Atopic eczema is an allergic disease believed to have a hereditary component, and often runs in families whose members also

have hay fever and asthma. Itchy rash is particularly noticeable on head and scalp, neck, inside of elbows, behind knees, and buttocks. Experts are urging doctors to be more vigilant in weeding out cases that are, in actuality, irritant contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitisis of two types: allergic (resulting from a delayed reaction to some allergen, such as poison ivy or nickel), and irritant (resulting from direct reaction to a detergent, such as sodium lauryl sulfate). Seborrhoeic dermatitis ("cradle cap" in infants) is a condition sometimes classified as a form of eczema which is closely related to dandruff. It causes dry or greasy peeling of the scalp, eyebrows, and face, and sometimes trunk. The condition is harmless except in severe cases of cradle cap. In newborns it causes a thick, yellow crusty scalp rash called cradle cap which seems related to lack of biotin, and is often curable. AntimoniumCrudumis often indicated in eczematous eruptions, when there are thick, horny callosities in the skin. Arsenicumis a valuable remedy in eczema, when vesicles appear, which turn into pustules and for scabs, with copious scaling and much burning. Great prostration, with rapid sinking of the vital forces; fainting. Calcarea Carbis indicated in eczema of the children, when it appears on the scalp, with a tendency to spread downwards and over the face. Frequently it appears in patches on the face or scalp, forming thick crusts, which are often white, like chalk deposits.Head sweats profusely while sleeping, wetting pillow far around. Graphites - very useful in eczema with rough skin and oozing of a glutinous fluid.Eczematous eruption appears about the eyes, on the cheeks, on and behind the ears, on the top of the head and down the occiput; it may also be scattered here and there over the surface of the body, particularly in the bends of the joints. Eczema of lids, eruption moist and fissured,lids red and margins covered with scales or crusts. Heparsulph.is called for in eczematous eruptions, which have a purulent discharge, and are accompanied by itching. Mercuriusis useful when the itch has been complicated with pustulous and eczematous eruptions; pain worse at night; glandular swellings with or without suppuration. Mezereum is useful esp. when hard, thick, chalky crusts form, which crack and pus ooze copiously. Itching is more intense at night, when the patient is warmly wrapped up. Sometimes pimples surround the main seat of the disease. Eczema and itching eruptions after vaccination.