Living with eczema can be challenging due to the recurring itchiness, dryness, and discomfort it brings. While conventional treatments focus on symptom management, many are turning to naturopathy for a more holistic approach. Naturopathy seeks to address the root causes of eczema, offering treatments that align with the body’s natural healing processes. Let’s explore how naturopathy can help manage and potentially reduce eczema symptoms and discuss some popular naturopathic treatments for eczema.
What is Eczema?
Eczema is a chronic skin condition in which the skin becomes inflamed, rough, and itchy. Also known by the name of atopic dermatitis or atopic eczema, it results from a combination of an overactive immune system and environmental factors that make the skin highly reactive to external triggers.
However, it is not contagious, and you can’t catch it from anyone else. But it is important to actively manage it to significantly improve your life.
Causes of Eczema
Common triggers and signs associated with eczema are –
Cold or Dry Climates
Extreme weather conditions can sap the moisture out of the skin, making it dry and prone to eczema flare-ups.
Dry Skin
If you have dry skin and it lacks moisture, you are more susceptible to breakouts and irritation.
Heat or Sweat
Excessive sweat or heat triggers itching and worsens the symptoms of eczema.
Irritants Such as Wool, Synthetic Fabrics, or Soap
Certain fabrics and chemicals don’t suit some people, including dyes and fragrances that provoke eczema.
Stress
High stress levels can compromise the immune system, leading to an eczema flare-up.
Your Genes
Eczema often runs in families. So, family history might be the cause of eczema development.
Symptoms of Eczema
Eczema symptoms can vary, but they typically manifest as inflamed patches of skin that itch, burn, or crack. Let’s find out its symptoms in more detail –
Inflamed Red Patches
These patches can appear anywhere on the body but are common on the hands, feet, neck, and around the joints.
Blisters
There are some instances where eczema patches may ooze or form small fluid-filled blisters that later crust over.
Intense Itching
Oftentimes, itching can become so severe that it may disrupt your daily activities and sleep.
Thickened Scaly Skin
Over time, constant scratching can lead to thickening and scaling of the skin.
What are the Naturopathic Treatment for Eczema?
Naturopathic treatments offer an alternative approach to Eczema by focusing on natural remedies that reduce inflammation, promote skin health, and strengthen the body’s immunity. Here are some of the most effective naturopathic treatments for eczema –
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the most effective natural solutions for eczema that controls the nervous system in order to reduce itchiness. This treatment involves inserting the needles into specific points on your body to stimulate the body’s energy flow. By doing so, acupuncture treatment reduces stress, enhances blood flow, and ultimately reduces inflammation.
Herbs and Botanical Medicines
Herbs and botanical medicines form part of natural eczema remedies that can treat underlying imbalances in the body that result in eczema. Always use these medicines and herbs under the guidance of a trained practitioner. Some general examples are – applying aloe vera gel directly to the skin, consuming chamomile tea, and using herbal supplements like primrose oil.
Improve Your Diet
Certain food items trigger autoimmune responses in people with eczema, which can cause inflammation and trigger eczema flare-ups. Follow an anti-eczema diet to tackle this. What you have to do is when you start seeing inflamed skin eliminate dairy products, eggs, peanuts, and wheat from your diet. Add anti-inflammatory foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, flavonoids, and probiotics, like sardines, tuna, kefir, miso, apples, spinach, kale, and other leafy greens. Some people with eczema may also have digestive disorders. In such a case, it is advisable to consult an eczema naturopath to address your condition effectively.
Homeopathy
The next in the list of naturopathic treatments for eczema is homeopathy. This system of medicine treats individuals with highly diluted substances, given mainly in tablet form. Always consult a qualified homeopath to reduce eczema frequency and intensity.
What are the Different Types of Eczema?
Eczema is not a one-size-fits-all condition; it comes in various forms, each with its unique characteristics and triggers. Understanding the type of eczema you have is essential in finding the most effective treatment.
Atopic Dermatitis
The most common type of eczema is atopic dermatitis. It is associated with allergic disorders like asthma, hay fever, etc. It starts in childhood but may also persist into adulthood.
Contact Dermatitis
Everyone may have experienced the condition of contact dermatitis atleast once in their lives. It occurs when your skin comes into contact with a specific irritant or allergen like soaps, detergents, chemicals, fragrances, beauty products, metals, etc. It can cause itching, redness, and blisters in the area that came into contact with the offending substance.
Dyshidrotic Dermatitis
It is less common but more challenging than other forms of eczema in which itchy blisters on the edges of feet and hands occur. The major causes of this type of eczema are stress, heavy metals, or moistness.
Neurodermatitis
Neurodermatitis begins with an itchy patch of skin that becomes intensely irritating over time. Symptoms of neurodermatitis are constant scratching can lead to thickened, scaly patches on the skin. This type of eczema is often linked to stress and anxiety.
Final Thoughts
Eczema can be a challenging condition to manage, but adopting natural eczema remedies may provide significant relief by addressing both the symptoms and underlying causes. With the right approach and a bit of patience, managing eczema can become a more manageable aspect of life.
For those looking for naturopathic treatments for eczema, RMT Movement provides an excellent starting point. Located in Brampton, we offer specialized eczema naturopathic treatments tailored to address your needs. Our team of experienced naturopaths takes a personalized approach, designing treatment plans that target both the root cause and your specific symptoms to support long-term skin health. Book your appointment right now for the best treatment.
Visit RMT Movement to discover how naturopathy could make a difference in your eczema management and unlock a holistic path to well-being.
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