TYPES OF SKIN ALLERGIES.

Dermatitis.
Also known as Eczema is a general term for skin rashes which are characterised by redness,dryness, itching, crusting, oozing, blistering and possibly bleeding. The European Academy of Allergology and Clinical Immunology set out the following classification
– Atopic eczema: hereditary, often accompanied by asthma. itchy rash usually on head, neck, inside elbows, behind knees and buttocks.
– Contact dermatitis: allergic from contact with poison or allergen, and irritant (eg. contact with a chemical) 
– Xerotic eczema: dry skin which turns to eczema. Worse in dry winter weather, and limbs and trunk are most affected. More common in older people. 
– Seborrhoeic dermatitis: a little like dandruff, dry or greasy peeling of the scalp, eyebrows, face and trunk. 
– Dyshydrosis: only on palms, soles and sides of fingers and toes, worse in warm weather. 
– Discoid eczema: round spots of oozing or dry rash often on lower legs. Worse in winter.
– Venous eczema: in areas of poor blood circulation, varicose veins etc. 
– Neurodermatitis: itchy area of thickened, pigmented patch of eczema resulting from repetitive scratching.

Cause:
The cause of eczema is as yet unknown, but appears to be genetic in nature. In eczema sufferers there seems to be an over-reaction of the immune system when white blood cells release excessive substances which cause swelling and extreme itching, causing the patient to scratch producing further lesions, infections etc. This is called the “itch-scratch-rash cycle”.
Therefore eczema appears to be an inherited condition which is underlying and is aggravated by a variety of environmental factors(including foods, emotional factors etc.) which are quite different from patient to patient.

Urticaria (Hives).
This consists of eruptions of wheals of varying sizes on the skin which can be very itchy, red and possibly contain white areas over the centre of the rashes. Little is known about the cause , but genetics are believed to be involved, and there are probably reactions to specific allergens.

Angioedema.
Involves swelling of the deep layers of the skin especially the eyelids, mouth and genetalia.It is often short lived and a reaction to substances such as certain medicines and foods.

ORTHODOX TREATMENT.

This is usually a combination of lists of allergens to avoid, topical steroid creams, antihistamines, and antibiotics

HOMEOPATHY, THE VEGATEST + ALLERGIES.

In homeopathy allergic reactions are considered to be ways in which the body is trying to get rid of poisons: the individual’s skin acts like an excretory organ and erupts whilst the toxins from within are flushed out. Thus there are a number of things that are considered:
1. is there an underlying hereditary tendency, and if so which substances cause a strong reaction with this prediposition?
2. there may be physiological malfunctions in the body which cause over-reactions to certain substances, and these must be found,
3. exactly which set of allergens does each patient react to?
With this in mind,using the Vega Test, we are able to examine vast numbers of possible allergens, and find and treat underlying predisposing health isssues.
The treatment involves combinations of lists of substances to avoid, homeopathic remedies, and lifestyle changes. All the treatment is gentle, has no side effects and for the vast majority of patients extremely effective.