Eczema is a chronic skin condition characterized by scaly patches of skin that sometimes itch. More than 15 million Americans have some form of eczema. Homeopathy may provide relief from symptoms and help reduce the underlying inflammation. Homeopathic medicine works by initiating a reaction to an external stimulus that allows the body to heal itself.
Graphites
Graphites is indicated for people who have a history of skin ailments, according to Dr. William Boericke in the "Materia Medica and Repertory." The person needing this remedy may have what is known as wet eczema, which is characterized by oozing sores filled with a honey-yellow, sticky discharge. The person may have dry, thick scaly areas that become easily inflamed and irritated and exude the sticky discharge. Eczema forms in folds of joints and skin and behind the ears, the neck and in the groin. There may be cracks on the skin in the corners of the mouth or on the nipples.
Lycopodium
Lycopodium is indicated for chronic eczema that is associated with urinary and liver problems. The skin lesions bleed easily and become thick and hard. Eczema may affect the hands and palms, and it may appear more so on the right hand and right side of the body; or it may start on the right side and migrate to the left.
Natrum Muriaticum
Natrum Muriaticum may be necessary for cases of eczema where eruptions form on the margins of the skin along the hairline and in the bends of the joints, writes Frans Vermeulen in the "Synoptic Materia Medica." The eruptions are generally crusty in character and can also form behind the ears and in areas where there is hair. In addition, the eczema tends toward being red, painful and inflamed. The person may have greasy skin in areas where there are no eczematous eruptions.
Petroleum
Petroleum is indicated for eczema in people who may have extreme sensitivities to fumes from traffic or industry, says the University of Michigan Health System. Additionally, these people may have used petroleum jelly for skin ailments as they were growing up. The eczema primarily forms on the hands, palms and fingers during colder months, forming cracks in the skin that may bleed and are painful.
Rhus Toxicodendron
Rhus toxicodendron is indicated for eczema in areas of the skin where there are patches of oozing blisters that itch intolerably. The onset of eczema may have occurred due to exposure and contact to an irritating substance. The person may be very restless during an attack and wants to scratch the blisters, which should be discouraged. The itching is often made better by warm applications to the skin or bathing in warm water.
Other Considerations
You should not self-treat if you have from eczema. Find an experienced homeopathic practitioner who can prescribe the correct remedy to suit your specific type of eczema. Homeopathic remedies are available over-the-counter in health food stores and online. Most practitioners can point you in the direction of a reputable homeopathic pharmacy.
References
- University of Michigan Health System: Allergies and Sensitivities--Homeopathic Remedies
- Homeopathic Treatments for Eczema
- "Synoptic Materia Medica"; Frans Vermeulen; 1992
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Eczema
- "Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease"; Maurice Shils; 2005
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Eczema
