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© David L. Hoffmann B.Sc. (Hons), M.N.I.M.H. http://www.healthy.net covers a variety of types of eczemas and herbals for each |
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Superficial inflammation of the skin, characterized by vesicles (when
acute), redness, edema, oozing, crusting, scaling and usually itching.
The terms eczema and dermatitis are the cause of much confusion amongst students and practitioners alike! Here we shall follow the broad guidelines given in the Merck Manual and use them synonymously to mean a superficial inflammation of the skin. The dermatologist will subdivide into a range `disease entities' differentiated by location and appearance, but this is not too helpful for the phytotherapist. The most important sub-division is between those cases where the cause is an internal or endogenous one, as opposed to a contact or exogenous cause. In the latter cases it is possible to solve the problem by avoidance of the surface irritant, if it can be identified! Such problems, often referred to as Contact Dermatitis, are commonly caused by, for example: industrial solvents, dyes, nickel and other metals, leather tanning chemicals, some soaps. In this case eczema is the final result of a complex series of internal reactions to exposure to such allergens and irritants. It often accompanies other allergic diseases such as hay fever and asthma, but may also occur alone. The rash is a very itchy, peeling, thickened, sometimes weepy area, typically noted in the creases of joints and about the trunk. The rash may fluctuate both seasonally and over the course of the day. Scratching may lead to bleeding and infection. Blood tests reveal increased levels of cells and chemicals associated with allergic reactions in general. A variation of eczema occurs on the palms of the hands, and sometimes on the soles of the feet. This type may be quite frustrating, since the common exposure to moisture, irritants, and injury of these locations leads to self-perpetuation of the disease. Furthermore the thickness of the skin in these regions makes topical therapy more difficult. v A number of factors can aggravate eczema, although specifics will vary from person to person. These include: stress, mechanical irritation, heat, dietary factors are important, especially in children. Milk and milk products are the commonest triggers. Actions indicated for the processes behind this disease: Alteratives are the classic remedies for the treatment of eczema. How they work is unclear, but they can often be dramatically effective. Anti-Pruritics, remedies that reduce the sensation of itching, are indicated to lessen the intense irritation that characterizes some cases. This is not simply to make the patient feel better, but to reduce the degree of physical trauma caused by scratching. Anti-Inflammatories applied topically and taken internally will speed the curative work of the alteratives, but not replace them. Lymphatic Tonics are especially helpful in childrens' eczema. Of course, these herbs are a variety of alterative. Nervine Relaxants help with the commonly associated problem of anxiety. and will often ease discomfort in the skin because of the relaxing effect upon the peripheral nerves of the autonomic nervous system. This will reduce itching, and even inflammation to some extent. Diuretics are important in ensuring adequate elimination through the kidneys. The diuretic alteratives are most relevant. Hepatics will contribute their special support for liver function and the digestive process. The hepatic alteratives are best here. Vulnerary herbs will support the healing of skin lesions when applied topically, but do not replace appropriate internal treatment. Astringents, used topically, will reduce any `weeping' or oozing of fluids. Emollient herbs are suitable for topical applications where soothing is needed. The demarcation between emollient, anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic is rather meaningless here. |
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System Support This is a case where the practitioner must be at their most insightful. Ideally the nature of any underlying cause would identify what systems call for toning. However, with the exception of obvious allergy or contact irritant, this is problematic in a skin problem such as eczema. The skin calls for support, but additionally we can add the nervous system, digestive system, liver, immune system etc. etc. In many ways the conclusion will depend upon the herbalists personal theoretical interpretation of eczema, rather than the patients case history. |
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Specific Remedies For internal use, the leafy alteratives are often considered the closest we have to specifics for this often intransigent condition. These are also often diuretics and lymphatic remedies. Herbs that would be included in this group include: Fumaria officinalis -- Galium aparine -- Scrophularia nodosa Trifolium pratense -- Viola tricolor -- Urtica dioica The rooty alteratives tend to be hepatic in nature. They can often be too strong for eczema, aggravating the problem rather than healing. For intransigent case, unresponsive to the herbs above, stronger remedies are indicated. Effective examples for eczema are: Arctium lappa -- Berberis aquifolium -- Hydrastis canadensis There are an abundance of relevant herbs for topical application. The choice will often be decided on factors such as availability and esthetics. Examples here are: Calendula officinalis -- Hydrastis canadensis -- Stellaria media Plantago spp. -- Urtica dioica Relevant herbs for topical use abound. It must be bourne in mind that healing must be based upon internal medication and not salves. Select remedies based upon the actions most appropriate for the individuals' specific symptoms. Anti-pruritic: Chickweed (Stellaria media) is an extremely effective remedy for the relief of itching. The only situation is does little in is the itching of jaundice. It is most effective in a non-greasy form such as a bath, fomentation, poultice, lotion or cream. Distilled Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is another effective application. Anti-Infammatory: Plantain (Plantago spp.), Calendula (Calendula officinalis), St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and the anti-inflammatory essential oils can all be used. Emmolient: Comfrey (Symphytum officinalis), Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis), Mallow (Malva sylvestris), Slippery Elm (Ulmus fulva) etc. Astringent: Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) Vulnerary: Comfrey (Symphytum officinalis) Anti-microbial: Essential oils are all anti-microbial, most notably Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globus), Ti Tree (Melalucca spp.). Also consider Myrrh (Commiphora mol-mol) and Golden Seal (Hydrastis canadensis). This is discussed in more depth in the section on infection. One possible prescription for eczema: Galium aparine Urtica dioica Trifolium pratense equal parts to 5 ml of tincture three times a day Urtica dioica or Galium aparine, an infusion of the fresh herb drunk 2 or 3 times a day. This combination for internal use supplies the following actions: Alterative: Galium aparine, Urtica dioica, Trifolium pratense Lymphatic Tonic: Galium aparine, Urtica dioica Nervine Relaxant: Trifolium pratense Anti-Inflammatory: Galium aparine Diuretic: Galium aparine, Urtica dioica Hepatic: Galium aparine, Trifolium pratense (both are very mild thus avoiding over stimulation) A possible prescription for persistent eczema, unresponsive to mild alteratives : Galium aparine Arctium lappa Scrophularia nodosa equal parts to 2.5 ml of tincture three times a day build up dosage to 5ml three times a day Urtica dioica an infusion of the fresh or dry herb drunk 2 or 3 times a day. Care should be taken with Scrophularia nodosa initially as it can produce the opposite of the desired in some patients. If there is a flare up of the skin eruption, cut down on the Scrophularia and try again. This is not a `healing crisis'! This combination for internal use supplies the following actions: Alterative: Scrophularia nodosa, Galium aparine, Urtica dioica, Arctium lappa Lymphatic Tonic: Galium aparine, Urtica dioica Nervine Relaxant: Trifolium pratense Anti-Inflammatory: Galium aparine Diuretic: Galium aparine, Urtica dioica, Arctium lappa Hepatic: Galium aparine, Arctium lappa (both are very mild thus avoiding over stimulation) One possible prescription for atopic eczema associated with asthma: Urtica dioica 2 parts Trifolium pratense 2 parts Dyspnoea mixture 1 part to 5 ml of tincture three times a day the relative proportion of alteratives to dyspnoea mixture depends upon the patients specific needs. Urtica dioica or Galium aparine: an infusion of the fresh herb drunk 2 or 3 times a day. |
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Broader Context of Treatment: If dietary triggers can be identified, it is essential to avoid them completely. Often the specifics food restrictions that are called for can be a challenge to adhere to. This is especially the case with young children. The parents who must enforce the diet will need much support from the therapist (maybe some Scutellaria!). Even if there are no obvious food triggers, it is always worth excluding milk and milk products. It seems that this is especially the case with children who were not breast-fed, or weaned too soon. Researchers at the Hospital for Sick Children in London have shown that children often develop eczema when weaned from breast milk to cows' milk or other foods. Goats', soya or sheep's milk rarely trigger allergy problems. Common eczema triggers that are relatively easy to exclude include : Cows' milk, Eggs, Cheese, Fish, Sugar, Food additives |
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Supplements suggested for inclusion in a broad therapeutic approach to the
treatment of eczema by Drs. Pizzorno & Murray in A Textbook of Natural
Medicine include: Vitamin A 50, 000 IU/day Vitamin E 400 IU/day (mixed tocopherols) Zinc 50 mg/day as picolinate (decrease as conditions clears) Quercetin 1/8 - 1/4 teaspoonful 3 times a day Evening Primrose oil 2-4 capsules 3 times a day. As patient improves, switch to the less expensive flaxseed oil. Other authorities have recommended Vitamin C and Vitamin B complex in addition. Evening Primrose oil 2-4 capsules 3 times a day. As patient improves, switch to the less expensive flaxseed oil. Evening Primrose oil 2-4 capsules 3 times a day. As patient improves, switch to the less expensive flaxseed oil. Childhood eczema is best treated internally, using alterative remedies such as Cleavers, Nettles and Red Clover. These alteratives will be aided by combining them with a relaxing herbs such as Chamomile or Linden Flowers. A combination would be equal parts Cleavers, Nettles and Chamomile as an infusion. Add 1 teaspoonful of the combination to a cup of hot water and steep for 5-10 minutes. Drink 3 times a day. http://www.healthy.net/asp/templates/article.asp?PageType=article&ID=1300 |
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Herbs for Eczema Neem bark (Azidrachta indica) Manjishtha (Rubia cordyfolia) Neel nirgundi (Jysticia gendrussa) leaves Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Paras peepal (Portia tree) (Thespesia populacea) fruit Tuvrak (Hydrocarpus laurifolia) Coconut (cocos nucifera) oil Pau d'arco. My favorite of all herbs for my E. It's an antibacterial, antifungal and has anti-allergic properties. Great for controlling the staph problem of people with E. To be used internally or topically. Actions related to E: Analgesic, Antiallergic, Antibacterial, Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory & Antimicrobial. Licorice Second favorite herb for my E. It's an anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anti-allergic. Promotes adrenal function. To be used internally or topically. Actions related to E: Alterative, Antiallergic, Antifungal, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Demulcent & Emollient. Black Walnut Has antiseptic properties and is to used topically. Actions related to E: Alterative & Antiseptic. Borage Anti-inflammatory, excellent source of GLA. May be used internally or topically. Actions related to E: Anti-inflammatory, Demulcent, Emollient, Nervine & Tonic. Burdock An excellent blood purifier. Can be used internally or topically. Actions related to E: Alterative, Demulcent & Relaxant. Calendula Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial to be used topically. Actions related to E: Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial & Vulnerary. Chaparral An anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. May used internally or topically. Actions related to E: Antibacterial & Anti-inflammatory. Chickweed An antipruritic and anti-inflammatory to be used topically. Actions related to E: Anti-inflammatory, Antipruritic, Emollient, Refrigerant & Vulnerary. Echinacea An antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory. May be used internally or topically. Actions related to E: Alterative, Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Antiseptic & Antiviral. Evening Primrose Oil Anti-inflammatory, weak source of GLA, thus used in kids. May be used internally or topically. Actions related to E: Anti-inflammatory, Demulcent, Emollient, Nervine & Tonic. Goldenseal An antibacterial and anti-inflammatory that can be used internally or topically. Actions related to E: Alterative, Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial & Tonic. Nettle An anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory that is to used internally. Actions related to E: Antiallergic, Anti-inflammatory & Tonic. Oats Anti-inflammatory that can be used internally or topically. Actions related to E: Anti-inflammatory, Demulcent, Emollient & Nervine Red Clover Calms skin inflammations to be used internally. Actions related to E: Alterative & Anti-inflammatory. Sarsaparilla Another good blood purifier to be used internally. Actions related to E: Alterative. Tea Tree Oil Antimicrobial to be used topically. Actions related to E: Antimicrobial. Yellow Dock Blood purifier to be used internally. Actions related to E: Alterative & Tonic. |
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Eczema - Skin Irritations
Contents: Definition, Causes, Symptoms , Treatment Definition A generic term for acute or chronic inflammatory conditions of the skin, typically erythematous, edematous, papular, vesicular, and crusting; followed often by lichenifications and scaling, occasionally by duskiness of the erythema, and infrequently hyperpigmentation; often accompanied by sensations of itching and burning. Causes Allergies, herpesvirus type 1, vascular stasis. Most causes of eczema is unknown. Food allergies play a large part in most instances. Frequently eggs, wheat cereals, milk and certain fruits or berries. Lack of sunshine, fresh air, and constipation may be contributing factors. Symptoms Eczema may occur at any age but most frequently in infants. Most commonly on the face, but can appear on other parts of the body. It causes severe itching, burning, and stinging of the skin. Sometimes it begins with pimple like rash which develops into larger blisters filled with water. Usually the skin dries up and forms little scales that itch intensely. There are two kinds of eczema, dry and moist or weeping eczema. Both forms are usually worse during the winter months. Treatment Select alkaline foods. Bowels should be regular. Do not use soap and water for cleansing the skin; instead, use a weak boric acid solution. Using a salt solution of one tsp. to a quart of water is also helpful. Take equal parts of burdock root, yellow dock, yarrow, and marshmallow; using a heaping tsp. of this mixture of granulated herbs to a cup of boiling water, steep, strain, and drink one-half cupful 4-5 times a day. Healing herb salve should be applied freely to relieve itching and heal the skin. (Herbal Salve) Use granulated or powdered herbs. Use one pound of herbs to one and a half pounds of cocoa fat, or any pure vegetable oil, and four ounces of beeswax. It is necessary to use a little more beeswax in the warmer climates, as this is the ingredient that keeps the salve firm. Mix the above together, cover, and place in the hot sun or in an oven with the fire turned low for three or four hours. Strain through a fine sieve or cloth. When it is cold, it will be firm and ready for use. It can be used, however, before it is cold). Whenever eczema occurs in infants, gentle restraint off the hands must be used to prevent scratching of the lesions, which may result in infection. When an infant has eczema, he should not be vaccinated for smallpox, nor should he associate with other infants or children who have been recently vaccinated. |
| SKIN TROUBLES, ACNE, ECZEMA, BAD COMPLEXION Mix 2 oz. each of beet juice, celery juice, and tomato juice. Take 2 or 3 times a day. As a general blood purifier, take several times a week. |
| SKIN TROUBLES, ACNE, ECZEMA, BAD COMPLEXION Witch grass root Elecampane root Juniper berries Ground ivy Elder leaves & flowers Mix in equal parts. Steep 1 tsp. of mixture in 1/2 cup boiling water. Take 1/2 to 1 cup per day, unsweetened, in mouthful doses. Take daily over an extended period. |
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SKIN TROUBLES, ACNE, ECZEMA, BAD COMPLEXION Black elder leaves (1 part) Pansy (1 part) English walnut leaves (1 part) Speedwell (2 parts) Steep 1 tsp. in 1/2 cup boiling water. Take 1 to 1-1/2 cups per day, unsweetened, in mouthful doses |
| Cinnamon Branch Combination The following formula is for a weaker individual who has profuse perspiration and coldness. Cinnamon branch (6-9 gms) Peony root (6-9 gms) Licorice (3-6 gms) Jujube dates (3-5 pieces) Fresh ginger (3-4 slices) Formula for the common cold, flu, fever, headache, intolerance of wind, spontaneous perspiration and weakness. It is also helpful for morning sickness, postpartum treatment, and various skin disorders such as eczema, frostbite, tinea capitis (a fungal skin disease of the scalp). When stiff neck and shoulders are also present, add pueraria root (kudzu), (6-9 gms). |
| Eczema, also called dermatitis, is a patch of itchy skin where blisters form, then dry and become crusty. There is no cure, but treatments can make you comfortable and help prevent outbreaks. |
| Signs and Symptoms |
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a.. Itching b.. Red bumps c.. Blisters d.. Crusts e.. Swelling f.. Oozing g.. Scaliness |
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What Causes It? a.. Allergies to plants, chemicals, foods b.. Certain drugs c.. Vitamin or mineral deficiencies d.. Certain physical or psychological disorders |
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What to Expect at Your Provider's Office Your health care provider will look at your skin rash. He or she may ask about stress in your life, your diet, drugs you are taking, and chemicals or materials you may be exposed to at work, to find the cause of your rash. |
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Treatment Options Your health care provider may prescribe a skin cream to relieve itching and dryness. He or she may also suggest that you do the following. a.. Stay away from things that irritate your skin b.. Avoid alcohol and tobacco c.. Don't spend too much time in the sun d.. Lubricate your skin with oil, moisturizers |
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Drug Therapies a.. Topical and systemic corticosteroids-apply according to package directions for skin lesions; high-potency topical steroid applied early may stop the itching and the attack. One percent topical hydrocortisone for children; may use higher concentration in adults b.. Disulfiram-recommended for nickel allergy or dyshidrotic eczema c.. Oral cromolyn sodium-recommended for nickel allergy or dyshidrotic eczema d.. Zinc oxide-apply to areas of severe itching e.. Topical psoralen with special UVA light sources-to treat hands and feet |
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Complementary and Alternative Therapies Discovering which foods you are allergic to and avoiding them is important. Following nutritional guidelines and using herbs as needed may help reduce swelling and allergic reactions. Eczema may be associated with stress and anxiety, so mind-body techniques such as meditation, tai chi, yoga, and stress management may help prevent it. Starch, oatmeal, and other baths may temporarily relieve the symptoms. |
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Nutrition Note: Lower doses are for children. a.. Avoid foods you are allergic to. Common allergenic foods are dairy products, soy, citrus, peanuts, wheat, fish, eggs, corn, and tomatoes. b.. A rotation diet, in which the same food is not eaten more than once every four days, may be helpful in treating chronic eczema. c.. Eat fewer foods that cause inflammation, such as saturated fats (meats, especially poultry, and dairy), refined foods, and sugar. d.. Increase intake of fresh vegetables, whole grains, and essential fatty acids (cold-water fish, nuts, and seeds). e.. Flaxseed (3,000 mg twice a day), borage (1,500 mg twice a day), or evening primrose oil (1,500 mg twice a day) to reduce swelling. Children can be supplemented with cod liver oil (1/2 to 1 tsp. per day), or any of the above oils, 500 mg, twice a day. f.. Beta-carotene (25,000 to 100,000 IU/day), zinc (10 to 30 mg per day), and vitamin E (100 to 400 IU per day) to strengthen your immune system and help your skin heal. g.. Zinc spray can heal the affected tissue in some patients. h.. Vitamin C (250 to 500 mg two times per day) reduces your body's reponse to substances that cause allergies. Vitamin C from rose hips or palmitate is citrus-free and hypoallergenic. i.. Selenium (50 to 200 mcg per day) helps regulate fatty acid metabolism and keeps your liver healthy. j.. Bromelain (250 mg two to four times per day, taken between meals) reduces swelling. Flavonoids, found in dark berries and some plants, help reduce swelling, strengthen connective tissue, and help reduce allergic reactions. The following are flavonoids that may be taken in dried extract form. a.. Catechin (25 to 150 mg two to three times per day), quercetin (100 to 250 mg two to three times per day), hesperidin (100 to 250 mg two to three times per day), and rutin (100 to 250 mg two to three times per day). b.. Rose hips (Rosa canina) are also high in flavonoids and may be used as a tea. Drink 3 to 4 cups per day. |
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Herbs Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). a.. Herbs that help your skin heal and increase lymphatic drainage are useful for relieving eczema. Use the following herbs in combination as a tincture (15 to 30 drops three times per day) or tea (2 to 4 cups per day): burdock root (Arctium lappa), yellowdock (Rumex crispus), red clover (Trifolium pratense), cleavers (Galium aparine), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), peppermint (Mentha piperita), and nettles (Urtica dioica). To prepare a tea, steep the root elements for 10 minutes, then add the rest of the herbs and steep an additional 5 to 10 minutes. b.. Skin creams and salves containing one or more of the following herbs may help relieve itching and burning, and promote healing: chickweed (Stellaria media), marigold (Calendula officinalis), comfrey (Symphytum officinale), and chamomile (Matricaria recutita). c.. Marshmallow root tea (Althea officinalis) may soothe and promote healing of gastrointestinal inflammation that is often found with eczema. Soak 1 heaping tbsp. of marshmallow root in 1 quart of cold water overnight. Strain and drink throughout the day. |
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Homeopathy Although very few studies have examined the effectiveness of specific homeopathic therapies, professional homeopaths may consider the following remedies for the treatment of eczema based on their knowledge and experience. Before prescribing a remedy, homeopaths take into account a person's constitutional type. A constitutional type is defined as a person's physical, emotional, and psychological makeup. An experienced homeopath assesses all of these factors when determining the most appropriate treatment for each individual. Any remedy that causes aggravation of symptoms should be discontinued right away. a.. Calendula -- applied to the skin, particularly if the affected area is inflamed; this remedy soothes but does not cure the skin condition b.. Sulphur -- for redness, burning, itching, and hot skin that tends to worsen with washing and scratching c.. Urtica urens -- for large, red rashes (particularly those related to allergies) that itch and burn intensely d.. Rhus toxicodendron -- used as a remedy for inflamed skin resulting from direct contact with an irritating substance; some homeopaths use it to treat eczema |
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Acupuncture Acupuncture may help your immune system function better and reduce the allergic reactions that cause your eczema. |
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Following Up Eczema is usually just an annoyance, but it does recur and can become severe. Call your provider if it comes back frequently or grows worse. |
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Special Considerations Starting an infant on solid foods conservatively and gradually may help prevent the food sensitivities that can cause eczema. |
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Source and t © 2001 Integrative Medicine Communications: http://www.healthandage.com/html/res/com/ConsConditions/Eczemacc.html |
