Eczema

DESCRIPTION
Eczema is an acute or chronic Skin disease characterised by redness, Itching, blistering, crusting, scaling and Inflammation. It typically appears on the face and in the creases of the elbows and knees.

Predisposing factors are familial history of allergic disorders (Hay Fever, Asthma or eczema) and sensitivity to contact allergens or certain foods. Excessive sweating, exposure to extreme heat or cold, emotional Stress, and the abnormal dryness or oiliness of the Skin often irritate this health condition.

Eczema is frequently chronic and difficult to treat. It tends to disappear and recur intermittently for several years, disappear at puberty, or remain a lifelong problem. Itching may be extreme and severe. Treatment usually necessitates the avoidance of all unnecessary Skin irritations.

HERBS
Echinacea (8)
Kelp
Liquorice (6,7)

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLIMENTS
Evening Primrose Oil (1)
Fish Oil (2)
Selenium (3)
Vitamin A
B Complex
Vitamin C (4)
Zinc (5)

HOMOEOPATHY - Earache
Sulphur
Useful for Earache due to eczema or Infection of the Skin in the ear.
There is a burning itchy sensation and often a smelly discharge.

REFERENCES
1. Schalin-Karrila M, Mattila L, Jansen CT, et al. Evening Primrose Oil in the treatment of atopic eczema: effect on clinical status, plasma phospholipid fatty acids and circulating blood prostaglandins. Br J Dermatol 1987;117:11-19.
2. Berth-Jones J, Graham-Brown RAC. Placebo-controlled trial of essential fatty acid supplementation in atopic Dermatitis. Lancet 1993;341:1557-60.
3. Juhlin L, et al. Blood glutathione peroxidase levels in Skin disease: Effect of Selenium and Vitamin E treatment. Acata Derma (Stockholm) 1982; 62:211-14.
4. Anonymous. Severe atopic Dermatitis responds to ascorbic acid. Med World News 1989;April 24:41.
5. Michmalsson G and Ljunghall K. Patients with Dermatitis, herpetiformis, Acne, Psoriasis and Darier’s disease have low epidermal Zinc concentrations. Acta Derm Venerol (Stockholm) 19909; 70(4):304-8.
6. Sheehan MP, Atherton DJ. One-year follow up of children treated with Chinese medical herbs for atopic eczema. Br J Dermatol 1994;130:488-93.
7. Sheehan MP, Rustin MHA, et al. Efficacy of traditional Chinese herbal therapy in adult atopic Dermatitis. Lancet 1992;340:13-17.
8. Tubaro A, et al: Anti-inflammatory activity of a polysaccharide fraction of Echinacea angustifolia, Journal of Pharm Pharmacol, 39(7), July 1987, p 567-569.