Eczema:
Adult Eczema and Baby Eczema
Eczema is one of the most common skin complaints I have been consulted for. Eczema can start soon after birth. It is characterised by inflammation,redness, oozing, crustiness, scaling and itching to varying degrees. Atopic eczeam usually occurs in people with a family or personal history of allergies like asthma and hayfever.
The itching is one of the worst, most distressing aspects of eczema. Severe itching in baby eczema can be very difficult for baby and parents to cope with.
Many children grow out of eczema by the age of five but it can continue into dloescence and even develop into adult eczema. Scratching can lead to bacterial infectiosn which are potentially serious if left untreated.
Conventional treatment is mainly in the form of varying strengths of steroids (hydrocortisone). Homeopaths believe that their use should be restricted to an absolute minimum and alternatives, both internal and topical, be sought.
Dermatitis:
Dermatitis presents in the same way as eczema and the term is often used synonymously. However here I am referring to non-atopic eczema.
The main types of dermatitis are:
Contact Dermatitis – caused by irritants such as chemicals.
Sebborrheic Dermatitis – the skin complaints dandruff and cradle cap fall under this heading. It mainly effects the scalp and face around the eyebrows, nose and hairline.
Varicose Eczema – inflammation of the skin of the legs with varicose veins and venous stasis. There are often brown patches associated with this.
Neurodermatitis – a chronic itch/scratch cyle that is often related to stress and in turn causes stress through lack of sleep etc.
Psoriasis:
Psoriasis is characterised by chronic, recurrent dry, well circumscribed patches of scaliness. A family history of psoriasis is common. It is less itchy than eczema and quite often is not itchy at all. The concern with Psoriasis is usually cosmetic rather than because of the discomfort that eczema causes. It can be unsightly especially when widespread and that is the main thing that brings psoriasis patients to the homeopathic clinic. Severe cases can be serious and cause a great of discomfort when exfoliation is widespread. Hospitalisation can even be necessary.
Psoriatic arthritis can be a complication of psoriasis.
Acne:
Everyone knows what acne is and what it looks like. It is accompanied by blackheads (comedones). Deep acne can be problematical causing inflammation, cysts, pus formation and scarring.
Conventional wisdom is that diet plays no part but alternative practitioners do not all agree with that. Food intolerances are a consideration.
Acne is often linked to the menstrual cycle indicating the hormonal connection.
There are many skin products for acne which can help keep the skin and pores clean but internal treatment is essential for significant results.
Rosacea:
This condition is rather like acne without the comedones. It occurs in middle age or later and mainly effects the central part of the face and the nose which can become swollen and disfigured. It is treated with longterm antibiotics in conventional medicine.
Dry skin, cracked skin:
Dry skin is a very common problem affecting people of all ages.
The main external causes of dry skin are:
1) Decreased production of sebum – often a factor in the elderly, since the number of sebaceous glands in the skin tends to decrease with age. Aging also may cause blood flow to the skin to decrease, causing a drop in sebum production. 2) Lifestyle factors, such as excessive bathing and harsh soaps. 3) Environmental conditions that increase water loss like excessive heat and dry air.
There is also a genetic predisposition that causes a skin complaint called Ichthyosis:
Other things that may need to be considered in the case of chronic dry skin are:
- Diet – vitamin deficiencies for example A,B
- Drug reactions if you are on medication
- Diabetes or underactive thyroid
I am biased of course, but ‘7 Cream’ is a wonderful treatment for dry skin and skin complaints that have dry skin as a symptom, as many testimonials show. There is a link to 7 cream testimonials on the 7 Cream page.
Vitiligo:
Vitiligo is also known as leukoderma. It is a chronic skin condition that causes loss of pigment, resulting in irregular pale patches of skin. The cause of vitiligo is complex and not well understood. A combination of auto-immune, genetic, and environmental factors is likely.
It is a harmless disease but obviously causes concern for cosmetic reasons. Conventional medicine has little to offer but there are many documented successes with homeopathic treatment.
Warts and Veruccas:
Warts are small growths of the skin, caused by a virus. They do not usually hurt, although they may itch. Warts may affect any part of the body, but are most commonly seen on the hands.
Warts on the feet are known as verrucas. Here the pressure from the body weight causes them to be flatter, but to grow into the skin more, and can cause pain.
Warts and verrucas are caused by a virus but the host must be susceptible to them.
Conventional medicne uses varipus ways of burning and freezing them off. Homeopaths prefer internal treatment and believe that suppressing warts is not a good thing.
Impetigo:
Impetigo is a contagious bacterial skin infection, usually of children, that is characterized by the eruption of superficial pustules and the formation of thick yellow crusts, commonly on the face.
Impetigo is a contagious skin complaint, and it can be spread from one area of skin to another by scratching. It is also contagious from person to person.
It begins with areas of itchy skin with tiny blisters, especially around the mouth and nose. Blisters will eventually burst to reveal areas of red skin that may weep fluid. Gradually a yellowish-brown crust will cover the affected area.