Eczema, also known as Atopic dermatitis, can inflame or irritate your skin causing itchiness, rashes, dry patches, and infection. While its exact cause is unknown, it is linked to genetic and environmental factors,particularly in those with a family history of allergies or asthma. Management includes regular moisturizing, avoiding triggers.
Statistics worldwide show that eczema affects about 204 million people worldwide (2.6% of the population), it is more common in children (4%) than adults (2%) and slightly more prevalent in females (2.8%) than males (2.4%). High-income countries,especially Sweden, the UK, and Canada, have the highest rates. The incidence has increased over the years, with food allergies contributing to 20–30% of moderate to severe cases, commonly triggered by cow's milk, wheat, and peanuts.Eczema also disrupts sleep for 67% of affected children and 15–30% of adults,highlighting the need for effective management and increased awareness.
Statistics in India-Eczema commonly affects children, with 2.7% of those aged6–7 years and 3.6% of those aged 13–14 years are affected. Among adults, about10% have eczema, while prevalence in the elderly varies: 18.2% of those aged81+, 13.1% of those aged 66–70, and 6.3% of those aged 71–80. Genetic factors significantly influence the risk, alongside early-life and environmental exposures.
Treatment-
- Regularly applying moisturizer twice daily helps maintain hydration and skin barrier function.
- Topical steroids effectively reduce inflammation and flare-ups but do not help with recurrence. Practicing short, warm baths instead of long, hot ones prevent skin dryness.
- Choosing breathable,non-irritating fabrics like cotton and using unscented laundry detergents can minimize irritation.
- Avoiding rubbing or scratching and keeping nails short helps prevent skin damage and infection.
Homoeopathy with its holistic approach aims at not just quick but sustained relief addressing all the other areas of life that may be contributing to the disease.Let us be your Sarathi on your journey to a healthier, happier YOU.