Two Rashes You Can Treat at Home

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I love it when western medicine says a condition cannot be helped; that treatment is supportive only. This makes me smile because >95% of the time, something CAN be done that facilitates the body’s ability to heal.

Two rashes in particular come to mind.

HAND-FOOT-MOUTH Infection:

A viral infection typically caused by Coxsackie A16 or Enterovirus 71. It usually occurs in children younger than 4 and can be seen often in daycare settings. As its name implies, the characteristic little papules, pustules and vesicles are seen in and around the mouth, on the hands and feet, and often in the diaper area as well.

Infection rates tend to be higher in late summer and early fall.
It is a self-limited infection and “medical treatment is supportive, including pain control and hydration. There are no FDA-approved medications for the treatment of enteroviral infection and n0 vaccines for Hand Foot Mouth causing strains”. (Pediatrics in Review; vol 42 No 1, pp 28-29)

At the Franz Center, we have seen a lot of Hand- Foot–Mouth infections. Because the children are uncomfortable, they are whiney and clingy. Because the lesions in the mouth hurt, they often have decreased appetite and thirst. They may feel better outside or with a change of scenery. (characteristics symptoms of the homeopathic remedy pulsatilla)

We use a homeopathic Pulsatilla and have a very successful response repeatedly. You can find it at the health food store or in our Apothecary online at www.thefranzcenter.com. It is an over the counter, nontoxic and natural remedy. You will find it as 30c in the stores, and we have a higher potency, 200c, available in our office or online.

Children over 15 months can chew the little sugar pellets: 2-5 pellets twice a day for 3-4 days. The 30c can be taken more often: 4-5 times a day for 3-4 days.
The pellets can also be dissolved in water and put in a cup or bottle for the child to drink.

We have seen improvement in 24 hours, and parents and children are happy. Homeopathy facilitates a healing response in the body, which then addresses this infection quickly, effectively, and painlessly. It is so gratifying to have an over the counter, nontoxic, affordable, and good tasting resource to help the body heal itself.

One thing to know about this infection: it is not uncommon for the finger or toenails to fall off about two months after the infection. This happens because the nail bed arrests or stops growing temporarily after infection. This is not a big deal as the nail will grow back in a few months. No anxiety parents! It is possible that treating early with homeopathy can prevent this from happening. I cannot guarantee it, but it makes sense when the body is able to respond in a timely manner that some aftereffects can be lessened or prevented. Let me know.

After all, it’s not we who heal, it is the individual body when given the proper instructions. And oh, how it loves proper instructions.

MOLLUSCUM CONTAGIOSUM

This is a very common wart like viral infection in young children. It is caused by the molluscum contagiosum virus. Spread typically by direct contact (sharing bathtubs, towels, and bath sponges are examples), it presents as a small pearly dome shaped papule with a punctate center in many lesions.

They can also look like little white heads or even skin tags. They can pop up as single little papules or in clusters. They tend to aggregate in the armpits (axillae) flanks (sides), and inner thighs or the groin in some cases. Rarely do they affect mucous membranes.

Sometimes from irritation they become red, swollen and pustular, and they look ugly. This though is a healthy immune response and many times when one or two looks that way, when they get better, the other lesions go with them and there is resolution of the rash. Even inflamed they are more itchy than painful.
It is usually diagnosed clinically by its typical appearance.

Western thought says treatment is not required because they will eventually resolve on their own. There can be a few papules or hundreds. The infection will resolve in months to years. According to the literature and one study, if left alone 70% will resolve spontaneously within 18 months. And it is ok for children to go to school with this as it is not contagious when there is limited skin to skin contact.

Current traditional treatment includes freezing and curettage (sort of scraping them out). The treatment is worse than the actual problem and can lead to scarring and depigmentation of the skin. Cantharidin (a blistering agent) has also been used successfully, and it also leads to scarring and depigmentation. Are you wondering if there is a better way? There is.

Enter homeopathy again!! The remedy Thuja has consistently performed well over the last three decades (for me) in facilitating the body’s immune response to clear the molluscum.

You can find it at the health food store or in our Apothecary. It is an over the counter, nontoxic and natural remedy. You will find it as 30c in the stores, and we have a higher potency 200c available in our office. Children over 15 months can chew the little sugar pellets: 2-5 pellets twice a day for 30 days. The 30c can be taken the same.
It takes 30 days for this to work. After all, you have time, and this is much faster than months to years to allow it to resolve on its own.

The pellets can also be dissolved in water and put in a cup or bottle for the child to drink.

It is always nice to see your children in person. These tips can be very helpful if you are not local or wish to try something simple and effective at home first.

Hopefully this information has been helpful. There are so many acute and chronic illnesses that will respond to homeopathy. I know; I have been doing it for 30 years. Be open to the many ways healing can be stimulated in the body. It is like climbing to the top of a brick wall and seeing a vista that you did not know exists. Enjoy the view.

I certainly do.

Dr Franz

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