Improvement in Eczema, Allergies, and Insomnia in a Child Following Chiropractic

The Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health published the results of a case study on January 21, 2021, documenting the improvement from chiropractic care of a child who had been suffering from eczema, allergies and insomnia. Although eczema is not a life-threatening condition, the symptoms can drastically affect the sufferer's quality of life. Eczema affects between 9% to 20% of children in the United States.

The study begins by pointing out that "Atopic dermatitis, more commonly known as eczema, is a chronic immune response that manifests as inflammation of the skin." According to the Mayo Clinic website, "Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a condition that makes your skin red and itchy. It is common in children but can occur at any age. Atopic dermatitis is long lasting (chronic) and tends to flare periodically."

In this case, a 4-year-old boy was brought to the chiropractor because he was suffering from long-term eczema and allergies. The case history revealed that the eczema had started approximately 18 months before the boy was brought to the chiropractor. At the time of the chiropractic visit, the eczema had progressed to where it was a full body rash and was rated as a 9 out of 10 in severity, with 10 being the worst. According to the boy's mother, her son's symptoms were constant with reported flare-ups.

In addition to his eczema, the mother reported that her son also suffered from allergies to dogs, eggs, and tree nuts that would result in anaphylaxes, itchy skin, and difficulty sleeping. His allergies were also rated as a 9 out of 10 in severity. The boy was administered a variety of topical creams including topical steroid cream and Hydroxyzine. These remedies would offer some relief for a short period of time but would soon lose their effectiveness.

An examination was performed which included a physical, thermography, a surface EMG test, and a specific chiropractic analysis. It was concluded that subluxations were present, and specific forms of chiropractic procedures were started on a regular basis.

At the first reassessment after just over two months into the boy's chiropractic care, his mother reported that her son's eczema flare ups had decreased in both quantity and severity. She also noted that he was able to sleep throughout the night, and that he was happier, and wanted to play more.

In the study's conclusion, the authors summed up the results of this case by stating, "According to the patient’s mother, the full body rash and eczema flare ups decreased in severity and frequency at the two-month reassessment. The mother reported that the child was happier, and that his body was able to recover from his eczema flare up symptoms faster than before."