Homeopathic Remedies for Eczema

Eczema is an irritating skin condition, characterized by itching and flaking inside the bends of joints and along the edge of any hairline. Whereas psoriasis tends to be a problem of dryness, eczema tends to be associated with wetness, with affected areas that are moist, oozing, and itching. The following homeopathic remedies may bring a measure of relief, but individuals should not hesitate to consult a homeopath if the condition persists. Individuals should also consider that dietary factors play a significant role (at least with children) in the cause and treatment of this condition.

Graphites 6c: People needing this remedy will often have tough, sometimes leathery skin, along with a history of skin disorders. Their hands are often the most affected areas, and where the skin is split, a honeylike discharge is common. Children are often affected by eczema behind the ears, and again, a honeylike, thick ooze can be present. Graphites 6c can be taken three times daily for three days, then just once daily for the next ten days.

Hepar sulph 6c: This remedy may prove useful in very irritable and chilly people whose eczema is painfully sore to any touch and whose skin is deeply cracked, especially on the hands and feet. Their skin is generally unhealthy, and even the slightest wound becomes septic easily. Those who may benefit from this remedy tend to be very sensitive people, both emotionally and physically. Hepar sulph 6c can be taken once daily for three days, then once a week for three weeks.

Sulphur 6c: People needing this remedy will have hot, burning eczema with intense itching. The affected areas will have scaling or crusted skin and will tend to be dry rather than wet. The condition is aggravated greatly by heat and contact with water. Sulphur 6c can be taken three times daily for two to three days, then once daily until improvement is seen.

Petroleum 6c: This remedy is good for seasonal eczema, which affects individuals only during the cold winter months. Skin will tend to be tough and leathery, with cracks in the fingertips. Symptoms are always worse at night. Petroleum 6c can be taken three times daily for two to three days, then once daily until improvement is noted.

Causes and Risk Factors of Acne

About 80 percent of all teenagers develop acne, but this disease can also begin as late as the ages 25 or 30, particularly for women. No one is certain as to what exactly causes acne or why it usually begins in adolescence, but hormones, primarily testosterone, certainly play a large role. A number of other factors, most importantly heredity, are also important. If one of your parents had acne, there's a good chance you will, too.

Definition of Acne

Acne is a skin inflammation affecting approximately 80% of those between the ages of 12 and 24. Located in each hair follicle or tiny pit in the skin, is a sebaceous gland that lubricates the skin. If some oil gets trapped, bacteria multiply in the pit and the skin becomes inflamed. Most adolescents have acne because the sebaceous glands are stimulated by a male hormone at puberty. No exact cause is known, but contributing factors are heredity, oily skin, androgens (male hormones) produced in increased amounts when either a boy or girl reaches puberty. Other causes may include allergies, stress, junk food, and oral contraceptives. Blackheads form when sebum combines with skin pigments and plug the pores. If scales below the surface of the skin become filled with sebum, whiteheads are formed. In severe cases, whiteheads build up, spread under the skin and rupture, eventually spreads the inflammation.