Posts Tagged ‘eczema’
A persistent itching sensation within the ear canal is often a sign of inflammation or infection within the ear canal. Excessive cleaning, especially with an ear bud (cue tip) removes the natural wax from the ear canal. This wax is often thought to be dirt but is actually the body’s natural mechanism for lubricating the ear canal and preventing insects or microorganisms from entering the ear canal or causing an infection.
Mary T., 6 years old, had been brought in by her mother complaining of recurrent itchy skin rashes at her elbows and knees. Mary’s case history revealed that she had suffered with infantile eczema at the age of 6 months and this persisted till 2½ years of age when a mild case of hay fever (allergic rhinitis) began. Repeated prescriptions of corticosteroid creams, emollients and anti-histamines had offered some relief for her early episode of eczema but it had seemed to have resolved spontaneously at the time.
An immune modulator should not be confused with an immune booster. Immune modulators regulate functioning of the immune system, maintaining a healthy level and preventing disordered immune activities. In chronic cases of allergy related conditions, autoimmune disorders and HIV infection, an immune modulator can be beneficial as part of a holistic therapy.
Eczema and psoriasis are two conditions known for excessively dry and itchy skin. Many emollients prove to be unsuitable as they are water based creams that quickly absorb into the skin leaving the outer layers dry and itchy. In these conditions, the skin cannot produce its natural oils (natural moisturizing factor) for lubrication due to the inflammation of the skin.