AGARICUS MUSCARIUS.

AGARICUS MUSCARIUS.

Amanita muscaria. Agaricus muscarius. Fly Agaric. Bug Agaric. Champignon fou. (Europe, Asia, and America; in dry places, especially in dry pine woods.) N. O. Fungi. Trituration of the carefully dried-up cap (pileus); or tincture of the fresh fungus.

Clinical

Acne rosacea. Blepharospasm. Brain, softening of. Bunion. Chilblains. Chorea. Coldness. Cough. Cramp. Delirium tremens. Dysmenorrhœa. Enteric fever. Epilepsy (with great exertion of strength). Gangrene. General paralysis. Hyperpyrexia. Itching. Jaundice. Lachrymal fistula. Lichen. Lumbago. Meningitis. Myopia. Neuralgia. Numbness. Nystagmus. Phthisis. Rheumatism. Sacrum, pains in. Sebaceous tumours. Sexual excess, effects of. Spinal Irritation. Spleen, affections of. Starting. Stitch in side. Tic Convulsif. Toothache. Tremors. Typhoid fever. Typhus.

Characteristics

As Agaricus is used in many parts for making an intoxicating drink, we find in alcoholism a sphere for its action, and also in all states of delirium, mania, and even idiocy. A peculiarity of the delirium is to make verses and prophesy; also silly merriness, and incoherent talk, with mania; kisses companions. Talcott considers Agaric. gives the nearest approach to general paralysis of all remedies; exalted notions of grandeur and power, hilarity, and excitement followed by depression, confusion, imbecility. Accompanying bodily symptoms are vertigo (marked and persistent), with constant impulse to fall backward; twitching about eyes and face, redness without heat, puffy and distorted. Ravenous appetite, with bolting of food. Sexual appetite enormous and enthusiastic, with relaxed penis and impotence. Throughout the body there are spasmodic twitchings, followed by waning tremulousness; finally relaxation and exhaustion. In all these respects the drug accurately corresponds with the disease. Typhoid states often call for it, and also epilepsy. Rolling of the head is a leading indication for it in brain affections and fever. Peculiar headaches are: "Throbbing headache, with sensation of stiffness of muscles of face." "Dull, drawing headache in the morning, extending into root of nose, with nose-bleed or thick mucous discharge." "Pain as from a nail in right side of head." One of the most characteristic of the Agaricus effects is the muscular jerking and twitching it sets up. This renders it appropriate in large numbers of cases of chorea. Twitchings are especially marked in the eyes, eyelids, and facial muscles; and Agaricus has cured many cases of blepharospasm and tic convulsif. Pain as if touched or pierced by needles of ice is very characteristic. Belonging to a low order of vegetation Agar. produces fetidity of breath, eructations, and stools. Sweat may be oily but is not offensive. Agar. is a spleen medicine, causing stitch in the side, and it has cured stitch in runners, enabling them to run further. The symptoms of Agaricus are apt to appear at the same time on opposite sides of the body but diagonally (right upper and left lower, or vice versâ). The nervous patients requiringAgar. pass little urine (opp. Ign.), though the bladder may be irritable.

Mushrooms are among the articles of diet forbidden by Grauvogl to persons having the "hydrogenoid constitution," as described by him, in which the patients are exceedingly sensitive to cold and damp. Agreebly with this we find in the provings of Agaricus great sensitiveness to cold air. All symptoms are <in cold weather, especially headache. Looking out of an open window causes toothache and pains in the limbs. Drinking cold water <Symptoms are < before a thunderstorm. At the same time many symptoms of intense coldness are produced: cold and blue; sensations as if touched with ice, or ice-cold needles. All the symptoms of frostbite and chilblains (itching, redness, and burning). Somewhat allied to chilblains is bunion, for which Agar. has been found specific by many practitioners. Many symptoms appear when walking in the open air; this is a very general and characteristic aggravation. On the other hand, all symptoms are < indoors and at rest, except vertigo, which may be either < or > in a room. Conversely to sensitiveness to cold there is sensitiveness to the rays of the sun, and sunstroke is within the curative range ofAgaric. < After moving, and by pressure from without.

Relations

Compare: Bovista; Sticta pulmon.; Act. r.; Can. ind.; Op.; Stram. (alcoholism, chorea); Coff. (ecstasy); Cicut. (spasm of eyes); Codein (spasm of eyelids); Mygale; Tarent.; Verat. alb. (icy-cold feeling in head); Ars. (hot needles; Agar. ice-cold needles) Agar. stands between Stram. and Lach. It is antidoted by: Charcoal; coffee; wine; brandy; camphor; fat or oil (relieves stomach); Calc. c. (relieves icy coldness); Puls.; Rhus (nightly backache). It follows well: Bell., Calc. c., Merc., Op., Puls., Rhus, Sil. Is followed by: Tarent. (typhoid with "rolling of the head"). Teste includes Agar. in his Belladonna group.

Causation

Coitus, subjective symptoms arising after. Frost. Sun. Fright. Mental application or excitement. Over-exertion. Sexual excess. Alcoholism. Blood poisoning.

1. Mind

Aversion to conversation.─Indisposed to perform any kind of labour, esp. mental.─Exuberant fancy.─Ecstasy.─Inclination to make verses and to prophesy.─Mania, timid, or furious, with great display of strength.─Embraces companions and kisses their hands; alternately with vexation.─Silly merriness.─Great loquacity; sings, talks, but does not answer questions.─Delirium, tries to get out of bed.─Delirium constant, knows no one, throws things at the nurse.─Delirium tremens.─Morose, self-willed, stubborn, slow in learning to walk and talk.

2. Head

Dizziness, as from intoxication, principally in the open air, in the morning, and on reflecting.─Vertigo, with impulse to fall backward.─The bright light of the sun instantly produces a dizziness, so as to occasion falling.─Piercing pains in the head when seated.─Dull pain, chiefly in the forehead, with drawing of the eyelids.─Drawing pains in the head, extending to the eyes and root of nose, principally on waking in the morning.─Pain, as if a nail were driven into the head; < when sitting quietly; >by slowly moving about.─Digging pain and sensation as from a bruise in the brain.─Semilateral cephalalgia; pulling and pressing with confusion in the head.─Beating in the vertex, with almost furious despair.─Pressure in the head to the bottom of the brain, increased by pressure or contact of the hair, and accompanied by a complete loss of energy.─Sensation of icy coldness in the head; on the scalp, r. side of frontal bone.─A jerking sensation in the forehead and in the temple.─Great sensitiveness of the scalp, as from subcutaneous ulceration.─Itching of the hairy scalp, esp. early in the morning.

3. Eyes

Itching in the eyes.─Burning sensation in the internal corners of the eyelids, which are painful on being touched.─Pressure in the eyes.─Humour in the corners of the eyes, and agglutination of the lids.─Twitching of the eyelids and eyeballs.─The cleft of the eyelids growing narrower.─Canthi itch, burn, are red; <from touch; stick together (lachrymal fistula).─A viscid yellow humour glues the eyelids together.─Weakness and confusion of vision, as from a mist before the eyes.─Brownish spots (like flies) before the eyes.─Black motes before the eyes.─Myopia.─Diplopia. Muscular asthenopia; nystagmus; squint.─Clonic spasms.

4. Ears

Otalgia excited and aggravated on the admission of free air.─Itching in the ears, with redness and burning pain, as from chilblains.─Buzzing in the ears.

5. Nose

Excoriation and inflammation of the nostrils, with painful sensibility.─Itching in the interior and on the exterior of the nose.─Blood on blowing the nose, and bleeding at the nose.─Increased acuteness of smell.─Frequent sneezing without coryza. Dryness of the nose.─Flow of clear water from the nose, without coryza.

6. Face

Tearing in the face and jaw bones.─Twitching in the (r.) cheek.─On waking, pain in l. jaw-joint, so violent, he can scarcely open his mouth.─Itching, redness, and burning in the cheeks, as if from chilblains.─Palpitations and pulsations in the cheeks.─Bluish lips.─Burning fissures in the upper lip.─Herpetic eruption, principally on upper lip.─Spasmodic drawing in the chin and in the lower jaw.─Needle-like prickings in chin; chin covered with minute blisters.

7. Teeth

Tearing pains in the teeth, aggravated by cold.─Tearing in the lower molar teeth, < from cold air.─Shooting from r. lower teeth up to r. side of head.─Gums swollen, painful, and readily bleeding.

8. Mouth

Pain, as from excoriation in the mouth and in the palate.─Excoriation of the tongue.─Tongue, after a meal, covered with aphthæ of a dirty yellow, with a sensation as if the skin were being taken off.─Tongue coated white.─Neuralgic splinter-like pains in tongue with salivation.─Ulcer on the frænum of the tongue.─Offensive smell of the mouth, as after eating horse-radish.─Foam about the mouth.─Flow of bitter saliva.─Speech inarticulate.

9. Throat

Dry fauces and pharynx, causing contraction and difficulty of swallowing; with ravenous appetite.─Pressure in fauces as though a foreign body stuck there which could not be removed by swallowing.─Induration of tonsils.─Tension in thyroid gland; < towards evening; feels cravat too tight.─Throws up small floculi or solid lumps of phlegm almost without any cough.

10. Appetite

Insipid and fetid taste in the mouth.─Want of appetite for bread.─Hunger, with want of appetite.─Attacks of bulimy, chiefly in the evening.─After a meal, pressure in the stomach and the abdomen, with fulness.─Very drowsy after dinner.

11. Stomach

Eructations alternately with hiccough.─Eructations, with the taste of the food that has been taken.─Frequent empty eructations; or with the taste of apples; or with the taste of rotten eggs.─Nausea, with cutting pains.─Inclination to vomit immediately after a meal.─Pressure on the stomach, and in the precordial region, after a meal.─Pain resembling cramp and oppressive heaviness in the stomach.

12. Abdomen

Shootings (sharp needle-like pains) in the hepatic region.─Prickings in the region of the spleen during and after inspiration.─Stitch in side from running.─Cutting and pinching pains in the abdomen as from diarrhœa.─Moving about and rumbling noise in the abdomen.─Abundant expulsion of flatulency of a fetid odour, like that of garlic.

13. Stool and Anus

Hard stools of a dark colour after a period of constipation.─Loose stools in the form of pap, with flatulency and severe colic.─Loose stools, a painful drawing in the stomach and in the abdomen.─Tingling in the anus.─Itching in the anus, as from worms.─Dysenteric flux.─Diarrhœa of children, with grass-green, bilious stools.─Fetid stools.

14. Urinary Organs

Urine scanty and infrequent.─Urine clear, and of a yellow (lemon) colour.─Flow of viscous mucus from the urethra.

15. Male Sexual Organs

Increase of sexual desire, with flaccidity of the penis.─Scanty emission in coition.─After coition great weakness and nocturnal sweat.─Itching in the genitals.─A sensation of drawing in the testes.

16. Female Sexual Organs

Awfully bearing-down pains almost intolerable.─Menses too profuse and early, with tearing, pressive pains in back and abdomen.─Itching and irritation of the parts with strong desire for an embrace.─During menses: headache, toothache, pain and itching in l. ear, > by boring; labour-like pains; pains in l. arm; itching; palpitation; salivation.─Leucorrhœa, with much itching internally and externally.

17. Respiratory Organs

Expectoration of small globules of mucus, almost without cough.─Spasmodic, convulsive, nervous cough, which may provoke secondary hæmorrhage.

18. Chest

Respiration short and laboured, with difficulty of walking, even slowly.─Respiration difficult, as if the chest were full of blood.─Oppressive constriction of the chest, with a necessity for frequent and deep inspirations. Pain principally in the lower part of the chest, as if its contents were compressed.─Prickings in the chest.─Copious nocturnal sweat upon the chest.─Itching of the nipples.

19. Heart

Stitches; burning, shooting pains in region of heart, extending to l. shoulder-blade; < by coughing, sneezing, or deep inspiration.─Oppression in cardiac region as if thorax narrowed.─Painful palpitations of the heart.─With heart symptoms, paralysed feeling in l. arm and hand.─Pulse weak, dicrotic, intermittent.

20. Neck and Back

Pain as from fatigue and dislocation in the back, at the nape of the neck and in the loins, esp. when sitting or lying down.─Painful weakness in the muscles of the back.─Sensation of soreness and great weakness in the back.─Paralytic pain in the loins, increased by walking or by standing.

21. Limbs

Limbs affected diagonally; l. forearm, r. thigh; r. knee, l. hand.─Tearing in limbs, < in rest or sitting, > moving.─Cracking in joints.─Subsultus tendinum.─Feels as if her limbs did not belong to her.

22. Upper Limbs

Arms weak and without vigour.─Burning pain in the arms, followed by an eruption of small pimples with scaling of the epidermis.─Irregular and hurried movements of arm.─Upper arms shaken as from an electric shock.─Prostration, weariness, and paralytic feeling in l. arm.─Tearing in both hands; on l. wrist.─Trembling of hands; and coldness.─Tearing in the fingers.─Cramp-like pain in the thumb.─Paleness and numbness of the fingers, which are, at the same time, very sensitive to cold.─Itching, burning pain, and redness in the fingers, as if from chilblains.

23. Lower Limbs

Legs heavy and fatigued, esp. in the thighs.─Twitching, quicksilver sensation, in gluteal muscles.─Pains in legs like electric shocks.─On crossing thighs feels a violent pain in them.─Drawing in the legs, as if in the interior of the bone, esp. when sitting or standing, > by motion.─Painful sensation in the hip on walking.─Drawing in the legs.─Darting pain in the feet and in the toes.─Drawing pressure in the malleolæ.─Burning itching and redness in the toes, as if from chilblains.─Bunion.

24. Generalities

Painful cramps in the muscles when seated.─Sensation of tearing in the limbs, principally during repose, whether seated or standing, and which disappears on movement.─Twitchings in the eyeballs, eyelids, cheeks, posteriorly in the chest, in the abdomen.─Symptoms which exhibit themselves transversely (for instance, in the r. arm and in the l. leg), > by walking slowly.─Great sensibility in the whole body; the softest pressure produces continued pains.─Pains, as from a bruise in the limbs and in all the joints, after even moderate exercise.─Soreness and sensation of rawness (nose and mouth).─Piercing pains in different parts of the body, chiefly in the head, with desire for sleep, and faintness when seated.─Tearing pains (face, legs) continuous while at rest, disappearing While moving about.─Great weakness and heaviness in all the limbs.─Trembling.─Convulsions.─Epileptic fits.─Epilepsy (with great exertions of strength).─Great sensibility to cool air.─Great sensitiveness of the body to pressure and cold air.

25. Skin

Itching and titillation, which force the sufferer to scratch himself.─Itching, burning pain, and redness as from chilblains in different parts of the body.─Miliary eruption, whitish and close-grained, with excessive itching.

26. Sleep

Desire to sleep in the day, particularly after a meal.─Violent yawning, followed by dizziness.─In the morning, a sense of dizziness, and great difficulty in rising.─As a rule sleeps badly and unrefreshingly.

27. Fever

Disposition exceedingly chilly, and shiverings in the open air, or on raising the bed-clothes, although the limbs may be warm.─Shivering through the body from above downwards.─Easy chilliness on slight movement.─Violent shivering and trembling over the whole body, with heat in the face and cold in the hands.─Sweat from even a moderate walk and slight exertion.

Miasma in modern era part 1

An event, condition, situation, aspect, event of human civilization. which may make some predisposing conditions of derangement of vital principle.
Apho no-80 "is the chronic miasm of psora, which, while those two reveal their specific internal dyscrasia, the one by the venereal chancre, the other by the cauliflower-like growths, does also, after the completion of the internal infection of the whole organism, announce by a peculiar cutaneous eruption, sometimes consisting only of a few vesicles accompanied by intolerable voluptuous tickling itching (and a peculiar odor), the monstrous internal chronic miasm - the psora, the only real fundamental cause..."

Aph no-78 "The true natural chronic diseases are those that arise from a chronic miasm, which when left to themselves, and unchecked by the employment of those remedies that are specific for them, always go on increasing and growing worse, notwithstanding the best mental and corporeal regimen, and torment the patient to the end of his life with ever aggravated sufferings. These, excepting those produced by medical malpractice......"

Old concept of miasmatic malpractice-
1.dissimilar medicine or natural.
2.Suppression by any external application.

Modern concept of malpractice-
Abuse of any anti microbial agent, externally or internally.
Dissimilar medicine.
Mal selection of homoeopathic remedy.
Environmental hazards

Atopic dermatitis (Eczema)

DEFINITION

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a condition that makes your skin red and itchy. It's common in children but can occur at any age. Atopic dermatitis is long lasting (chronic) and tends to flare periodically and then subside. It may be accompanied by asthma or hay fever.

No cure has been found for atopic dermatitis. But treatments and self-care measures can relieve itching and prevent new outbreaks. For example, it helps to avoid harsh soaps and other irritants, apply medicated creams or ointments, and moisturize your skin.

See your doctor if your atopic dermatitis symptoms distract you from your daily routines or prevent you from sleeping.

SYMPTOMS

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) signs and symptoms vary widely from person to person and include:

Itching, (ITCHING: Acon., Agar., agn., ail., aloe., alum.,am-c., am-m., ambr., anac., anag., anan., ant-c., ant-t., anthr., Apis., arg-m., arn., ars-i., Ars., asaf., asar., astac., aur-m-n., aur-m., aur., bar-c., bar-m., bell., bism., bor., Bov., bry., calad.,calc-p., calc-s., calc., camph., cann-s., canth., caps., carb-ac., carb-an., Carb-s., Carb-v.,Caust., cham., Chel., chin-a., chin., Chlol., cic.,cina., cinnb., cist., clem., coc-c., cocc., coff., colch., coll., coloc., con., croc., crot-h., crot-t.,cupr-ar., cupr., cycl., dig., dios., dol., dros.,dulc., eupho., euphr., fl-ac., gamb., gels.,Graph., guai., hell., hep., hydrc., hyos., ign., indg., iod., ip., jug-c., jug-r., kali-ar., kali-bi.,kali-br., kali-c., kali-n., kali-p., kali-s., kreos.,lach., laur., led., Lyc., Mag-c., mag-m., mang.,med., meny., merc-i-f., Merc., Mez., mosch., mur-ac., nat-a., nat-c., Nat-m., nat-p., nat-s.,nit-ac., nux-v., Ol-an., olnd., op., par., petr., ph-ac., phos., plat., plb., Psor., ptel., Puls., ran-b., ran-s., rheum., rhod., Rhus-t., rumx., ruta.,sabad., sabin., sal-ac., samb., sars., sec., sel., seneg., Sep., Sil., spig., Spong., squil., stann.,Staph., stram., stront., sul-ac., Sulph., tab.,tarax., Tarent., tell., teucr., thuj., til., Urt-u., valer., verat., vesp., viol-o., viol-t., zinc) which may be severe, especially at night.(night : Ail., am-c., am-m., arg-n., bar-c., berb., bov., cadm., Carb-s., card-m., caust., Chlol.,cist., clem., cocc., croc., dol., euphr., gamb., gels., graph., iris., kali-ar., kali-bi., kreos., lach.,lachn., led., lyss., manc., merc-i-f., merc.,mez., nux-v., olnd., plan., puls., sars., sil.,stram., Sulph., thuj., Urt-u., zinc.) Red( red : Acon., Agar., agn., am-c., ant-c., Apis.,arn., Bell., bov., bry., calc., camph., canth., carb-v., chin., coc-c., cocc., coll., com., con., cop., crot-c., crot-h., crot-t., cur., cycl., dulc.,eupho., ferr-p., Graph., hyos., ign., kreos., lach., led., lyc., manc., Merc., nat-m., nit-ac.,nux-v., olnd., op., paeon., petr., ph-ac., phos.,phyt., plb., puls., Rhus-t., ruta., sabad., sec., sep., sil., spong., squil., stann., Stram., sul-ac., sulph., tarax., tell., teucr., til., zinc.)

to brownish( brown, liver spots : Am-c., ant-c., ant-t., arg-n., arn., ars-i., ars., aur., bad., bor., bry., cadm., calc-p., calc-s., calc., canth., carb-s.,carb-v., caust., con., cop., cor-r., crot-h.,Cur., dros., dulc., ferr-i., ferr., graph., hyos.,iod., kali-ar., kali-bi., kali-c., kali-p., Lach.,laur., Lyc., merc-i-r., Merc., mez., nat-a., nat-c., nat-p., Nit-ac., nux-v., petr., phos., plb.,puls., ruta., sabad., Sep., sil., stann., sul-ac.,Sulph., tarent., thuj., tub)

-gray patches(gray : Iod.)

 , especially on the hands( eczema : Anil., arn., ars., kali-br., merc., psor.) (Upper limbs-eczema : Canth., graph., merc., mez., phos.,psor., sil.)

, feet(eczema : Anil., apis., ars., bov., chel., jug-r., kali-br., merc., petr., psor., rhus-t)

 , ankles( eczema : Chel., nat-p., psor.)

, wrists(eczema : Jug-c., mez., psor.)

, neck, upper chest(eczema : Anac., calc-s., calc., carb-v., cycl.,Graph., hep., kali-s., petr., Psor., Sulph.) , eyelids, inside the bend of the elbows and knees, and, in infants, the face( eczema : Alum., anac., ant-c., Ars., bar-c.,bor., calc-s., Calc., carb-v., caust., Cic., clem., Crot-t., cur., cycl., Dulc., ferr-i., fl-ac.,Graph., Hep., iris., kali-ar., lyc., merc-i-r.,merc., mez., mur-ac., nat-m., petr., phos.,Psor., ran-b., Rhus-t., Sars., sep., sil., staph., sul-ac., Sulph., syph., vinc., viol-t.)

and scalpSmall, ( 

eczema : Agar., ant-t., Ars., arum-t., aur.,bar-c., bar-m., brom., calc-s., Calc., Carb-s.,caust., cic., cocc., dulc., fl-ac., Graph., Hep., iris., kali-ar., kali-bi., kali-s., kreos., Lyc.,mez., nat-m., nat-p., Petr., phyt., Psor., rhus-t., sars., sil., staph., Sulph., ust., vinc., viol-t.

margin of hair from ear to ear posteriorly :Nat-m., nit-ac., petr., Sulph.

Occiput : Caust., lyc., petr., sil., staph., sulph.

excoriating : Calc., graph., hep., Merc., nat-m., nit-ac., Petr., ph-ac., psor., rhus-t., sep.,Sulph., viol-t.

hard : Ant-c., carb-an., nat-m.)

raised bumps, which may leak fluid and crust (crusts, scabs : Acet-ac., agar., alum., anan., ant-c., ant-t., ars-i., Ars., arum-t., astac., aur.,bar-c., bar-m., brom., calc-s., calc., caps.,carb-ac., carb-s., carb-v., caust., chel., chin.,cic., Clem., Crot-t., Dulc., eup-per., fl-ac.,Graph., hell., hep., hydr., iod., iris., kali-ar., kali-bi., kali-c., kali-chl., kali-p., kali-s., kreos., lith.,lyc., merc-i-f., Merc., Mez., mur-ac., Nat-m., nat-p., nat-s., nit-ac., ol-j., olnd., petr., phos.,phyt., Psor., rhus-t., ruta., sars., sep., sil.,staph., sul-ac., Sulph., ust., vinc., viol-t.ERUPTION, crusts, scabs, bloody

---

bloody : Calc.

brown : Dulc.

greenish : Kali-bi., petr., sulph.

malignant : Brom., phos.

moist : Anan., bar-c., calc., graph., Psor., ruta., staph.

serpiginous : Psor., sars.

ulcerated : Ars., mez., Psor.

vermin, with : Carb-ac., lyc., mez., staph., vinc.

white : Alum., calc., mez., Nat-m., tell., thuj.

with thick white pus beneath : Mez.

yellow : Calc-s., calc., dulc., kali-bi., Kali-s., merc., nat-p., petr., psor., spong., staph., sulph., viol-t.

Occiput : Caust., clem., lyc., nat-m., sil.

Temples : Dulc., mur-ac.

desquamating : Calc., lach., merc-c., merc., mez., nat-m., Olnd., phos., staph.

dirty : Psor., sulph., thuj.

dry : Ars., calc., fl-ac., kali-ar., merc., mez.,Psor., sep., sil., Sulph.

offensive : Merc., sep., sulph.)

over when scratchedThickened, cracked, dry, scaly skinRaw, sensitive, swollen skin from scratching

Atopic dermatitis most often begins before age 5 and may persist into adolescence and adulthood. For some people, it flares periodically and then clears up for a time, even for several years.

Factors that worsen atopic dermatitis

Most people with atopic dermatitis also have Staphylococcus aureus (arsenicum album,bapticia tinctora, carbo animal is, echinasia angustifolia, helper sulpher calcaria, mercury group, nitricum Acidum, phosphoricum Acidum, phosphorus, pulsatilla pratensis, pyrogenum, silica terata, sulphur, thuja occidentalis.) on their skin. The staph - multiply rapidly when the skin barrier is broken and fluid is present on the skin. This in turn may worsen symptoms, particularly in young children.

Factors that can worsen atopic dermatitis signs and symptoms include:

Dry skin,(DRY: Acon-f., acon., alum., am-c., ambr., ant-c., ant-t., anthr., apis., arg-m., arg-n., arn., ars-i., Ars., asaf., bar-c., bar-m., Bell., bism., bor.,Bry., bufo., calc-s., Calc., camph., cann-s.,canth., carb-an., carb-s., carb-v., caust.,Cham., chel., chin-a., Chin., clem., cocc., coff.,Colch., coloc., con., crot-h., Dulc., Eup-per., ferr-ar., ferr-p., ferr., graph., hell., hep., hydr-ac., hyos., ign., iod., ip., Kali-ar., kali-bi., Kali-c., kali-n., kali-p., kali-s., kreos., lach., laur.,Led., lith., Lyc., mag-c., mang., merc., mez., mosch., mur-ac., nat-a., nat-c., nat-m., nat-p.,nit-ac., Nux-m., nux-v., Olnd., Op., par., Petr.,ph-ac., Phos., phyt., plat., Plb., psor., puls.,ran-b., ran-s., rhod., rhus-t., rumx., ruta.,sabad., samb., Sec., Seneg., sep., Sil., spig.,spong., squil., staph., Stram., stront., sul-ac.,Sulph., sumb., Teucr., thuj., ust., valer., vera),) which can result from long, hot baths or showersScratching, which causes further skin damageBacteria and virusesStressSweatChanges in heat and humiditySolvents, cleaners, soaps and detergentsWool in clothing, blankets and carpetsDust and pollenTobacco smoke and air pollutionEggs, milk, peanuts, soybeans, fish and wheat, in infants and children

Atopic dermatitis is related to allergies. But eliminating allergens is rarely helpful in clearing the condition. Occasionally, items that trap dust — such as feather pillows, down comforters, mattresses, carpeting and drapes — can worsen the condition.

CAUSES

Miasma:

The exact cause of atopic dermatitis (eczema) is unknown. Healthy skin helps retain moisture and protects you from bacteria, irritants and allergens. Eczema is likely related to a mix of factors:

Dry, irritable skin, which reduces the skin's ability to be an effective barrierA gene variation that affects the skin's barrier functionImmune system dysfunction Bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus, on the skin that creates a film that blocks sweat glandsEnvironmental conditions

RISK FACTORS

Factors that put people at increased risk of developing the condition include:

A personal or family history of eczema, allergies, hay fever or asthma(alternating with eruptions : Calad., crot-t.,hep., kalm., lach., mez., rhus-t., sulph.) Being a health care worker, which is linked to hand dermatitis

Risk factors for children include:

Living in urban areasBeing African-AmericanHaving parents with a high level of educationAttending child careHaving attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

COMPLICATIONS

Complications of atopic dermatitis (eczema) include:

Asthma and hayfever(hay asthma : Ambr., ars-i., ars., bad., carb-v.,dulc., euphr., Iod., kali-i., lach., naja., nat-s.,nux-v., op., sabad., sil., sin-n., stict.). Eczema sometimes precedes these conditions.( eruptions, after suppressed : Apis., ars., carb-v., dulc., ferr., hep., ip., psor., Puls., sec.,sulph.)Chronic itchy, scaly skin. A skin condition called neurodermatitis (lichen simplex chronicus) starts with a patch of itchy skin. You scratch the area, which makes it even itchier. Eventually, you may scratch simply out of habit. This condition can cause the affected skin to become discolored, thick and leathery.Skin infections. Repeated scratching that breaks the skin can cause open sores and cracks. These increase your risk of infection from bacteria and viruses, including the herpes simplex virus.Eye problems. Signs and symptoms of eye complications include severe itching around the eyelids, eye watering, inflammation of the eyelid (blepharitis) and inflammation of the eyelid (conjunctivitis).Irritant hand dermatitis. This especially affects people whose work requires that their hands are often wet and exposed to harsh soaps, detergents and disinfectants.Allergic contact dermatitis. This condition is common in patients with atopic dermatitis. Many substances can cause an allergic skin reaction, including corticosteroids, drugs often used to treat people with atopic dermatitis.Sleep problems. The itch-scratch cycle can cause you to awaken repeatedly and decrease the quality of your sleep.Behavioral problems. Studies show a link between atopic dermatitis and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, especially if a child is also losing sleep.

TESTS AND DIAGNOSIS

No lab test is needed to identify atopic dermatitis (eczema). Your doctor will likely make a diagnosis by examining your skin and reviewing your medical history. He or she may also use patch testing or other tests to rule out other skin diseases or identify conditions that accompany your eczema.

Therapies

Wet dressings. An effective, intensive treatment for severe atopic dermatitis involves wrapping the affected area with topical corticosteroids and wet bandages. It has proven to control signs and symptoms within hours to days. Sometimes it is done in a hospital because it's labor intensive and requires nursing expertise. Or, ask your doctor about learning how to do this technique at home.

Light therapy. The simplest form of light therapy (phototherapy) involves exposing your skin to controlled amounts of natural sunlight. Other forms use artificial ultraviolet A (UVA) and narrow band UVB either alone or with medications.

Though effective, long-term light therapy has harmful effects, including premature skin aging and an increased risk of skin cancer. For these reasons, phototherapy is not used for infants and young children. Talk with your doctor about the pros and cons of light therapy in your situation.

Treatment for stress. Counseling may help children and young adults who are extremely embarrassed or frustrated by their skin condition.Relaxation, behavior modification or biofeedback. These approaches may help you with habitual scratching.

Infantile eczema

Treatment for infantile eczema includes:

Identifying and avoiding skin irritationsAvoiding extreme temperaturesLubricating your baby's skin with bath oils, lotions, creams or ointments

See your baby's doctor if these measures don't improve the rash or if the rash looks infected. Your baby may need a prescription medication to control the rash or to treat an infection. Your doctor may recommend an oral antihistamine to help lessen the itch and to cause drowsiness, which may be helpful for nighttime itching and discomfort.

LIFESTYLE AND HOME REMEDIES

The following tips may help prevent bouts of dermatitis (flares) and minimize the drying effects of bathing:

Try to identify and avoid triggers that worsen the inflammation.Reduce your exposure to your unique triggers.Take shorter baths or showers.Limit your baths and showers to 10 to 15 minutes. And use warm, rather than hot, water. Bath oil also may be helpful.Use only gentle soaps. Choose mild soaps that clean without removing too many natural oils. Deodorant and antibacterial soaps may be more drying to your skin. Use soap only on your face, underarms, genital areas, hands and feet. Use clear water elsewhere.Dry yourself carefully. After bathing, brush your skin rapidly with the palms of your hands, or gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel and apply moisturizer.Moisturize your skin at least twice a day. Creams or lotions seal in moisture. Thicker moisturizers work best — such as Cetaphil, Nutraderm and Eucerin. You may also want to use cosmetics that contain moisturizers. If your skin is extremely dry, try applying baby oil or a similar product while your skin is still moist. Oil has more staying power than moisturizers do.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

Many alternative medicine therapies have helped some people manage their atopic dermatitis. One study showed that people who used Chinese herbal medications experienced reduced itching and other symptoms, but only temporarily. Another showed that four weeks of acupressure resulted in reduced itching and scaling.

Evidence for the following approaches isn't conclusive:

Dietary supplements, such as vitamins D and E, zinc, selenium, evening primrose oil, borage seed oil, oolong tea, probioticsOther plant-based therapies, including St. John's wort, calendula flowers, tea tree oil, German chamomile, Oregon grape root, licorice, rice bran broth (applied to the skin)AcupunctureAromatherapyBath therapyUse of electrodes to change electromagnetic waves of the body (bioresonance)Therapeutic use of color, light and relaxation techniques (chromotherapy)HomeopathyMassage therapy

If you're considering dietary supplements or other alternative therapies, talk with your doctor about their pros and cons.

COPING AND SUPPORT

Atopic dermatitis can be especially stressful, frustrating or embarrassing for adolescents and young adults. It can disrupt their sleep and even lead to depression. And close family members of people with this condition may face financial, social and emotional problems.

Seek psychological support from family, counselors or support groups.

Homoeopathic medicine:

eczema : Alum., am-c., am-m., anac., ant-c., arg-n., Ars-i., Ars., astac., aur-m., aur., Bar-m., bell., bor., brom., bry., calad., Calc-s.,Calc., canth., carb-ac., carb-s., carb-v., caust.,Cic., clem., cop., Crot-t., cycl., Dulc., fl-ac.,Graph., Hep., hydr., iris., Jug-c., Jug-r., kali-ar., kali-bi., kali-c., kali-chl., kali-s., lach.,Lappa-m., led., lith., lyc., merc., Mez., nat-m., nat-p., nat-s., nit-ac., Olnd., Petr., phos., phyt.,Psor., ran-b., Rhus-t., rhus-v., sars., sep., sil.,staph., Sul-i., Sulph., thuj., viol-t.

alternating with internal affections : Graph.

elevated : Anac., ars., asaf., bry., calc., carb-v., caust., cop., crot-h., cupr-ar., dulc., graph., lach., merc., mez., op., phos., sulph., tab., tarax., valer.