What Is Eczema and How Do Naturopathic Doctors Treat It?

First of all, you will be wondering what is eczema?

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that commonly appears during infancy and childhood. It affects close to 20% of children.

But, what does it look like?

Eczema often presents as dry skin with red and itchy patches that may ooze, crust, appear scaly or harden.

And can eczema spread?

It can come and go and migrate around the body but is often seen on the areas where we flex (e.g. inner elbows and back of knees).

How Do Naturopathic Doctors Treat Eczema?

Eczema is one of the most common pediatric complaints we see in clinic.

Naturopathic doctors apply a unique paradigm in eczema treatment by targeting the underlying factors that are triggering an inflammatory response in the skin.

A thorough naturopathic assessment combined with relevant functional medicine testing can be done to gain a better understanding of the root causes or triggers that are unique to every patient.

What Are Some Common Eczema Causes?

The causes are often multi-factorial and there are many potential underlying factors.

These can range from genetics, food and environmental sensitivities, vitamin and mineral insufficiencies, sluggish elimination pathways, impaired inflammatory response patterns, overactive immune response, cortisol dysregulation to digestive and gut imbalances.

All of which need to be assessed properly by a naturopathic doctor.

What Are Some Common Naturopathic Treatments for Eczema?

Well, that would depend on what is causing or triggering the skin inflammation that we see with eczema.

Treatment plans are customized to suit the needs of every patient and may include vitamin/mineral supplementation, herbal medicine, diet and nutrition, homeopathy, and traditional Chinese medicinals.

About the Author
Dr. Vivian Bizios ND focuses on pediatric health and can be consulted with at our clinic. Get in touch for a free 15 min consultation!