Resolution of Eczema, Ear Infections & Balance Problems with Chiropractic

The Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health published the results of a case study on April 18, 2022, documenting the successful resolution under chiropractic of a small boy who was suffering with eczema, ear infections and balance problems.

According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, "Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin condition that affects an estimated 30 percent of the U.S. population, mostly children and adolescents. It is a chronic disease characterized by dry, itchy skin that can weep clear fluid when scratched. People with eczema also may be particularly susceptible to bacterial, viral, and fungal skin infections."

The authors of this study suggest that eczema may be the result of an over-protection from microbes causing a weakness in a child's immune response. "Exposure to microbes at a young age primes future immunological response, therefore restricting exposure to infectious disease may skew the child's adaptive immune response." They also note that food can play a role in the condition as well as being overly clean, thus not allowing normal immune development. Because of the unsightly look of the skin, children with eczema have a significantly higher chance of developing behavioral issues.

In this case, a 28-month-old boy was brought to the chiropractor by his mother. The boy had been suffering with eczema since around his first birthday. Additionally, the boy was suffering with ear infections, and he had balance issues. The boy's mother reported that her son's eczema was the most severe behind the left knee, and occasionally at his elbows. She noted that the itching would be so severe that her son would scratch himself enough to break the skin.

An age and size appropriate chiropractic examination was performed, and it was determined that vertebral subluxations were present in the boy's spine. With this information, specific chiropractic adjustments were started on a regular basis to address the subluxations.

At the three-month point in care, a follow-up evaluation was done which included giving the boy's mother a questionnaire concerning her son's health. The mother reported that her son's eczema was gone, that he had not had any ear infections since beginning the chiropractic care, and additionally, his balance was 60% improved. At both the 6-month and 12-month re-evaluation, the boy had not had any relapses of his eczema, even though this condition usually has frequent relapses.

In their conclusion, the authors wrote, "This study details relief of symptomatology associated with eczema, ear infections and balance in a child under chiropractic care." This case study shows improvement in eczema in a two-year-old boy undergoing subluxation-based chiropractic adjustments. With the increasing prevalence of eczema in the United States and 'control not cure' approach that is the standard of care for eczema, there is a need for chiropractic care in children with eczema."