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what is it?
Eczema or dermatitis (the terms are interchangeable) is a condition that causes dry, inflamed, intensely itchy patches of skin. The skin may become scaly and cracked and weep. There are various types:
- Atopic or allergic eczema frequently begins in infancy or childhood. It causes itchy, thickened, cracked skin, frequently found in the folds of the elbows or backs of the knees.
- Nummular eczema affects adults. It causes round, itchy, scaling patches of skin that may be confused with ringworm.
- Stasis eczema affects people with varicose veins. Symptoms include patches of itchy, inflamed, discoloured skin and swelling, usually around the ankles.
- Contact eczema or dermatitis is usually caused by contact with irritating substances. These include jewellery, detergents, shampoos and/or industrial chemicals.
what causes it?
The cause depends on the type of eczema. Atopic eczema, the most common type, is associated with a tendency to allergy and tends to run in families. Members of affected families frequently have asthma and/or hayfever. The condition can be exacerbated by stress.
how complementary therapies may help
Each therapy has been coded from 1 to 5 depending on the amount of scientific evidence there is for its effectiveness. The higher the number the stronger the evidence, so 5 = definitely, 4 = probably, 3 = possibly, 2 = opinion, and 1 = rumour. (There is more detail about these in the 'does it work?' section of 'before you start'.)
Having said this, the codes aren't meant to be cast in stone or to put you off trying a particular therapy or therapies if you feel they might be helpful to you.
Go to therapies for a full description of each individual treatment, plus information on how to find practitioners.
autogenic therapy
(code 4)
Autogenic therapy can help you relax and control stress which can exacerbate symptoms of atopic eczema. One research study compared autogenic therapy with cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), a form of psychotherapy that involves positive thinking and a training programme focussing on how to care for eczematous skin. After a year autogenic therapy was found to be as effective as CBT and better than the training programme on measures such as reducing scratching and the use of steroid skin preparations.
hypnotherapy and biofeedback
(code 4)
Both therapies help ease stress which can exacerbate symptoms. In one trial the two therapies helped ease the severity of symptoms in a group of children with eczema, although it did not reduce the area of affected skin.
Chinese herbal medicine
(code 3)
Chinese herbal practitioners see eczema as resulting from a disturbed digestive system. Several trials have found that a herbal infusion of 10 different Chinese herbs helped improve symptoms of eczema, although unfortunately subsequent research has failed to confirm this. One of the ingredients of this remedy was liquorice, a herb that contains glycyrrhetinic acid, an anti-inflammatory chemical. Each prescription will be adjusted according to your individual needs.
herbal medicine
(code 3)
Herbalists see skin problems as resulting from an accumulation of toxins and aim to cleanse the body. Treatment will be individual but herbs that may be prescribed include chickweed, to soothe itchy, inflamed skin; nettle, for problems exacerbated by stress and tension; and red clover, for cleansing and to relieve inflammation.
In two studies a preparation of German chamomile was found to help soothe inflammation.
Borage seed oil, a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid, an anti-inflammatory fatty acid, has been found to alleviate symptoms in some trials, although not others.
nutritional therapy
(code 3)
Treatment may include suggesting an exclusion diet to see whether particular foods such as dairy, wheat and/or citrus foods, bring on or worsen symptoms. You may be advised to cut out refined foods and additives. Supplements of evening primrose oil, zinc, selenium and vitamin E may be suggested. Evening primrose oil may also be rubbed on affected areas.
homeopathy
(code 2)
According to homeopathic thinking, eczema should not be suppressed as this could lead to deeper problems. A homeopath is likely to prescribe a constitutional remedy designed to tackle deep-seated problems that may underlie symptoms. A remedy based on your symptom picture may be prescribed to help soothe symptoms during acute episodes. For instance arsenicum album, for dry, itching, burning skin that is made worse by scrathing and relieved by heat; calc carb, for eczema with cracked skin that is worse in winter; rhus tox, for blisterlike rash that is red, swollen and itching but relieved by heat; sulphur, for a burning, itching, inflamed rash that is worse for warmth and bathing.
reflexology
(code 2)
Therapists may massage the areas linked to the solar plexus, liver, pituitary gland, digestion and reproductive system to try and rebalance the body and relieve stress.
» help and info
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(July 2002)
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