The treatment of choice: Treating skin problems is one of my main enthusiasms, mainly because the Chinese Medicine system is so effective with these very common problems. It is very rewarding for me to be able to help people who have tried many things before, and continue to suffer and have had their lives effected so dramatically.

Herbal medicine is undoubtedly the treatment of choice for skin problems. Acupuncture, dietary and nutritional therapy can also be very helpful, and will often be combined in a treatment programme.

When using herbs, I perform a simple blood test to make sure people are not reacting badly to the herbs, and I only use top quality herbs from RCHM approved suppliers.

Eczema, also commonly referred to as dermatitis, comes in several distinct forms, and each requires a different treatment. Atopic eczema is inherited and is common in children, whereas nummular, discoid, pompholyx (hand or foot) and vascular or stasis eczema tend to effect only adults. For treatment to be effective, a specific and individual combination of herbs needs to be taken, which will take into account the way the problem presents on your skin, as well as your constitutional needs. This approach tends to lead to recovery that is long lasting.

Eczema is a very common condition both in childhood and adulthood that while never threatening life, is capable of causing a lot of misery and discomfort for people suffering from it. Dermatitis is much the same thing as eczema. The main difference is that some forms of dermatitis with specific causes, such as allergy to a contact such as nickel, are not generally called 'eczema'. Most cases of eczema are not related to specific allergies.

It can occur in all ages and many cases present in early infancy where it is a problem because young babies scratch the scratching can cause infection of the eczema making the whole situation much worse.

I have found that a multi-pronged approach to this problem is capable of producing very satisfactory results.

An homeopathic remedy will definitely be prescribed after I've taken a full case from you. Some cases of eczema respond very well to homeopathy and a book has been written by a homeopath purely on the treatment of eczema with homeopathy. I have seen some patients respond well to accurately prescribed homeopathic remedies. I have treated many children with eczema successfully with homeopathy and some slight nutritional changes. Patients with eczema, especially children, have always been a big part of my medical practice and I certainly believe a holistic approach to eczema is advisable before the steroid creams are prescribed - except in the most extreme cases.

Diet and Supplements: I will give advice on diet and prescribe supplements to all cases. Supplements of essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals can be very useful in treating many cases of eczema. Some cases may need very specific dietary adjustments such as exclusion of milk, eggs or citrus products.

New Medicine Group: My colleague, Stefan Chmelik, is an expert in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and he also has excellent results with eczema so we are able to discuss at our weekly clinical meetings, any cases that we think could benefit from each other's approach. If an allergic element is present, I will consult my colleague, Damien Downing. Overall the NMG is very optimistic in treating childhood eczema.