Reprinted from Great Life Magazine

Eczema and Psoriasis can be a nuisance or a nightmare. Homeopathy can help smooth your skin.

It may be hard to think of your skin as an organ. Unlike your heart, kidneys, lungs and other vital organs, your skin is out there for all the world to see. It is, in fact, the body's largest organ and serves many functions: It regulates body temperature, helps conserve fluids, and converts sunlight into vitamin D.

Many of us take our skin for granted until there's a problem. Then we discover how difficult it can be to clear up skin troubles.

Eczema and psoriasis are two common skin conditions. Eczema takes a myriad of forms: the skin can be red, scaly, crusty or oozing. It can also be very itchy. Eczema can come on quickly, after contact with allergens such as chemicals, plants, medicines, cosmetics, metals or fabrics. Eczema can also develop from exposure to sunlight or after a bacterial infection. Atopic eczema, a more chronic condition, can begin as early as infancy. Both types can appear anywhere on the body.

Although the two can look alike, psoriasis differs from eczema in that it appears in well-defined patches. These patches, often found on the scalp, knees, elbows and lower back, are red and dry with a silvery scale. The cause of psoriasis is not clearly understood. It seems to be genetic, and it can signify serious illness, such as psoriatic arthritis.

Homeopathy can be effective for eczema and psoriasis. I recommend that all chronic skin conditions be treated by a homeopathic physician. Patients may need different remedies because their specific complaints differ. The following remedies are commonly used for various skin complaints:

Sulphur, for example, is good for skin conditions that itch, are worse at night and are aggravated by heat.

Another remedy I use is Rhus toxicodendron, which is derived from poison oak. Homeopaths prescribe Rhus tox when the rash is accompanied by itching and burning, and when applying something hot brings relief.

Apis mellifica, which I often use for bee stings and hives, is good for combating swelling after contact with a chemical, a plant or any irritant or after a drug reaction. Apis is indicated when the skin is rosey. The person complains of a burning or stinging sensation, the skin is sensitive to touch and is aggravated with heat. Cold water or cool applications bring relief.

For homeopathic treatment of chronic skin conditions, consult a professional homeopath.