Atopic Dermatitis - How Can Homeopathy Help?

Atopic dermatitis or eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes inflammation and itchiness. Though more common amongst children, it can occur at any age. It is quite often accompanied by hay fever or asthma.

It might be caused by a reaction to food allergies. It might also be a result of a number of environmental factors like allergens and irritants (pollen grains, dust mites, pet dander). A family or personal medical history of asthma or hay fever or allergies can increase the risk of atopic dermatitis.

Symptoms-
Atopic dermatitis presents itself with a number of different symptoms. These include-

1. Sever itching along with dry skin
2. Skin patches which are red or brownish-gray in color may be found in different parts of the body which includes feet, hands, wrists, elbows, and knees. Infants might have these patches on their scalp and face as well.
3. Pus-filled bumps with a crust on top.
4. Scaly, thickened patches of skin.

The symptoms usually first appear around the 5th year of a child but it can persist throughout adolescence. Seek medical attention if you notice any of the above symptoms or if the condition begins to interfere with your sleeping patterns and daily routine.

Possible Complications-
Atopic dermatitis can progress to a number of different complications which includes-

1. Neurodermatitis- A chronic skin condition that starts with you scratching a patch of an affected area and then the inflammation increases. The skin over time becomes thick, leathery and discolored.
2. Infections- The repeated itching and scratching cause the skin to become susceptible to open sores. This increases the risks of microbial infections.

Role of Homeopathy in the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis-
Homeopathy aims to both reduce the severity of the condition and minimize the frequency at which it recurs. A practitioner of homeopathy will consider a number of different factors before he prescribes you any medication. For example, the site and type of eruption, the environmental factors that either relieve or worsen the condition, sensitivity to seasonal changes. The practitioner will then prescribe remedies that are aimed towards your individual symptoms. These remedies enhance immunity and help eradicate the condition from its roots.

Remedies that include components like Sulphur, Petroleum, Arsenicum are usually orally administered. The treatment plan might vary over the years according to the severity of the condition at that point in time.