First of all, it is important to know that eczema is not caused by an infection, it 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 most common is atopic or constitutional eczema. It is then a hereditary pathology that is mainly found in families suffering from allergies, asthma or hay fever. Atopic eczema often occurs in young children and infants. It is a benign disease that can be treated with homeopathy and gradually disappears from the age of four or six.
The different types of eczema
The other types are contact eczema, circumscribed neurodermatitis, varicose eczema, numular eczema, dyshidrosis and seborrhea. Contact eczema, also known as contact dermatitis, occurs after contact with an allergen, i.e. a material that can cause an allergic reaction. When the affected part itches a lot, it is called neurodermatitis. This eczema is often caused by emotional stress or by the bite of an insect.
When eczema mainly affects the lower limbs, varicose eczema is present. The latter is due to the poor circulation of blood through the varicose veins. As for nummular eczema, it only affects adults. This type of eczema proliferates especially during the winter periods, when the skin is too dry. When the itching and the formation of blisters are localized to the soles of the feet, the various sides of the fingers, especially on the lateral side, and the palms of the hands, dyshidrosis is present. Some forms of eczema affect the scalp and face, these are seborrhea.
Symptoms of eczema
Regardless of the type of eczema, the following symptoms occur: red patches, scales, dryness, irritation, formation of small blisters, change in pigmentation, absence of hair growth and thickening of the skin. Depending on the type of eczema, the affected parts are different. Thus, for atopic eczema, the irritations are mainly localized on the face, around the elbows or behind the knees.
In young children and infants, atopic dermatitis can be recognized by red patches on the thumb, chest, shoulders, scalp and cheeks. For a child over the age of two, there are red marks under the ears, ankles, knees, wrists and elbow creases. In adolescence, redness on the soles of the feet, around the eyes and bending of the lower limbs are added to the other symptoms already mentioned. An adult with eczematous has redness on his hands, feet, ankles and neck.
The symptoms of seborrhea have nothing to do with the classic signs mentioned above, since this eczema is located on the scalp. Indeed, it manifests itself as an unpleasant odor, a greasy deposit, flaking of the skin and yellowish rashes.
Cracked skin, presence of vesicles on the soles of the feet, fingers and palm of the hand are the external signs that help you recognize dyshidrosis. In varicose eczema, dark brown patches, flaking and inflammation of the skin of the ankles and legs are noticeable. When the itching is severe, the red patches become rough and appear on the neck, back, legs and ankles, you can be sure that you have a circumscribed neurodermatitis. As for contact dermatitis, it is recognized by the oozing blisters that appear on the skin.
Relieving eczema while waiting for the consultation
Thetreatment of eczema should be done according to the phase or stage of the disease. In the erythematous phase, there is red skin on which there are oedemas and vesicles. While in the vesicular stage, there is significant itching and vesicle formation. For these two phases, it is recommended to take as often as necessary 5 granules of Apis Mellifica 15 CH when the pruritus is relieved by the application of fresh compresses, 5 granules of Croton Tiglium 15 CH in case of intense pruritus and blisters on the skin, 5 granules of Staphysagria 15 CH if the eczema flare-up appears following an annoyance or 5 granules of Urtica Urens 5 CH when the pruritus is aggravated by scratching. As a matter of course, it is also recommended to take 5 granules of Lung Histamine 15 CH as often as necessary.
In
the oozing phase, i.e. when the vesicles become wet, the following homeopathic remedies are the most effective: Petroleum for malodorous and irritating oozing, Mezereum 15 CH if there are crusts, Graphites 30 CH if the plates are located at the level of the folds and if the oozes are comparable to liquid honey. If the eczema is localized to the pinnae, it is recommended to use Tellurium metallicum 5 CH, while if the oozing is localized on the cheeks of a child, it will be necessary to use Viola tricolor 5 CH.
While waiting for the medical consultation, these remedies should be taken at the rate of 5 granules four times a day. When it comes to eczema of the face and scalp, Antimonium Crudum is recommended. In addition, regardless of the level of progression of the disease, Anagamos can be used to treat dyshidrosis. If the affected area has thick, yellowish vesicles, Mezereum is recommended. On the other hand, if they are large enough and cause a feeling of intense pain, it is advisable to take Canthis instead.
When to see a doctor?
Children are the category of the population most affected by eczema. If any of the symptoms mentioned above appear, the child or baby should be taken to the doctor immediately, especially if he or she has purulent pimples and fever. For an adult, if after a certain number of days under treatment, there is no improvement, he should consult a homeopath. The same should be done if blisters appear or if the skin has become very dry.
