Encyclopedia of Homeopathy

242 • HOMEOPATHIC SELF-HELPDISORDERURTICARIA (HIVES)This condition consists of raised red patches—sometimes withpaler centers—that itch intensely. It may be caused by food allergy,certain drugs, bites or stings, or heat, cold, or sunlight. Urticariamay also be a symptom of stress or leaky gut syndrome (see Allergy,page 206).SELF-HELP Take a cool shower or place a covered ice-pack on theaffected area. Urtica ointment may relieve itchiness.CAUTION If the eyes, lips, or throat swell dramatically, call 911,and take Apis 30c every minute until help arrives.COLD SORESCold sores are blisters on and around the mouth caused by a virus.They are triggered by being run-down or by hot, cold, or windyweather. Accompanying symptoms include ulcers, inflamed gums,a furry tongue, and mild fever.SELF-HELP Avoid eating peanuts, chocolate, seeds, and cereals.SPECIFIC AILMENTUrticaria with swelling onthe lips and eyelidsUrticaria with violentlyitchy blotchesSores on the lips andaround the mouthPHYSICAL SYMPTOMS• Skin on the lips and eyelids is red, swollen,and burning• Throat may be swollen• Burning sensation, especially on the hands• Itchy, red or pale, slightly raised blotches• Stinging spots on the skin• Mouth feels dry• Lips are swollen and burning, withpearl-like blisters• Blisters weep before becoming crusty• As blisters dry up, they may develop into deep,painful cracksWARTSA wart is caused by a virus that causes cells to multiply rapidly,forming a raised lump. Warts on the feet (verrucas) tend to growinward as a result of the pressure placed on them.SELF-HELP Cover a wart, but not the surrounding skin, with a fabricadhesive bandage. Drip thuja mother tincture on to it twice daily.Over-the-counter treatments can be used with homeopathic ones,except on facial warts. Keep treatments away from the eyes.CAUTION If the condition does not improve, and especially if a wartchanges size or color, or if it itches or bleeds, consult a doctor.DANDRUFFDandruff is characterized by a flaking scalp, which is sometimesitchy and red. It may be caused by seborrheic dermatitis, a form ofeczema (see page 240). More rarely, it may be symptomaticof psoriasis (see page 195) or a fungal infection.SELF-HELP Reduce your intake of refined carbohydrates and animalfats. If the whole scalp itches, place a cold compress soaked inolive oil on the head overnight; wash off with a pure soap shampoo.If all else fails, use a shampoo containing selenium, but followinstructions carefully. Apply calendula ointment to itchy areas aroundthe hair line.HAIR LOSSOld hair is lost as new hair grows. Growth may slow sometimesso that hair is lost faster than it is replaced. Thinning often occurswith age, especially in men, and may be hereditary. Hair loss maybe associated with thyroid problems, anemia, vitamin or mineraldeficiency, stress or shock, or certain drugs.SELF-HELP Avoid processes such as dyeing or perming, and do notwash or condition the hair too frequently. Let the hair dry naturally.Scalp massage may help. Eat plenty of protein.CAUTION If the condition does not improve, or if there is noexplanation for sudden hair loss, consult a doctor.Soft, fleshy, cauliflowershapedwartsWarts mainly nearthe nailsDandruff with unbearableitching at nightDandruff with skin thatburns when scratchedPremature baldingor grayingHair loss due tohormonal changes• Warts are found anywhere on the body, butespecially on the back of the hand• Warts ooze or bleed easily• Restless sleep• Warts appear on the fingers, near or evenunder the nails• Possible warts on the face and eyelids• Verrucas may be painful• Scalp is dry, flaky, and very hot• Scalp is unbearably itchy at night• Round, bare patches of scalp show throughthe hair• Thick dandruff• Scratching, particularly at night, causes theskin to burn• Scalp becomes drier for washing the hair• Great hair loss or graying of hair at a youngerage than would normally be expected• Hair loss possibly associated with eczema onthe scalp• Greater hair loss than usual following childbirthor during menopause• Possible chronic headaches