Understanding Eczema The terms eczema and dermatitis are synonymous with these types of skin reactions. Eczema can either be acute in nature (sudden onset), or chronic (long-term). The term eczema refers to a grouping of disorders that share similar clinical features but may have different causes. In either case, an eczematic flair may have several factors involved, these can be environmental, systemic, or potentially food sensitivity based. In addition to these reactionary standards, there are different types of eczema, the most common being Atopic, Seborrheic, Discoid, and Irritant/Allergic contact eczema (Contact Dermatitis). A short description of the types will be discussed below. Atopic Eczema Atopic eczema is one of the most common types. It is categorized by prolonged hypersensitivity to environmental factors. This can include things such as pollen, dust, foods, chemicals, or pets. There is often a strong genetic predisposition in this type of eczema and may include other factors such as asthma, hay fever, and food allergies/sensitivities. This type of eczema has increased 2 to 5-fold since the early 1980s, and now potentially affects up to 1 in 10 individuals during their lifespan. The reasoning behind this is not clear in standard Western medical practice. However, in natural medicine circles, it is thought to be caused by the increase of chemical usage in foods, care products, household cleaners, and so forth, all contributing to something called "Toxic Load Reaction." Most commonly, this type of eczema is seen in children and young adults. Although onset may happen after the age of 30, it is not common unless it takes place in a pregnant individual. Atopic eczema looks different at different ages and in individuals of different skin colors, some of the features and symptoms may include:
In addition to these classic signs, there are exacerbating factors that can also impact Atopic eczema. They are commonly:
Seborrheic Eczema Another common form of eczema, Seborrheic eczema, is thought to affect up to 2% of the population. This type of skin reaction is most seen in areas of the skin where sebaceous glands are most numerous, such as on the scalp, forehead, eyebrows, eyelids, ears, cheeks, and on the chest or between the shoulder blades, and can include dandruff or a cradle cap type infection. Oftentimes, this type of reaction is marked by a red or pink rash with non-regular edges and can include a yellowish, greasy looking scale. Because of this, it can be easy to mistake this type of eczema with psoriasis. This type of eczema is one of the most common types seen in infants, usually during their first three months of life, and seen in adults between the ages of 30 and 70. The disorder is more common in men, often runs in families, and can be made worse in cold weather. This type of eczema is also commonly found in individuals with HIV and AIDS, but is also commonly seen in individuals under large amounts of stress, and those with neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. Some of the symptoms associated are as follows:
Discoid/Nummular Eczema Discoid, or nummular eczema, is a persistent, usually itchy rash with inflammation that is characterized by circular-shaped spots with tiny blisters, scabs, and scales. Most commonly, this type of eczema presents itself on the lower legs, forearms, and backs of the hands. It can be mistaken for ringworm, but unlike ringworm, it does not have a red border around the outside edge. Like most types of eczema, the cause is unknown. There are two common peaks of onset for this type of eczema: young women aged 15 to 30 and middle-aged adults of both sexes. Some of the symptoms associated are as follows:
Contact Eczema/Dermatitis Contact dermatitis is an acute or chronic condition with itching and inflammation. It mostly results from exposure to substances in the environment caused by allergens, soaps, detergents, organic solvents, or other substance of food-based environmental triggers. It can also be caused by such familiar things as allergies to dogs and cats or contact with some plants such as poison ivy or poison oak. Some of the most common symptoms and causes are as follows:
When one approaches eczema from a holistic standpoint, it is important to remember that all parts of the body and individual are related. In saying this, a practitioner who is trained in holistic applications will look at the individual’s current emotional health, stress levels, nutritional habits, environmental exposure, medications, and all body systems to gain a full picture of the potential issue. Traditionally Used Herbs
Commonly Used Supplements
Dietary and Lifestyle Modifications
As you can see, eczema is a multi-faceted condition with various types and possible triggers. If you would like to reach out to ask any questions or have a no-cost initial meet and greet to discuss your current wellness issues, please feel free to contact the office directly. I hope you enjoyed this article and found its content useful. In health and wellness, Petra - CHT, Herbal Medicine References:
The information supplied is not to be considered as a replacement for advice or prescription drugs from your medical doctor. If you have a health issue, please see your primary care physician first and foremost.
0 Comments
Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
Leave a Reply. |
HWB BlogKeep up with the latest! Archives
August 2023
Categories
All
Please note that if you post a comment just to share your own personal links or spam, your comments will not be approved. |
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF HWB.HWB is a 501c3 NGO nonprofit. Our nonprofit is a global member network of of herbalists, medicinal plant growers, herbal educators, alternative holistic modality practitioners and others dedicated to herbal health access for all, medicinal plant conservation, health justice and more.
HWB: Serving Communities Since 1995.
Herbalists Without Borders™ Herbalists Without Borders© ©1999-2023, all rights reserved. |
SEARCHPassword Protected Areas (must be logged in to access):
|