Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

194 • SERIOUS AILMENTSSEVERE ECZEMALocal inflammation of the skin, or eczema, may be accompanied by itching, blistering,and oozing, may be associated with an allergic reaction, but the cause is oftenunknown. Childhood eczema, which usually occurs in the flexures behind a kneeor in the bend of an elbow, usually clears up by the time the child reaches puberty.Symptoms• Red, itchy, and scaly skin.• Inflamed areas, possibly with small, redpimples that weep or bleed if scratched.• Possible blistering of skin.• Possible cracked and painful skin.• Possible issue of pus if broken skinbecomes infected.CausesAtopic eczema occurs in people with a genetictendency to develop allergies. Contact eczema—or contact dermatitis (some forms of eczemaare also known as dermatitis)—is caused bytouching items to which the body is sensitive,such as fabric, metal, or plants. Seborrheicdermatitis may be inherited but is not linkedto allergy. Of unknown cause, it producesflakiness and itchiness on the face, scalp, andother hairy areas, and may be worse for stress.Detergent dermatitis afflicts those usingcleaning products. Varicose eczema tends tobe associated with inefficient circulation in thelegs, although the precise cause is unknown.Conventional careWith atopic eczema, eliminating certain foodsor food additives from the diet may identifyan allergy. With contact eczema, patch testsare useful. Antihistamine drugs can reduceirritation, while antibiotics are prescribed forinfection. Corticosteroid ointments inhibitinflammation, but they should be used onlywhen the risk of infection or irritation is sosevere that it prevents sleep, thus increasingstress and exacerbating the eczema.Moisturizing ointments may be beneficial.Homeopathic medicineA full medical history of the condition,any family history of allergy, and possibletriggers will be studied by a homeopath.A person’s psychological makeup, foodpreferences, and environmental factorswill also be investigated.Constitutional remedies will be largelydetermined by an individual’s symptoms(see page 18). Calc. sulph. is indicated for skineruptions that easily become infected; whileDulcamara is effective for thickening of theepidermis. Graphites is associated with stickyfluid exuded from inflamed patches thatdry out to become rough and hard; andRhus tox. is also prescribed for infected skin.Other remedies commonly prescribed areArsen. alb., Baryta mur., Calc. carb., Heparsulph., and Sulphur.Local remedies prescribed for acuteconditions include Psorinum, if the skin isbroken and very sensitive, and the slightestscratch becomes infected, forming a greencrust that burns and itches, then cracks andbleeds. Oleander is given for skin that is verydry, sensitive, and itchy so that the slightestfriction results in soreness, and scratchingcauses the skin to bleed and weep. Mezereumis prescribed for itchy, thick scabs, beneathwhich there is pus, and which are worse forwarm baths. Cicuta is used for eczema that isworse on the face and hands, feels hot to thetouch, and may include pustules.LifestyleRubber gloves should be worn for mosthousehold tasks, with cotton gloves insidethem if there is sensitivity to rubber. As wellas known irritants, substances and situationsbest avoided include colored toilet paper,antiperspirants, false nails, dehumidified air,and rapid temperature changes. The skinmay benefit from lukewarm oatmeal herbalbaths and cold milk compresses, but itshould always be dried thoroughly. Clothesshould be rinsed well after washing. The dietshould ideally include plenty of fish andvegetables, while amounts of animal protein,fats, refined carbohydrates, and dairyproducts should all be reduced.CAUTION• If eczema deteriorates markedly, andespecially if the skin is broken, inflamed,and appears to be infected, consult a doctorwithin 48 hours.CASE HISTORYFive-year-old Alex had experienced eczemafor two years. The inflammation waswidespread, and although it came andwent on most parts of the body, it wasconstantly on his forehead. His arms andlegs were worst affected, with somescarring. He was on hydrocortisone, andhad been prescribed antibiotics for skininfections on two occasions. The eczemaworsened when Alex was ill.PERSONAL DETAILSAlex was born in Hong Kong. His eczemastarted about the time that his babybrother was born. The family then returnedto the US, the father changed careers, andthe family moved again before life settleddown. His mother described Alex as lively,excitable, loving, and nonaggressive. Hewas good with his hands, and liked takingthings apart. He loved attention, and wassometimes jealous of his younger brother.FOOD PREFERENCESAlex loved most foods, especially fattyand sweet ones, and those with strongflavors, which was unusual for a childof his age.GENERAL DETAILSAlex tended to grab everything and put it inhis mouth, behavior characteristic of a childyounger than he was. His itching was worsefor bathing, or if he was overheated oroverexcited. The itching was also worse atnight, and Alex had many a sleepless nightas a result of his condition. His skin wasalways dry, and bled if he scratched it.PRESCRIPTION & FOLLOW-UPWhen first seen, Alex’s skin was slightlyinfected. He was given Silica for theinfection, and his mother was advisedto bathe Alex’s skin with a solution ofcalendula and hypericum, and applycalendula ointment. Alex’s eczemasymptoms and general picture indicatedSulphur, and he was prescribed a varietyof potencies of this remedy over the nexteight months. By the end of that time,his condition was much improved, andhe hardly needed to take the Sulphur atall. He was finally discharged, havingbeen totally weaned off his conventionaldrug treatment.