Eczema (Dermatitis): Types, Triggers and Homeopathic Care

Eczema, also called dermatitis, is a long-term inflammatory skin condition marked by itching, redness and dry, sometimes weeping, patches. It is most common in infants and children, but it can continue into adult life or begin later. This page explains the types of eczema, its triggers and symptoms, how it is diagnosed and treated, and how homeopathic care is offered as individualised support alongside good skin care.

Written by Dr. Sourabh Welling, founder of Welling Homeopathy, who has over 25 years of experience treating patients. Last updated 21 October 2026. This article is for general information and does not replace a medical assessment.

What is eczema?

Eczema is a general term for several kinds of skin inflammation. In many people, the skin barrier is weak, which lets moisture escape and irritants in, and the immune system reacts with inflammation and intense itching. It commonly runs in families, together with asthma and hay fever. It is more common in infants, and often improves by about the age of three, but it may persist or return in adulthood.

The main types are: atopic dermatitis, the classic itchy, inflamed eczema of childhood; contact dermatitis, a reaction to something that touches the skin; seborrhoeic dermatitis, with yellowish, oily scales on the scalp and face (dandruff and cradle cap); nummular dermatitis, with coin-shaped patches; neurodermatitis, from a scratch-itch cycle; stasis dermatitis of the lower legs from poor venous circulation; and dyshidrotic dermatitis, with deep, itchy blisters on the palms and soles.

Symptoms of eczema

Common symptoms include:

• Red to brownish-grey patches of skin
• Mild to severe itching, often worse at night
• Small, raised bumps that may leak fluid and crust when scratched
• Dry, thickened, cracked or scaly skin
• Patches in the bends of the elbows and knees, on the hands, feet, wrists, ankles, face and upper chest
• Yellowish, oily scales on the scalp and face in seborrhoeic dermatitis
• Coin-shaped patches in nummular dermatitis
• Deep, itchy blisters on the palms and soles in dyshidrotic dermatitis

Causes and risk factors of eczema

Common causes and risk factors include:

• A family history of eczema, asthma or hay fever, with an inherited sensitive skin
• A defect in the skin barrier, and an over-active immune response
• Contact with irritants such as soaps, detergents, perfumes, wool and synthetic fabrics
• Heat and sweat, and cold, dry weather
• Dry skin and frequent hot bathing
• Stress and lack of sleep
• Dust mites, pollen and other airborne allergens
• Food allergens such as milk products, fish and soya, in some allergic people

How eczema is diagnosed

Eczema is usually diagnosed from the appearance of the skin and your history. Your doctor may also:

• Take a small scraping from the skin to rule out a fungal infection
• Advise a patch test to look for contact allergens in contact dermatitis
• Advise allergy tests for suspected triggers
• Advise a skin biopsy if the diagnosis is unclear
• Look for signs of infection, which can complicate eczema

Warning signs: when to get urgent help

Please see a doctor promptly if there is:

• Skin that is weeping, crusting or very painful, or with yellow pus, which may be infected
• Fever with a widespread rash
• Blisters or sores in clusters on eczematous skin, which can be a herpes infection and needs urgent care
• Eczema that is spreading or not responding to your usual care
• Itching so severe that it disturbs sleep, or distress about your skin

Conventional treatment options

Dermatologists treat eczema in steps, according to severity:

• Regular moisturisers and gentle, soap-free cleansers, which are the foundation of care
• Corticosteroid creams and ointments for flares, used as directed
• Non-steroid creams such as calcineurin inhibitors, for sensitive areas
• Antihistamines for itching at night, and antibiotics if the skin is infected
• Immune-modifying medicines and light therapy in severe or persistent eczema

Homeopathic medicines commonly considered for eczema

These medicines are commonly considered in homeopathy for eczema, with the symptom picture traditionally associated with each. They are listed for general information, not as a prescription.

Sulphur: dry, itchy, burning skin that is worse from warmth and washing, with a tendency to flare at night.

Graphites: eczema in the folds with sticky, honey-like discharge and cracks, behind the ears and in the bends of joints.

Rhus toxicodendron: intense itching with small blisters that is worse at night and from scratching, relieved by hot water.

Arsenicum album: dry, scaly, burning eczema with restlessness and relief from warmth.

Petroleum: dry, cracked, bleeding skin that is worse in winter, especially on the hands.

The right medicine is chosen only after detailed case-taking by an experienced doctor.

Homeopathic treatment of eczema at Welling Homeopathy

Eczema reflects the skin, the immune system and the person together. At Welling Homeopathy a detailed consultation covers the type, site and pattern of your eczema, what brings it on and eases it, your allergies, digestion, sleep, emotional state and family history, and your current skin care, so that treatment is planned around you.

Homeopathic care is offered to ease itching and flares and to support the skin and immune balance over time, alongside regular moisturising and avoiding triggers. Eczema often fluctuates during treatment, so regular follow-ups matter. Please continue any prescribed creams as advised by your doctor.

Homeopathy is offered here as individualised, supportive care alongside your current treatment. Please do not stop, skip or change any prescribed medicine on your own; any change should be discussed with the doctor who prescribed it and with our specialists.

Dr. Sourabh Welling and the Welling Homeopathy team have over 25 years of experience treating patients, in our Mumbai clinics and online. The earlier you meet our specialists, the sooner your treatment can be planned around you.

Self-care and lifestyle tips

These measures support general health and may ease symptoms, but they do not replace treatment when it is needed.

• Moisturise at least twice a day, especially after a bath, with a fragrance-free emollient.
• Use lukewarm water, a short bath and a soap-free cleanser, and pat the skin dry.
• Wear soft cotton, and avoid wool, rough synthetics and tight clothing.
• Keep nails short to limit scratching damage, and use cool compresses for itching.
• Avoid known triggers, including harsh detergents, perfumes and dust, and keep the home cool.
• Manage stress and sleep, and keep a diary to identify food or other triggers; do not cut out foods without advice.

Eczema treatment in Mumbai at Welling Homeopathy

If you are looking for eczema treatment in Mumbai, you can consult Dr. Sourabh Welling, M.D., and the senior specialists of Welling Homeopathy at our Mumbai clinics, or consult online from anywhere in India and abroad. Our doctors begin with a detailed case-taking so that your treatment is custom-made for you. See the Contact page for current clinic addresses and hours, or call +91 8080 850 950.

Frequently asked questions about eczema

1. What is the homeopathic treatment for eczema?

Homeopathic treatment is individualised: the medicine is chosen after detailed case-taking, based on the type of eczema, the itching and discharge, and your general health. Sulphur, Graphites, Rhus toxicodendron and Arsenicum album are among those traditionally considered. It is offered as supportive care alongside moisturising and trigger avoidance.

2. Is eczema contagious?

No. Eczema cannot be passed from person to person.

3. What triggers eczema?

Soaps, detergents, wool and synthetic fabrics, heat and sweat, dry weather, dust mites, stress and, in some allergic people, certain foods.

4. Will my child grow out of eczema?

Many children improve by about the age of three, though some continue into adulthood. Good skin care helps.

5. Can I consult Welling Homeopathy online for eczema?

Yes. You can share photographs and your history and consult our specialists online from anywhere. We have been consulting patients online for 25 years.

6. Which is the best homeopathic medicine for eczema?

There is no single best homeopathic medicine for eczema. Sulphur, Graphites, Rhus toxicodendron, Arsenicum album and Petroleum are among the medicines traditionally considered, but the right medicine depends on your symptoms, what brings them on or eases them, your general health and your personality. At Welling Homeopathy our specialists choose it after a detailed case-taking, so please consult them rather than choosing a medicine yourself.

7. How long does homeopathic treatment for eczema take?

The duration depends on how long you have had eczema, how severe it is, what treatment you have already taken and your general health. Some people notice a change in their symptoms within weeks, while others need several months of regular follow-up. Your specialist will explain what to expect at your first consultation and review your progress at each follow-up.

8. Is it safe to take homeopathic medicines along with my current medicines for eczema?

Homeopathic medicines are highly diluted and are not known to interfere with other medicines, but you should always tell your doctor and our specialists about everything you take. Please do not stop, skip or change any prescribed medicine on your own; any change should be discussed with the doctor who prescribed it.

9. What are the early signs of eczema?

Dry, itchy skin, red patches in the bends of the elbows and knees, and itching that is worse at night are the usual early signs of eczema.

10. What should I eat or avoid if I have eczema?

There is no single eczema diet. If a food such as milk, fish or soya clearly triggers flares in you, avoid it, but do not cut out foods without advice. Drink enough water and eat a balanced diet.

11. What is the difference between conventional and homeopathic treatment of eczema?

Conventional treatment of eczema uses regular moisturisers, steroid and non-steroid creams, antihistamines, antibiotics for infection and, in severe cases, immune-modifying medicines and light therapy. Homeopathic treatment, in contrast, is individualised: the medicine is chosen for you as a whole person, after detailed case-taking, and is offered alongside the conventional care that your doctor advises.

12. Who is the best homeopathy doctor for eczema in Mumbai?

Dr. Sourabh Welling, M.D., founder of Welling Homeopathy, Mumbai, who has over 25 years of experience, treats eczema with individualised homeopathic care, together with a team of senior specialists. You can consult him and the team at our Mumbai clinics or online.

13. Where can I get eczema treatment in Mumbai, or consult online from outside India?

You can consult Welling Homeopathy at our clinics in Mumbai, or online by video or phone from anywhere in India and from other countries, where customised medicines are shipped where applicable and permitted. Call +91 8080 850 950 or book through our website.

Related Reading

• 10 Best Homeopathic Medicines for Treatment of Dry Skin
• 10 Best Homeopathic Medicines for Treatment of Skin Rashes

More on eczema and skin care

• Top 10 Homeopathic Medicines for Eczema On Face
• 10 Best Homeopathic Medicines for Treatment of Dry Skin
• 10 Best Homeopathic Medicines for Treatment of Skin Rashes

To consult Welling Homeopathy experts, call +91 80 80 850 950.

Disclaimer: this page is for information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Results vary from person to person.