Dermatitis
A general term for skin irritation, typically involving itchy, dry skin or a rash.
Historical context
Viewed historically as an external manifestation of internal heat or an over-burdened elimination system (the 'third kidney' concept in some traditions).
Common symptoms
- Red rashes
- Dry, cracked skin
- Itching
- Small bumps
Mechanisms
Inflammation of the skin caused by overactive immune response or external irritants. Holistic pathways seek to soothe the skin-gut axis and calm the systemic inflammatory field.
Associated modalities
- homeopathy
Clinical studies
- Effect of homeopathic treatment of 60 Japanese patients with chronic skin disease — Complementary Therapies in Medicine
- Homeopathy in paediatric atopic diseases: long-term results in children with atopic dermatitis — Pediatric Follow-up Study
- Prospective observational study of 42 patients with atopic dermatitis treated with homeopathic medicines — Homeopathy
- Homoeopathic versus conventional treatment of children with eczema: a comparative cohort study — Complementary Therapies in Medicine
Interesting facts
- Chickweed and Plantain leaves were traditionally used by American Indian tribes in salves to 'pull the heat' from inflamed skin conditions.