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Skin Wellness

Red & Itchy Skin: Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

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Atopic dermatitis is caused by a hypersensitivity reaction in the skin. This is kind of like an allergy, but dermatitis is not caused by allergies. The result is inflammation and redness, sometimes with itching. Atopic dermatitis is most common in infants younger, some of which outgrow eczema as they enter adulthood. It is very common for people with atopic dermatitis to also have asthma or seasonal allergies, a family history of asthma, allergies or eczema, or food sensitivities or intolerances. Atopic dermatitis is not caused by allergies, but there is a connection between the two. We often see in the clinic that dermatitis gets worse when exposed to the substances to which they are allergic.

Cause – TCM Perspective

There are a number of causes of eczema. Illness arises as a result of some kind of imbalance in the body. The main causes of these imbalances are stress, improper diet, toxin buildup, and other lifestyle and emotional factors. From a modern perspective, we also have to consider hormone imbalances and infection. Some TCM Scholars insist that if Pregnant women eat too much spicy and Burned Food, baby could accumulate ‘Toxic Heat’ within his own body, which later becomes the cause of Eczema.

Cause – Western Biomedical Perspective

The cause of eczema is unknown. What scientists believe is happening is the immune system reacts to an irritant, allergen or other offending substance, or even a phantom substance. Once the immune system is activated, it fails to shut off when the substance is removed. The immune system then acts on the body itself, in this case the skin.

Treatments

Herbal medicine (internal & topical), Acupuncture (Plum Flower Acupuncture and Ear Acupuncture), Moxibustion, and Herbal Bath: The course of treatments always depends on how long the condition lasted. In general, the chronic conditions like Eczema take six to twelve months for complete recovery.