs (even the smell of eggs) and can be prone to diarrhea.

Arsenicum Album: The eczema tends to be dry, red, burning and occurs in patches (often on the hands). ?The rash feels worse when exposed to cold air and is better from warm air. ?The individual tends to be anxious, feel better when warm, are often chilly, prone to diarrhea and thirsty for small amounts of liquid.

Graphites: The eczema is very tight and dry although it can have cracks that ooze sticky white or yellow discharges that occur more frequently in the morning. ?Often the condition is behind the ears and in the webs of the feet and toes.

Rhus Toxicodendron: The eczema tends to itch and smart, has raised areas, blistering or oozing. ?The individual tends to be restless and have a feeling like they need to be doing something productive. ?They can sometimes get relief from a scalding, hot shower.

Natrum Muriaticum: This remedy is considered when the individual is reserved, but still will offer an opinion and be quite insightful. ?They tend to be sensitive on both the emotional and physical levels.

There are many other remedies that will also resolve eczema. ?Be sure to do your homework and make sure your symptoms fit the remedy. ?As with all holistic therapies, there’s rarely a one size fits all. ?Each case is based on the symptoms specific to the individual.

Potencies typically used are lower like 6C or 30 C and can be dissolved in four to eight ounces of water or take three pellets and dissolve under the tongue. ?Then wait at least a week before redo sing.

One last thing to consider is this: Nature takes it’s time. ?While that may not fit well with our need for ?instant gratificiation, I can assure you it’s well worth the wait. ?For more information on homeopathy, please visit?our page.