Allergic Skin disorders - World Class Holistic
Homeopathy Treatment
SKIN – Allergic Skin disorders
Our skin is a good barometer of how healthy the body is. A frequent
recurrent infection of the skin may indicate that the immunity system is weak.
Skin has its own interference with lifestyle in colour and texture. Our skin
controls and regulates the water content of the body. It protects body as
a covering and works as defence force against infection. It is helpful in
activating vitamin D when it is exposed to sunlight. If skin is damaged water
content will be lost. Infection will spread resulting in renal shut down and
collapse.
When skin or body is confronted with any other foreign substance, our
immune system counteracts to withstand any ill effects from that substance.
Antigen-antibody reaction will develop to inhibit all the ill effects. If this
is excessive and it creates disease like condition then it is called Allergy.
So the heightened reaction of the body to external agent is called Allergy.
Antigens developed from this reaction attach to blood cells and form mast
cells. When this gets contact with allergen, it secretes histamine which is
primary chemical conductor and responsible for allergic reactions. When the
body has been exposed to the elements known as allergen, which has been
previously exposed, allergies form on the body. Allergies are different types
as allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, asthma and allergic skin disorder. All
allergies are serious and very uncomfortable. Allergies can be due to any
foreign material –natural or artificial.
If any foreign substance enters into the nose, we sneeze. If this occurs
continuously as allergy then it is called as allergic Rhinitis. Likewise, if
there is any irritation in the skin, body reacts as red itchy swelling
initially, which in due course with subsequent exposure leads to allergic skin
disorder.
Skin allergy usually subsides by it self, and denotes about the bodies
sensitivity. If this is excess it becomes allergic skin disorder.
Skin allergies or Allergic Skin Disorders are a serious and uncomfortable
type. Any red, bumpy, scaly itchy, swollen skin can signify an allergic skin
condition. This is the result of immune reaction against an irritant. From an
overall healthcare the problem of allergy scare is dismissed as minor
annoyances without due consideration for diagnosis and treatment. The majority sufferers
are females leading to dismissal more readily than if the symptoms were
experienced by men. Allergy in some form occurs in all individuals.
SYMPTOMS OF SKIN ALLERGIES
Allergic skin condition can take several forms and are due to various causes. They
are:
Urticaria — Urticaria is a smooth flat red eruption with white
center called Hives. It appears, disappears or reappears suddenly, without
leaving any trace. It causes itching, burning and a stinging sensation anywhere
in the body. Acuteness may be caused due to scratching, pressure, aggravation
on the nerves, exercises or physical exertion, direct exposure to sunlight or
cold , metal, pollens, plants, chemicals, oils cream, food as crab, oyster,
prawn, tomato, lime and drugs like aspirin, anti inflammatory drugs, BP
medicines and pain killers. Hives are a result of histamine acting on the upper
layers of skin. Histamine is primary chemical mediator caused due to
antigen-antibody reaction.
The urticaria may be as:
·
Heat urticaria-allergy caused due to heat
·
Papular urticaria-allergy caused due to encounter of
flies or mites
·
Solar urticaria- a rare form of hive due to exposure to
UV radiation
·
Cold urticaria-allergy caused due to cold
·
Pressure urticaria- allergy caused due to tight dresses
or any tight situation.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
When skin comes in contact with an
allergic substance as plants, metals, dyes, rubber products, cosmetics and
medications, a reaction starts after 1 to 3 days leading to red, itchy,
inflamed skin known as Allergic Contact Dermatitis. It is more painful than
itchy when the agent in contact with skin is more concentrated. Cold soaks and
compresses can offer a relief. All age groups can be affected by contact
dermatitis and potential triggers may be found just about anywhere. The hands
and feet are the most common areas for contact dermatitis to occur. Usually,
these symptoms will occur only in the areas that actually came into contact
with the irritant or allergen.
Sun Rash
Some people have sensitive skin to the sun in spring and summer. For them,
exposure to sunlight results in a rash which may recur throughout summer. These
are small reddish blisters in areas exposed to sunlight. They are extremely
itchy. There is relief only during winter. For young ones it is very recurrent
since skin is very weak and it disappears as they get older.
Angioedema
Angioedema is a swelling resulting
from histamine action on deeper layers of skin and it may or may not occur with
hives. It is not red or itchy and mostly affects or occurs in soft tissues such
as eye-lids, mouth or genitals
Atopic Dermatatis (Eczema)
Atopic Dermatatis is allergic eczematous condition affecting mostly face,
elbows and knees. Itching leads to scales and flakes. In intense cases, oozing
will occur if a bacteria or viral infection is introduced by scratching. Common
causes are allergens, sweating, overheating, and emotional stress and strain,
and diet, irritants in the wool, pets, soaps, and other agents. This is most
common in children and individuals with asthma and allergic rhinitis.
DIAGNOSIS OF SKIN ALLERGY
A correct diagnosis along with proper therapy instituted early in the
course of the disease will minimise frustration. The diagnosis of skin allergy
can be made through:
Intestinal irritation-due to foods like crab, oyster, tomato and lime. Food
allergies are usually more difficult to determine. Hives can arise 12-24 hours
after consuming the food or food additive making it hard to recall what was
eaten earlier. External irritation-due to use of oil and creams, Emotion,
Climate changes Menstrual trouble, Suppressed sweat, Medications.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES FOR SKIN ALLERGY
About half the number of patients with chronic hives will have at least one
more episode of hives in their lifetime. The primary treatment for eczema is
that the patient should stop scratching and rubbing the rash. If any food is
identified allergic it should be eliminated from diet. Use sunscreens for sun
protection for photosensitive skin.
TREATMENT
Treatment also includes avoidance of stimulus, desensitization and stress
reduction.
In allopathy, usually anti-histamines, nerve inhibitors are used to control
allergy. It is temporary and works for only 12- 36 hours. This can be noticed
in patients who are in continuous exposure to allergen — for
example-occupational diseases. If patient takes drugs on long term, side
effects will also add to problems.
HOMEOPATHIC APPROACH FOR SKIN ALLERGY
The objective of taking treatment is to provide comfort. Homoeopathy
provides it without any side- effects. The homoeopathic approach is a
natural way to help the body by supporting the body’s own process of healing.
It involves the use of extremely diluted substances to heal the body through
the release of vital energy. The rule in homeopathy is that “like treats like”.
Homoeopath mostly selects the drugs with the aggravating factors like Taking
allergic diet, During full moon Intake of liquor, During menses period, During
menopause, On undressing, In open air, At night, especially after 12 p.m.
Also homoeo medicines will not shut allergy like switching off, but it
desensitises the body to the allergen by improving immunity. Thus it helps
patient to live in their circumstances.
The medicines mostly used are – Apis mel, Sulphur, Ledum, Pulsatilla,
Sepia, Croton tig, Arg Nit, Nat mur, Ignatia, Urtica urens, Hepa sulf,
Dulcamara, Rhus tox, Graphites, Petroleum, Acid sulp, Acid nit, Capsicum, Ars
alb, Causticum. These Medicines should be taken under the advice and diagnosis
of a qualified Homeopath.
for new hope
Dr. S.
Chidambaranathan, BHMS, MD (Homeo)
Laxmi
Homeo Clinic
24 E.
New Mahalipatti Road
Madurai,
TN 625 001
India
Tel: +91-452-233-8833 | +91-984-319-1011
(Mob)
Fax:
+91-452-233-0196
E-mail:
drcheena@yahoo.com
www.drcheena.com / www.drcheena.in
(Disclaimer
- The contents of this column are for informational purpose only. The content
is not intended to be a substitute for professional healthcare advice,
diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of healthcare professional for
any health problem or medical condition.)