Sukanya 8yrs old girl was suffering from dry, irritating, cracked and oozing skin for the last 4 yrs. Her mother consulted the dermatologist who diagnosed the condition as eczema. He prescribed the medicines along with many creams and lotions. Till she was applying creams it was reduced again it would come if she stops applying the cream. She was tired of applying lotion/ creams, soaps to her daughter’s skin. Her mother’s friend suggested her to consult a homoeopath. She came to my clinic. After taking detailed case history from her mother I talked to Sukanya. While taking her history I inquired about any kind of emotional trauma she had undergone in the past. Immediately her eyes became wet then she confided in me that 4yrs back her parents had a major argument in the house which had a deep impression on her mind. Since that episode she is in persistent fear. After about 3-4 months she started developing minor irritation on the skin which was continuously suppressed by external application. Gradually she developed eczema or atopic dermatitis. These types of skin cases homoeopaths often confront.
Our skin is the mirror of our internal being. Healthy skin depicts good health and unhealthy skin is the sign of disturbed health. Skin is the body’s largest organ covering the entire body. It receives, transports and expels according to the body’s needs. Homoeopathy considers skin problems to be a general bodily imbalance. Hence the treatment is constitutional and specific to the patient. Homeopathy does not advocate the use of external applications. Homeopathy recognises the body as a unified whole of physical as well as psychological components and address the problem deep within. Homeopathic medicines unlike antibiotics, anti-fungals, anti-parasitics or anti-virals do not target causative organisms. According to the conventional medicine skin disorders are exclusively local ailment so they are always concerned with removing the local affection by using the local application. As a result the toxin which nature wanted to throw away from the body by creating skin eruptions is pushed back inside. Thus we find momentarily relief but in long run relapses and recurrences are observed. Such relapses not only increase the duration of the disease but also make the condition worse. Moreover if the skin disease is continuously suppressed by the ointments, creams, gels etc some new diseases develops or in few cases skin diseases starts alternating with some other diseases. Only an experienced and qualified homoeopath can discern it.
Following are some of skin diseases which can be effectively treated with homoeopathy.
Eczema, urticaria, psoriasis, hair disorders, acne, pigmentation, seborrhic dermatitis etc.
Common viral skin infections -measles, chicken pox, herpes zoster, herpes simplex, warts, molluscum contagiosum etc,
Common bacterial infections of the skin- folliculitis, boils, fungal infections of skin etc.
Role of diet
Diet plays a very important role in having healthy skin.
Include plenty of fruits and vegetables. Choose low fat or fat free dairy products. Include nuts, beans and seeds in your favourite meals. Opt for whole grain bread and pasta, limit sweets. Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily.
Avoid diet high in processed or refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats. It promotes skin aging.
Patience is the key to treat the skin diseases with homoeopathy and results are remarkable.