Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is an inflammation of the outer layers of the skin. This usually happens when the skin is exposed to substances that irritate it. Eczema can be caused by infections, allergic reactions, types of clothing, stress, medicine, types of household cleaners and sweating. People with eczema often scratch the affected area, which quickly gets red, blotchy, scaly and, if not treated, infected. Many forms exist.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

• Inflammation
• Itching
• Crustiness
• Blistering
• A watery discharge from pustules on the skin

A word of caution: Talk to your doctor before taking any supplement or herb. You have no way of knowing if your herb or supplement interferes with a health condition you have or a medication you take. You do not know about the purity or quality of a supplement, and much of the research on these substances is scant and questionable. Also, supplements in high concentrations can be dangerous. Your doctor is the best person to talk with about your concerns.

Conventional treatments

Topical corticosteroids such as betamethasone and hydrocortisone may help relieve the usual swelling, redness and itching.

Related Article What Triggers Eczema?

External Sources National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine of the National Institutes of Health. Health Information. Accessed May 31, 2007. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine of the National Institutes of Health. What is CAM? Accessed May 31, 2007. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine of the National Institutes of Health. Dietary and Herbal Supplements. Accessed May 31, 2007.

This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.