Understanding and Treating Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition that can range from mildly irritating to completely debilitating. In it's most common presentation, it appears as dry, itchy patches, typically on the folds of the skin, that can bleed, ooze, and weep, causing quite an uncomfortable state of being for the patient.
There are two very distinct views on the causes of this skin irritation. From a Western Medical perspective, this is seen as an irritation cause by external factors (climate, detergents, heat, etc.) and is so treated with various creams and lotions, mostly containing a type of corticosteroid or antihistamine. These topical medications are used in segments of 3-5 days and they supress the outward symptoms of the condition. Yet typically these symptoms return even more severely and another application of topical medication is needed to supress the symptoms again. This is the cycle most people experiencing eczema in our Western culture endure until a younger patient sometimes grows out of it or the level of medication is increase exponentially and the patient lives in a constant state of symptom management.
The second of the two distinct views of this condition is that of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) which looks at the symptoms as an indicator of a deeper imbalance in the body. TCM focuses on creating an environment that supports the body's ability to heal itself through herbs, accupunture, and other modalities, all working with the body's symptoms and rhythms rather than supressing them. There have been various studies conducted showing the effectiveness of TCM practices. In one study, half of the eczema patients recieved treatment using herbs in a salve and also took herbs internally while the other half recieved a placebo. Within 3 weeks of treatment, the patients receiving the TCM treatments were nearly completely symptom-free while the patients receiving the placebo were unchanged.
Other causes of eczema are starting to become more accepted in the west. Diet (particularly dairy and gluten) and stress levels are now being linked to this condition.
Massage is also becoming a more accepted treatment for eczema. Not only does massage and theraputic touch reduce stress levels, but it also promotes circulation to the affected areas when done in the appropriate manner by a licensed therapist. The massage technique should include massaging around the affected area with minimal heat or oils applied directly.
Though eczema can seem to have numerous causes and viewpoints on treatment, it is an disharmony that can absolutely be managed when the body is given the environment to return to balance.

References:
Nautaltherapypages.com.au
Pacificcollege.edu