Exit Wounds of Eczema

Eczema sometimes called atopic dermatitis is a persistent rash that produces a flaky, itchy, sometimes painful skin condition. Distribution seems to be in the interior or medial portion of the body compared to that of psoriasis which favors the external aspect of the body such as the elbows and knees. Some eastern medicines discern these two parts of the body as interior being yin and external being yang. The differences in appearance also demonstrate that psoriasis has a shinier look to it and eczema is just patches of dry and dead skin. A simple scraping test will reveal the difference as well. Treatment is usually steroidal medication applied topically, but of course this is not supposed to be used long-term. A more natural approach would be to use salves and lotions free of chemical additives and infused with healing plant properties like that from quality oil extracts rich in vitamins and antioxidants. Many chemicals found in plants will not only scavenge damaging oxide radicals, but also interact with white blood cells effectively stabilizing them preventing their release of pro-inflammatory molecules.
A potentially greater issue with persistent or untreated eczema is that it breaks down the protective barrier the skin provides you with, from both infectious disease and potentially those allergenic particles in the air. Eczema is sometimes referred to as atopic because unlike a contact dermatitis the distribution is not align with any topical irritant such as oils from a Poison Ivy leaf or other potentially allergenic compounds such as the fragrances found in your hygiene products. Eczema can frequently be a result of consuming foods that you are sensitive to or that are just generally highly inflammatory. What I have observed though in clinical practice, is that oftentimes this skin disease is a direct result of stimulating self-healing processes of the body.
Medical school taught me that sometimes things get darker before dawn and what individuals may experience when you treat them is what they described as a healing reaction. I have observed this in my own patient population, and one of the more challenging aspects of being a naturopathic physician is coaching those who have experienced this through it. How and why this occurs is still beyond me, but there are many potential biochemical explanations for this. What is important is being able to identify the difference between your patient generally worsening or that patient undergoing what I like to call, very simply, a sort of detoxification process that manifests in an outward manner. Eczema is one of the most common presentations and it will show most frequently on the extremities or generally the yin services, your torso, and the interior of the arm. If eczema is presenting in an outward or yang manner that is on the knuckles or on the lateral side of your feet, then this may be pointing towards an ongoing illness that has yet to be addressed. I'm most confident when my patients begin working with me and after making several positive changes in their life, they see that their skin becomes a little bit worse before getting much better. If you are considering purging your body of toxins, I recommend doing so with a naturopathic physician at your side. These highly trained doctors are capable of diagnosis and treatment with a wholistic and patient centered approach. At Moon Ridge Medicine, we can help you identify those obstacles to cure and one by one stimulate that self-healing power within all of us. With the help of botanicals and hydrotherapies, even nutraceuticals or pharmaceuticals, when necessary, we can provide you with how to safely remove medications and achieve a balanced life with the optimal health you deserve.

Natural Treatment: Dr. Arrington recommends natural remedies for eczema, including chemical-free salves and lotions infused with plant-based healing properties to counter inflammation and support the skin.
 
Eczema Understanding: Eczema is described as a persistent, interior skin condition, unlike psoriasis. It can weaken the skin's protective barrier and is not typically caused by external irritants but can be linked to food sensitivities and inflammation.
 
Healing Reactions: Dr. Arrington mentions that eczema can temporarily worsen as part of a healing reaction. Working with naturopathic physicians is advised to navigate this process and promote overall health using various treatments, including botanicals and pharmaceuticals when necessary.