Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition which appears as dry skin with patches that are red and intensely itchy. These patches can become scaly, crusted or hardened. The symptoms can be anywhere from mild, moderate or severe and it mostly depends on what is causing the eczema. In general, individuals will suffer from very dry and sensitive skin. The itch may be so bad that they scratch their skin until it bleeds, which can make the rash even worse, leading to even more inflammation and itching.
Eczema can occur anywhere on the skin and it is most commonly found on the flexors (bends of the arm and backs of the knees). The exact cause of eczema is unknown; however, it has been linked to genetics, immune function and environmental factors. This condition may also be seasonal. Some complications of eczema include skin infections, neurodermatitis, eczema herpticum and eye complications.
For thousands of years, traditional Chinese medicine such as acupuncture has been used to treat a variety of conditions; from internal health problems to skin disorders. Many seek acupuncture for skin disorders as it is less invasive and does not involve the use of chemicals (such as atopic creams). For this skin disorder acupuncture points would be stimulated along the arms, legs and wherever the flare up might be. The stimulation of these points would increase the production of endorphins and activate the immune and endocrine systems to help fight the eczema. The acupuncture needles would be placed and retained for about 10-20 minutes. There is no way to say exactly how long it will take for the results to become noticeable, but I would recommend a course of 8-10 treatments would be quite effective.
Aside from the acupuncture, we would also recommend a change in diet as it can contribute to the flare ups. Generally, people with skin disorders should avoid: alcohol, fish, shrimp and crab and eat a diet rich in vegetables and fruits. If you or someone you know is suffering from eczema or if you’re still unsure about how can acupuncture help eczema; give me a call at (506) 608-9978 to book an appointment.