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How Effective Is Homeopathy for Dermatitis?

Kathleen Howard
Kathleen Howard

Dermatitis is a term that refers to several skin conditions marked by inflammation, itchiness and flakiness. While there are a variety of ways to treat dermatitis, some believe homeopathy to be a safe and effective treatment option. Homeopathy is a form of natural medicine in which doses of diluted herbs, minerals and other natural substances are used to treat the cause of a health problem and stimulate healing. The effectiveness of homeopathy for dermatitis depends on the specific treatment used as well as the duration and regularity of treatment. Results also vary on an individual basis with some patients responding better to treatment than others.

There are several uses of homeopathy when treating dermatitis. Homeopathic remedies are formulated to address the root of a person’s condition. To treat a patient, a homeopath practitioner will prescribe a remedy that causes effects similar to dermatitis. This teaches the body to fight the condition and supports the body’s healing responses. In addition to treating dermatitis, different types of homeopathy are used to treat allergies, fibromyalgia, sinusitis and many other conditions.

Poison ivy, which causes contact dermatitis.
Poison ivy, which causes contact dermatitis.

The effectiveness of homeopathy for dermatitis is somewhat controversial. Many homeopath practitioners find homeopathy to be very effective in treating dermatitis. Medical experts are less convinced though. Some believe that if homeopathy does work to treat certain medical conditions, it is due to the placebo effect instead of the body positively responding to treatment.

Research on the use of homeopathy for dermatitis has also produced varying results. Some studies have found homeopathy effective in reducing the symptoms of dermatitis. Others have found homeopathic treatments no more effective than sugar pills.

Laundry soap can cause dermatitis.
Laundry soap can cause dermatitis.

While the effectiveness of homeopathy for dermatitis is not entirely known, some patients find it very helpful. One of the greatest benefits of homeopathy is that patients rarely suffer significant side effects. Patients who suffer from adverse effects with traditional medications might find that homeopathy is easier on their body. When it comes to the safety of homeopathy, homeopath practitioners often believe that their remedies are safe enough to be taken by people of any age, including newborns and pregnant women.

Dermatitis commonly causes a red rash on the skin.
Dermatitis commonly causes a red rash on the skin.

It is important for patients to understand that homeopathy is not intended to take the place of traditional medicine. Patients who are taking medication for their dermatitis should consult both their physician and homeopath practitioner before discontinuing or reducing their medication. Over time, homeopathy might make it possible for patients to stop relying on conventional medication. This will depend on a patient’s response to his or her treatment and the severity of his or her symptoms. Even in the case that a patient is very receptive to homeopathy, it is important to maintain a relationship with one’s conventional physician.

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    • Poison ivy, which causes contact dermatitis.
      By: epantha
      Poison ivy, which causes contact dermatitis.
    • Laundry soap can cause dermatitis.
      By: Sinisa Botas
      Laundry soap can cause dermatitis.
    • Dermatitis commonly causes a red rash on the skin.
      By: quayside
      Dermatitis commonly causes a red rash on the skin.