Introduction to Applied Health Science

This case study explores eczema, a common skin disease characterized by itchy, red, and painful rashes. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for eczema, including the role of general practitioners, physiotherapists, and naturopaths. Discover potential benefits and difficulties associated with each treatment method.

Running head: INTRODUCTION TO APPLIED HEALTH SCIENCE 1
Introduction to Applied health science
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INTRODUCTION TO APPLIED HEALTH SCIENCE 2
Introduction to Applied health science
Introduction
Eczema is a disease that commonly occurs in children but can also affect adults. About an
eighth of the population suffers from eczema. An itchy rash that leaves the skin red and painful
characterizes it. It is very common in children, however, it can persist until adulthood. Eczema
tends to occur periodically with intervals of flaring. There are three stages of the disease,
infantile, childhood and adult. At each stage, eczema may be diagnosed as chronic, subacute or
acute. The disease may be caused by external factors (extrinsic) and is referred to as non-allergic.
This is when certain occurrences in the environment trigger the onset of the disease.
Alternatively, the disease may be hereditary (intrinsic) resulting in respiratory allergy. This is
where the disease is inherited from the parents. Currently, there is no cure for the disease, but
there are medications t help relieve the symptoms of the disease. In some individuals, especially
toddlers who develop eczema, the disease may clear up on its own or it may clear up after
receiving treatment. The objective of this case study is to investigate eczema and make
recommendations for a solution (Lane-Krens, Day, Hutchinson & Sherman, 2017).
Summary
Victoria arrived in hospital complaining about skin itch that becomes severe at night. She had red
patches on her hands, feet, upper chest and on the inside bend of knees and elbows. They were
painful to touch and swollen. Through observing the symptoms expressed and her medical
history, she was diagnosed with eczema. A patch test was also done to rule out other skin
diseases.

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Heath care disciplines
General practitioner (GP)
A general practitioner is a medical doctor who is trained to treat chronic illness such as
eczema. They are not linked to a specific branch in medicine, but they can treat patients of all
ages and a variety of issues. They are responsible for the basic routine health check-up. People
who seek medical attention usually report to a general practitioner. If the condition is severe or if
the patent becomes worse, the general practitioner may refer the patient to a specialist such as a
cardiologist, oncologist among others (Lane-Krens, Day, Hutchinson & Sherman, 2017).
When a patient is diagnosed with eczema, the general practitioner may recommend
medicated creams or ointments to control the itching. The corticosteroid cream will also help to
control the inflammation of the skin. Alternatively, the doctor may recommend antibiotics to
treat the infection. Immune boosters may be given to the patient to boost the immune system to
fight the disease.
Physiotherapist
Physiotherapy can be defined as the preservation or restoration of physical function and
motor. It utilizes physical modalities, therapeutic exercises and assistive devices to help the
patient recover. Physiotherapy also uses patient education to help control the impairment or
damage caused by disease. It plays an important role in supporting the patient and encouraging
them to remain positive throughout the healing process. Physiotherapy in skin condition may not
alter the pathological changes but it may minimize the decrease in skin compliance and loss of
strength (Lane-Krens, Day, Hutchinson & Sherman, 2017).
Phototherapy is a branch of physiotherapy where Ultraviolet light is used to treat eczema.
It available only is specialist clinics. The rays from the UV light penetrate the skin and reduce

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the number of T cells. T cells are responsible for inflammation and itchiness observed in eczema
patients. Reduction in the number of T cells results in reduced inflammation and treats other
symptoms of eczema (Lane-Krens, Day, Hutchinson & Sherman, 2017).
Naturopath
This is the use of natural methods to control the disease. It is an alternative form of
treatment that employs a set of techniques that help reduce the symptoms of the disease. The
techniques are not evidence-based or scientific backup. However, they are efficient in controlling
the symptoms of the disease. It uses only natural remedies or naturally available materials to help
the body heal itself. Naturopath embraces the use of herbs, exercise, acupuncture, aromatherapy
and nutritional counselling as a form of treatments. The goal of a naturopath is to treat the
patients holistically that means treating the body, mind and soul. A naturopath may involve a
change in the patient's lifestyle habits (Jonsen, Siegler & Winslade, 2015).
There are several natural treatments and home remedies that can help treat the symptoms
of eczema. Aloe Vera gel has been used to soothe the broken skin and hydrate the skin reducing
the appearance of patches. A dilution of apple cider vinegar applied to the skin helps to restore
the skin pH reducing skin infections. Adding a small dilution of bleach into bathing water has
proven to be very effective in managing eczema. Bleach has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial
effects, which help control the disease. Making dietary changes can help boost the immune
system and help it fight the disease, for example, eating a diet of leafy green vegetables and fish
boost the immune system greatly. A strong immune system will fight the disease. Proper hygiene
can help to control the disease. Patients suffering from eczema should avoid bathing with water
that is too hot or too cold. In addition, they should avoid using harsh soaps or washing their
clothes using harsh detergents. When doing simple tasks like washing the dishes, it is

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recommended that the individual should use gentle detergents or wear gloves to protect their
hands (Lane-Krens, Day, Hutchinson & Sherman, 2017).
Potential benefits
Ointments and creams help to reduce swelling and itching. They help to reduce
inflammation and attempt to restore the skin to normal appearance. Most of the medicated
creams and ointments can be bought over the counter without a prescription. The drugs do not
toxic side effects if they are used for a prolonged duration (Henderson, 2018).
Physiotherapy addresses both pathogenesis and aetiology thus eradicating the diseases
instead of the symptoms. It is safe because it has minimal adverse reactions. The treatment s
specific since the mechanism of action is applied directly to the site of the infection. It uses non-
invasive procedures and is therefore painless. Since it is not invasive, there is little need for
surgical procedure or anaesthetics. Treatment is done externally minimizing the risk of
gastrointestinal degradation. There is also no risk of overdose since the exposure to UV light is
controlled by a specialist. Physiotherapy does not contraindicate with drugs and can be used as a
secondary line of treatments (Guzys, Brown, Halcomb & Whitehead, 2017).
Naturopath treatments are locally available. They are cheap to acquire, as they are
substances found in the local environment. The treatment does not require a specialist and has no
treatment cost. Natural treatment methods are non-invasive and painless. The treatment option
involves minor changes to the lifestyle (Lane-Krens, Day, Hutchinson & Sherman, 2017).
Potential difficulties

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The drugs may have a stinging or burning effect especially the creams. Other medications
may result in acne, skin thinning, skin discolouration, stretch marks and hair bumps on the skin.
Some patients may develop an allergic reacting to the medication. If the cream gets into contact
with other existing skin infection, it may cause the sores or the infection may worsen.
Medication cannot be used on pregnant or breastfeeding mothers since it may pass to the baby
and cause serious effects (Lane-Krens, Day, Hutchinson & Sherman, 2017).
Physiotherapy requires several weeks of treatment before results may be seen. Of the
treatment is stopped, the condition flares up. A reduction of the T cells in the body can affect the
status of the immune system resulting in secondary illness. Other non-targeted cells may be
destroyed by the ultraviolet lights. Continuous exposure to ultraviolet light results in premature
ageing and increases the risk of developing skin cancer. This technique is not used for infants
and toddlers (Harris, 2014).
The naturopath does not address the source of the disease. It only helps control the
manifestation of the symptoms. The paints will continue to flare up once the treatment is
removed. Some techniques, for example, using apple cider vinegar, If it is not properly diluted it
can burn the skin causing more damage in addition to the existing condition. Using bleach in
baths can lighten the skin and cause thinning of the skin (Garvis & Pendergast, 2017).
Conclusion
Eczema is a major problem affecting the population. There is no cure for treating the
disease, however; there are treatment options that help to manage the development of symptoms.
There are three different disciplines of treating eczema, use of a general practitioner,
physiotherapy and naturopathy. Each of these methods has potential benefits and disadvantages.

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Depending on the preference of the patient, they are all effective in managing the disease. Two
disciplines may be combined in the course of the treatment without any major side effects. The
three disciplines for treatment are easily accessible to the patients. It is important to note that the
benefits of each of the three treatment options outweigh the potential difficulties that may arise

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References
Garvis, S., & Pendergast, D. (2017). Health and Wellbeing in Childhood. Cambridge, United
Kingdom: Cambridge University Press
Guzys, D., Brown, A., Halcomb, E., & Whitehead, D. (2017). An Introduction to Community
and Primary Health Care (2nd ed.). Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University
Press.
Harris. D. (2014). Contemporary Issues in Healthcare Law and Ethics (4th Ed.) Chicago, IL:
Health Administration Press;
Henderson, A. (2018). Communication for Health Care Practice. Docklands, Vic: OUP Australia
& New Zealand.
Jonsen, A., Siegler, M., & Winslade, W. (2015). Clinical Ethics: A Practical Approach to Ethical
Decisions in Clinical Medicine, (8th ed.). New Your, NY: McGraw-Hill Education
Lane-Krens, K., Day, M., Hutchinson, A., & Sherman, K. (2017). Health Psychology in
Australia. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press.