Eczema: Frequently Asked Questions

Eczema is a non- contagious, allergic condition of the skin characterized by redness, itching, and the outbreak of oozing vesicular lesions which become encrusted and scaly having immunological and genetic factors in background. It is also known as atopic dermatitis.

Not necessary. Some cases of Eczema may remain mild for ever while some tend to spread. Not all cases are likely to have extensive Eczema. We have shown a wide range of cases to give wider understanding about the diseases.

Any patient who has just developed Eczema should understand that it is a skin disease but not just skin deep. It calls for long term management rather than short term recovery. There is no short cut to cure Eczema. Local creams or lotions help only for a short time and one should ask one's doctor about the 'long term nature and treatment' of this disease before starting any therapy.

Eczema may affect any part of the skin, especially the flexural areas like inside of elbows and knees, scalp, hands, around neck and other part. In case of infantile eczema, most common areas are face, cheeks, folds of joints.

Eczema is multifactorial disease caused by some allergens (like pollen, dust mites, mould, certain cosmetics, soaps, and detergents), exposure to hot or cold temperature, recurrent skin infection, certain food (like eggs, milk, peanuts, protein preparations, etc) backed by genetic predisposition. Stress is often an important trigger. Please read the links for details: Causes

Not really. Please read above answer.

The symptoms of eczema include skin rash, itching, dryness of skin, redness of skin, bleeding from skin, oozing from skin, etc.

No, it is not necessary that the Eczema will pass on to your child even though the genetic factor is in the background.

No, it is not contagious.

The main complications are - recurrent bacterial infection, alopecia and scarring if not treated.

Eczema and Respiratory disorders both are allergic conditions. In most cases, these two diseases alternate in occurrence. But it is not the fixed rule. However, these two are different conditions and should be treated separately.

Keep the skin moist by applying oil or moisturizer, bath less frequently, avoid using soaps and tight cloths, try to reduce mental and physical stress, avoid certain food and allergens etc.

Yes. You can apply coconut oil, olive oil, aloevera gel and any moisturizer to prevent dryness.

Please read in details about the conventional treatment, which is quick acting, short lasting, superficial and largely immunosuppressive in nature.

Homeopathy is an alternative medicine originated in Germany. Please click this for more information What is Homeopathy

The homeopathic treatment treats Eczema  very effectively and safely by correcting internal factors.

Homeopathic medicines treat Eczema very effectively, reasonably fast and without side effects

Yes you can start the treatment.

Cortisone is the most commonly prescribed medicine for Eczema but unfortunately, it is not the most curative medicine. The problem with the use of cortisone is that it gives temporary relief, as long as you use it. Another difficulty created by cortisone is that the disease comes back after stopping cortisone. Third problem is that the resurfaced diseases are more difficult to handle that when it started, as it becomes resistant.

During the course of the treatment of any disease in which cortisone in any form is used, the major challenge is to handle that period of cortisone withdrawal. Homeopathy certainly helps but it takes time; and it may not be as fast acting as cortisone. The patient has to endure the phase created due to cortisone withdrawal. Slowly, homeopathic medicine takes control of the situation by then the patient may not need cortisone. This may take time. The amount of time it takes to overcome cortisone withdrawal syndrome depends on the following points:

• Amount of cortisone used
• Duration of cortisone use
• Severity of disease
• Duration of the disease.

Patient's awareness about this fact and active cooperation helps us to overcome this crisis and treat the disease.

Homeopathic Medicines are 100% safe, herbal in origin and free from side effects.

No. Homeopathic medicines can be safely taken with the conventional medicines.

No. You can continue all other medicines for other diseases if you start with homeopathy. Homeopathy does not adversely interact with the conventional medicines.

Most patients start observing improvement within eight weeks. The entire treatment may go on for about four to twelve months depending on several factors (like duration, severity and extent of the disease).

Our study has shown success rate of over 85% in treating Eczema.

It can certainly be stated that homeopathic treatment can take Eczema into a long (disease free) remission, without any side effects. Some people may not get it for decades, while some may have a relapse which may again call for treatment.

The homeopathic medicines are largely sources from minerals, herbs, chemicals, etc. More information available at http://www.askdrshah.com/source-of-homeopathy-medicines.aspx

The length of time depends on the factors such as duration of Eczema, its extent, and the underlying cause, the affection of skin or scalp or flexural areas or two or more of them. Most patients are treated for about four to eight months. Every patient may have different response pattern. You can check curability chances through online assessment test.

The steroids or cortisone are never used in homeopathy. It is surprising that when homeopathy works very well, some people like to suspect that the medicines may contain some cortisone. Please visit the link for details: http://www.askdrshah.com/steroids-homeopathy.aspx