THE FOLLOWING ARE SYMPTOMS AND CONDITIONS COMMONLY TREATED BY THE WASHINGTON ACUPUNCTURE CENTER. ECZEMA Eczemais a diagnostic term physicians use for a chronic skin disorder from an unidentified cause. Because of the difficulty in determining the specific cause of many chronic skin diseases, they are called eczema instead of receiving a more precise diagnosis, such as "contact dermatitis", "atopic dermatitis" or "dermatitis medicamentosa". Skin disorders not caused by a specific bacteria or virus are produced and perpetuated by allergic, metabolic and emotional factors which may be potentiating each other. Medications are the most common allergens in the United States. Even antihistamines given as treatment for respiratory allergies can cause allergic skin reactions Cortisone derivatives, included in frequently prescribed ointments, can aggravate and delay healing of dermatitis or eczema. Acupuncture safely and effectively treats eczema, by reducing allergic reactions, improving body physiology and relieving such emotional problems as depression, anxiety and insomnia. Usually 6 - 10 treatments are adequate. Healing should continue after the treatments are completed. Medications should be discontinued under medical supervision, and an attempt to identify food and other allergens should be made. next