Homeopathic Remedies for Eczema

I get great results with homeopathics, not only in my naturopathic practice but as a mama to my 3 young children. My kids often pretend cough, or fake an injury to get some pellets, they actually call them candies! Homeopathic medicine is not only an effective treatment option, but is completely safe for anyone to take (insert; pregnancy, nursing mothers, babies, elderly, and medicated individuals).

They are also super easy to take, which is very helpful when you have a fussy child refusing to take any form of “medicine”. From little babies to pregnant mamas to individuals on prescription drugs, homeopathics do not have any negative side effects. The remedy will either work or if it’s not the right remedy, it simply won’t.

Homeopathic medicine is based on 2 ideas; the principles of “like curing likes” and using “micro-doses”.

Let’s look at the remedy Coffea cruda (commonly known and loved as coffee). When a person drinks coffee they may be sleepless, anxious or have an increased heart rate. Coffee as a homeopathic would be given to someone suffering from insomnia, who might have a rapid heart rate or be anxious. The idea is a substance (ie. coffee) that produces a set of symptoms in a healthy person (ie. sleeplessness), can eliminate that same symptom in a sick person (ie. insomnia). This is the meaning behind “likes curing likes”. Make sense? The real struggle with homeopathy is understanding its theory!

The second concept is “micro-doses”, or very small doses.

Homeopathics have been diluted from their original substance with water many times. Not to get too complicated here, but the water maintains the memory of the substance, and so homeopathy is often referred to as an energetic medicine. This is why it is so safe to take.

Remedies are made from plants, animals, and minerals. They are usually taken in small round pellets but can also be bought as a liquid. To take the remedy all you need is a clean mouth (not with food or beverage), and let the remedy sit under the tongue. The pellets will take a few minutes to dissolve. For young children, I often recommend crushing the pellets between 2 spoons or dissolving the pellets in a little water and then putting it in your little one's mouth. The directions of how to use the remedies are clearly labeled on the bottle, or you are following your health providers prescription.

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The last important concept is you need to pick the remedy based on what best matches the person’s symptom picture. Consider what the illness looks like, the temperament of the person, what makes the condition better and what makes it worse. The amazing thing about homeopathics, is when you get the right remedy, it works! Honestly, it feels like magic! It works so quickly and well that people are often amazed. The key is getting the right remedy, and that is where a professional can help.

Let’s discuss some remedies for skin health, specifically for eczema prone skin. I have cross compared some of the most common eczema remedies and italicized some of the symptoms most prominent for that remedy.

This is the most common remedy for eczema and skin health.

Key Symptoms: Itching that must be scratched. Scratching can lead to bleeding. Redness of a rash. Eczema is moist. Skin has a dirty appearance. Discharge develops with an offensive eggy smell (gross, I know!). Can be associated with diarrhea.

Symptoms are worse: warmth of a bed, overheated, bathing, sweating, 11 am (mid-morning).

Symptoms are better: cold weather, cold applications (ice packs, cloths)

Another common eczema remedy. Can easily be confused with sulphur. Those who need psorinum are anxious, chilly, with symptoms worse at night.

Key Symptoms: intense itching that must be scratched. Can scratch to the point of bleeding. Eczema that occurs behind the ears. Depression with eczema. Infected eczema. Offensive discharge. Individual often feels chilly.

Symptoms are worse: cold applications.

Symptoms are better: warm weather and clothing.

Key Symptoms: This eczema oozes a thick yellow or honey-like discharge. The skin is dry, rough or hard with thick skin that cracks. Rawness in the folds of the skin, behind the ears, neck and groin. The skin heals slowly. Can be associated with asthma.

Symptoms worse: night, warmth.

Symptoms better: skin being wrapped.

Key Symptoms: Eczema that is intensely itchy. Small blisters can break on scratching and ooze a watery fluid. Skin is red and swollen. Rash on hands, arms, genital region. Individual is restless.

Symptoms worse: cold air, cold damp weather, getting wet, on first waking up in the morning.

Symptoms better: warm, dry weather, hot water, movement/motion.

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Key Symptoms: These individuals are very restless, with a fear of germs, dirty things and catching an illness. Eczema is very dry and rough, red, burning, and occurs in patches, especially in the hands. They tend to be very chilly.

Symptoms worse: cold air, when anxious, at night.

Symptoms better: warmth.

Using homeopathy to raise the health of an individual can be a powerful tool for those with eczema. Remember eczema is a systemic disorder that has to do with over-activity of the immune system. It’s not just a skin deep problem. The correct homeopathic needs to be selected along with the right nutrition and supplement recommendations to help treat the whole person. People with eczema should consult with a health professional. With the right support, I do believe healing will happen.

Have you had success with homeopathics? Share your experience in the comments below!