ATOPIC DERMATITIS (ECZEMA)

Atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition which manifests as a red, scaly rash that is normally very itchy.It tends to be an inherited condition which runs in families along with asthma and hayfever.

Atopic(which runs in families) + dermatitis (Inflammation of skin)

The Greek term eczema means "boil out".Eczema is defined as a reaction pattern of the skin characterized by erythema(redness), edema(swelling), vesiculation(fluid containing sac), oozing, crusting, papules(solid circumscribed bump in the skin), scaling and lichenification(thickening of skin).

In general, it occurs first on the face in infants and then on the front of the elbows and behind the knees (the flexures) with increasing age. It can occur on any part of the skin at some stage, depending on age and exposure to environmental irritants. For example, in mothers with young babies, or hairdressers, it may occur on the hands.

 Frequency, severity and morbidity

The prevalence peaks at about 12 months of age and then slowly decreases. It is uncommon after the fifth decade.

The biggest risk factor for developing infant eczema is a family history of allergies, including eczema, hay fever, and asthma.

The severity tends to vary with age. Although the proportion of those affected with disease classified as severe is around 2% in all ages, infants and children have a higher proportion with moderate

disease than older people.

Triggering Factors :

1. Dry skin
2. Seasonal allergies
3. Soaps and Cosmetics 
4. Cold weather
5. Stress and emotional factors

Atopic dermatitis  though seems to run in families is definitely not contagious and it cannot be passed from one person to another through skin contact. 

Symptoms:

Itchy red skin.scratching and rubbing in response to itching worsen the skin inflammation, leading to teh itch scratch cycle. Some may develop red, scaling skin, Others develop thick and leathery skin as a result of constant scratching and rubbing. This condition is called lichenification.A few develop papules(small raised bumps on skin) or vesicles (fluid filled papules). When the papules and vesicles are scratched, they may open and become crusty and infected.

Areas commonly afected-(flexures) folds of the arms, the back of the knees, wrists, face, and hands.

Precautions one can take

1. Excessive washing should be avoided. Try to avoid long showers. Use of a soap substitute such as Aqueous Cream can help
2. Avoid prolonged sun exposure.
3. Avoid scratching.Keep your fingernails short to prevent your skin break if you scratch an itch.
4. Avoid things that can irritate your skin, such as contact with scratchy fabrics (like wool) or dust mites in your bedsheets.Wool and nylon against the skin aggravate eczema. Cotton is best.
5.  An ice pack made by putting ice cubes in a plastic bag and placing it on the itchy area makes an inexpensive and effective itch fighter.
6.  Apply Coconut oil to the portions with eczema. 
7.  Carrot juice and spinach juice in combination ,Orange juice and plenty of water is beneficial in eczema. 

Commonly used drugs

Graphites, Mezereum, Sulphur, Kali sulph, Silicea, Lycopodium, Echinacea.

P.S  There are no disease specific medicines in homeopathy.Every case calls for detailed study of the patient individually.Homeopathic medicines do not contain steroid.The alcohol base in homeopathic remedies is required  as a preservative in liquid formulas.