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| Standard Definition |
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Eczema (and dermatitis) refers to a group of skin disorders characterized by an itchy, red rash. Descriptions depend on cause and location on the body, but treatment is generally the same. Family history of hayfever, asthma, or atopic dermatitis often exists. Neurodermatitis is used to describe eczema that seems to have a major stress-related component. Many skin diseases cause somewhat similar rashes, so a proper diagnosis is important before embarking on treatment. |
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| Underlying Disruption in Function |
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Eczema can be caused by allergies, allergies secondary to digestive disorders (eg. hydrochloric acid deficiency), drugs, environmental exposures, or be secondary to immune diseases, genetic metabolic disorders, or nutritional deficiencies. Research has shown that the majority of children with eczema have food allergies, with avoidance of the allergen leading to significant improvement. Sufferers of eczema do not have the normal ability to process fatty acids, which can result in a deficiency of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). |
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| Possible Causes, Triggers & Exacerbating Factors |
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- Heredity
- Food, inhalant or contact allergens
- Coffee
- Stress, anxiety, sleep deprivation
- Compulsive disorders
- Essential fatty acid deficiency
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| Common Signs & Symptoms |
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- Red rash
- Itch
- Weeping, crusting or scaling lesions
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| Possible Additional Integrative Medicine Diagnostic Tests |
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This is additional information that does not replace nor negate conventional diagnosis. Other tests may be useful depending on the individual circumstance.
- Allergy and food intolerance testing
- Biochemical assessments
- Digestive function assessment
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