Wet eczema

Eczema is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition, which presents with an itchy skin, dryness and sometimes formation of blisters that oozes a thin sticky fluid. When the eruptions oozes, it is called wet eczema. It is a hereditary condition which is often associated with asthma, hay fever and other allergic conditions. The most common places of the lesions are in the elbow creases, behind the knees, on the cheeks, and on the buttocks.
Wet eczema might also be a sign of infection which is a common complication of excessive dryness and cracking of skin, as any bacteria or microorganisms can infect the skin due to the damage to the skin barrier. The dry patches of skin become red, scaly and itchy with formation of tiny blisters containing clear fluid. Weeping or oozing is a sign that the eczema has become infected, usually with the bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus.

Symptoms of Wet Eczema

• -Intense itching and oozing sores
• Small, raised bumps, which when scratched, leak fluid and later form crusts
• Thin, sticky fluid oozes from the affected skin area
• A red rash appears later followed by bumps of different sizes
• Frequent rubbing and scratching leads to formation of thickened plaques of skin

 

Causes of Wet Eczema

• The excessive skin dryness in case of eczema seems to be the effect of lack of or a mutation of the gene called filaggrins.
• Family history of eczema or other allergic conditions such as hay fever and asthma is a risk factor for eczema.
• Irritants from soaps, detergents, shampoos, disinfectants, etc can cause flare ups.
• Dust mites, pets, pollens, mold, and dandruff can lead to eczema.
• Bacterial infections such as staphylococcus aureus, viruses, and certain fungi can cause eczema and vice versa.
• Very hot or cold weather can bring out eczema.
• Stress can make the symptoms of eczema worse.
• Hormonal changes can worsen the symptoms of eczema, especially during pregnancy and at certain points in the menstrual cycle.

 

Types of Eczema

• Dyshidrotic eczema: eruptions on the palms and the soles with the formation of blisters.
• Nummular eczema: circular patches of irritated skin which is scaly, and itchy.
• Seborrheic eczema: oily, scaly, yellowish patches on the scalp and face.
• Xerotic eczema: skin cracks and oozes from excessive dryness.
• Allergic contact dermatitis: itchy skin from allergens.
• Stasis dermatitis: usually occurs in leg due to venous pooling.
• Complications of Eczema
• Asthma and hay fever
• Chronic itchy, scaly skin called lichen planus, where the skin become discolored, thick and leathery
• Bacterial or viral or fungal skin infections
• Irritant hand dermatitis
• Allergic contact dermatitis
• -Sleep problems due to itching

 

Management of Wet Eczema

• -Wet wrap therapy: wrap the affected area in a layer of wet gauze, cotton, or bandages, followed by a layer of dry bandages. It improves the moisture of the affected skin, and provides a physical barrier against scratching.
• Avoid skin irritants, such as soap, detergents and perfumes, etc.
• Avoid triggers such as environmental irritants such as pollens, extreme weathers, etc.
• Wash your body with a mild unscented soap and pat dry with a soft towel.
• Protech the hands with gloves while handling chemicals and irritants.
• Wear cotton gloves under plastic gloves to absorb the sweat from your hands.
• Wear clothes made of soft cotton since wool and some synthetic fabrics can irritate your skin.
• Take tub bath with lukewarm for a short time which good for your skin.
• Use a moisturizer daily and after every bath to seal the moisture and prevent cracks.
• Wash clothes in a mild washing powder and avoid fabric conditioners.
• Keep the pets out of the bedroom as the animal dander can make eczema worse.
• Avoid wearing tight-fitting, rough clothing.
• Avoid scratching the rash.
• -Avoid activities that make you hot and sweaty.

 

Homeopathic Medicines for Eczema

Graphites: It is one of the best homeopathic medicines for treating eczema. It is a good remedy for both dry eczema and moist eczema. Very rough and dry skin with intense irritation. In moist eczema, the skin eruptions ooze moist, sticky fluid. Eczematous eruptions between fingers and toes oozing glutinous discharge. Eczema of eyelids with red margins and scaly eruptions.

Natrum muriaticum: It is indicated for eczema in the bends of limbs, behind the knee and folds of skin between the elbows. The eruptions are dry, chapped, raw, inflamed and crusty in nature. Eczema with eruptions around the margin of the hairline.

Sulphur: It is indicated for eczema with excessive itching and rashes. Eczema with severe scratching followed by a burning sensation; worse evening, night time, summer and spring. The skin feels rough and dry. Warmth and washing increase the itching. The skin looks very dirty and unhealthy.

Psorinum: It is effective in treating dry, itchy eczema and scratching until it bleeds. Eczema worse in winter and better during summer. Eczema behind the ears.

Petroleum: This is one of the best medicines for eczema that gets worse during the winter. Skin is very rough, hard and thick. Deep cracks appear on the affected skin. The cracks may bleed in some cases. Burning and itching of the skin which is highly sensitive to the touch. Eczema with deep cracks on the fingertips.

Mezereum: It is indicated for eczema with thick, crusty eruptions on the scalp, which tend to form a leathery crust on the head. Intense itching especially at night. Discharge of glutinous or pus discharge along with blood; at times acrid with intolerable itching, moving here and there. Scalp eczema with matted hair together due to the sticky discharge.

Vinca Minor: It is also a very good medicine for eczema on the scalp. Eruptions in spots with oozing, matter hair and intolerable itching.

Arsenicum album: The best medicine for eczema accompanied by asthma or hay fever. Dry, rough and itchy skin with marked burning sensation. Cold may worsen the itching and burning. Eczema with asthmatic symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, constriction in the throat and chest.

Hepar sulphur: Eczema with pus and intense itching in persons susceptible to cold easily.

Dulcamara: Common homeopathic medicines for eczema occurring in damp or cold weather with thick formation of yellowish crust and intense itching.

Silicea: It is frequently used medicines for complaints of eczema with tendency to suppuration of skin injuries.

Lycopodium: It is indicated for chronic eczema where the skin becomes excessively dry and raw from itching. Thick and indurated skin due to eczema. Offensive secretions, fissured eruptions, and violent itching; worse warmth, better cold applications.

Kali sulphuricum: It is indicated for skin erupations characterized by yellow, slimy discharges and desquamation of the affected part. Papular eruptions with intense itching. The skin is very dry with tendency to ooze thin yellowish discharge.

Some of the best homeopathic products available for Eczema in India are Schwabe India’s Topi Cardiospermum, Calcarea sulphurica, Graphites Pentarkan, Topi Graphites Cream.