Eczema and Naturopathy

Eczema is a skin disorder that causes itchy and scaly skin. It usually occurs on the face, arms, elbows, and knees. Persistent scratching can break the skin and cause inflammation. It can also lead to a bacterial or fungal infection.


Eczema is described as atopic dermatitis. This means that a person suffering from eczema will have a life-long tendency to skin allergies. Eczema can occur at any age even in children under the age of five. While it may improve over time, many suffer from the condition throughout their life.



Natural treatments, offered by downtown Vancouver Naturopathic Care, provide patients with relief from the irritating and uncomfortable symptoms of eczema.


Causes

Research is still being conducted into the exact causes of eczema. However, it is known that the skin inflammation can be caused by temperature, environmental changes, sweat, allergies, mental stress, and susceptibility to infections. Eczema can be also be caused when the skin is exposed to chemical irritants such as harsh soaps, detergents, creams, pesticides, perfumes, and alcohol.


Many people with chronic skin disorder eczema are also prone to lifelong ailments such as asthma. Although eczema is not contagious, it is known to be hereditary. Furthermore, many women who have the skin disorder notice changes in their skin during different phases of menstrual cycle and pregnancy.


To reduce causative factors and the frequency of eczema attacks, many suffers are choosing Vancouver Naturopathic Care. Natural treatments and remedies used in Vancouver Naturopathic Care help reduce the frequency of skin inflammation, as well as the condition’s severity.


Symptoms

At its onset, eczema starts with symptoms of itching followed by a patchy and scaly rash. Patients, who scratch this rash, can break the skin and open a path for bacterial or fungal infection. Some people may develop red bumps filled with fluid that moistens the rash if scratched.


Symptoms of eczema can be reduced considerably by using the natural treatment methodologies of downtown Vancouver Naturopathic Care.


Diagnosis

Physicians usually base their diagnosis of the eczema on a physical examination. Patients may also be referred to take further tests such as a skin biopsy. In skin biopsy, a patch of skin is removed and tested against different substances. This test helps physicians to discover the allergic substances that are irritating the skin of their patients. Physicians may also inquire about medical history of patients and their family members.


Treatment

Treatment is usually based on the type and severity of the problem, as well as the medical history and age of the patients. Generally, anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines, antibiotics, and steroid creams are prescribed to provide relief from the itching. In certain severe cases, phototherapy and systemic medications such as corticosteroids, and cyclosporine may also be used.


Vancouver Naturopathic Care

Natural treatments offered by Vancouver Naturopathic Care are also known to provide a great amount of relief from eczema and its symptoms. For example, simple dietary variations suggested during Vancouver Naturopathic Care can help you prevent eczema or reduce its occurrence. It also recommended that sufferers hydrate their skin by drinking adequate amounts of water, using natural moisturizes, and avoiding moisture stealing soaps.

Natural and herbal anti-inflammation creams recommended during Vancouver Naturopathic Care can help in reducing skin inflammation. Certain natural supplements are also known to provide ample relief from eczema-related symptoms.