Treating Eczema with Chiropractic Care
Atopic dermatitis, more commonly known as eczema, is characterized by itchy, red, dry patches on the skin or can include other various types of rashes. It is estimated that over 30 million Americans may suffer from eczema, with it commonly appearing in crevices of the body, such the inside of elbows or behind the knee, as well as on wrists, necks, and ankles. The condition is often diagnosed in infants and children, though it can be a lifelong condition. While you may primarily associate chiropractic care with bones, joints, and soft tissue, Marietta chiropractors Dr. Amber Landry and Dr. Steve Landry know that it can be beneficial to those suffering from eczema as well.
What Causes Eczema?
There is no known single cause of eczema, though many people can identify skin irritants that cause a flare up in those prone to the condition. Many common household cleaners and detergents can lead to an outbreak, as well as common allergens like dust, pollen, pet dander, and molds. In some cases, a rash from eczema is an expression of other allergies, like food allergies in young children. Up to 80% of children diagnosed with eczema will go on to develop other allergies, hay fever, and asthma.
It is also thought that eczema can be a stress response, and those prone to it are more likely to have a breakout of eczema when anxious or stressed.
Treating Eczema
Eczema does not have one known treatment, and there is no single cure that prevents symptoms from reoccurring. Most often, people with eczema will be prescribed over the counter medication that may dull the uncomfortable symptoms, but they do not stop the root of the issue. One step to managing eczema is taking proper care of the skin to prevent it from developing dry and itchy patches that can trigger a flare up. Avoiding hot water and harsh soaps is often recommended, as is the use of moisturizers and humidifiers to keep the skin moisturized.
In addition to caring for skin from the outside, chiropractic care is a great way to address eczema from the inside. Chiropractic care focuses on the spine as it relates to other functions in the body, seeking to keep the central nervous system functioning properly. This allows the brain and the body to communicate as intended. When the spine is not aligned properly, this communication can be interrupted and cause a variety of issues, including eczema.
Since eczema is partially a stress response, misalignments in the spine can cause further stress to the body and cause these skin issues to occur. By performing chiropractic adjustments that move vertebrae back to their natural position, the doctors at United Chiropractic are able to reduce stress on the body and prevent eczema flare ups from occurring.
Because there is no cure for eczema, it is important to manage your health in such a way that prevents the issue from worsening and allows you to live without fear of dry and itchy skin. Visiting Drs. Amber and Steve Landry in Marietta can offer you safe, natural, and effective healing. Connect today to schedule your first consultation!