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Symptoms & Treatments Of Eczema According To Ayurveda

Generally, skin diseases are chronic in nature and the recurrence is very common. Eczema is chronic in nature. It is a form of dermatitis or inflammation of the upper layers of the skin. The term eczema is broadly applied to a range of persistent or recurring skin rashes. Long standing eczema is often dry. It is a form of dermatitis where inflammation of epidermis occurs. The exact cause of eczema is not known. Although it is activated by the immune system and is related to allergic reactions but it is not the same as other allergic reactions.

Eczema can be a difficult and frustrating condition. The psychological challenge faced by the patients is insurmountable. The desire to scratch the itchy rash just makes the condition worse.

What are the symptoms of Eczema?

Eczema according to Ayurveda:

In Ayurveda, though it is Kshudra Kushtha and can be correlated with Vicharchika. It is known as Rakta Pradoshaja having involvement of all the three doshas with the dominance of Pitta dosha.

What is the Ayurvedic treatment of Eczema?

In maximum cases, patients of eczema who do not get relief from Allopathic treatment approach to Ayurvedic treatment. But with the time, the disease has already attained the chronic state. Another issue with the skin disorders is their frequent recurrence.

The main aim of Ayurvedic treatment of eczema is to purify the body by removing the dosha (toxins) and boost the immune system thus enabling the patient to live a healthy and peaceful life.

In the context of the treatment of eczema, Acharaya Charak has mentioned that in all the chronic diseases, Rasayana drugs should be prescribed. But to get the maximum benefits of Rasayana treatment, it is essential to perform shodhana at least cleaning of bowel prior to the administration of Rasayana.

Oral administration of certain medications that augment and assist the process of digestion, thus assists the process of digestion are also prescribed. These drugs have aampachana and deepan properties that not only improve the digestive capacity of an individual but also enhance the metabolic activity of the cells.

The sarvang abhyanga (whole body massage) with medicated oil is also prescribed which helps to bring the doshas (toxins) from all over the body to the excretory channels.

Some herbs useful in Eczema are:

Herbs that are bitter in taste, balance Pitta dosha and have blood purifying, detoxifying and skin soothing properties are recommended. These are:

  1. Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia): Manjistha is considered as one of the best purifying herbs in Ayurveda. For skin issues, this herb can be used both internally and externally.
  1. Nimba (Azadirachta indica): Neem is a Tikta (bitter) which removes toxins, cleanses the blood and liver.
  1. Khadira (Acacia catechu): Khadira is a wonderful herb for the skin conditions like eczema.
  1. Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus): Sariva herb is commonly known as Anantmool.
  1. Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysentrica): Kutaj tree is well-known for its bark. The bark is the most effective Ayurvedic treatment for skin problems such as eczema, psoriasis, skin blemishes, rashes etc.
  1. Daruharidra (Berberis aristata): Daruharidra is an excellent Ayurvedic herb useful in pitta aggravated conditions.
  1. Chakramarda (Cassia tora): Chakramarda is a medicinal plant having katu (pungent) taste, katu vipak (undergoes pungent taste conversion after digestion).

 Coconut Oil: Coconut oil is used as a base in Ayurveda to prepare oils that help in managing skin disorders.

 Pathya and Apathya (Do’s and Don’ts):

Thus, Ayurvedic line of treatment aims to give a happy life to the patient of eczema by improving the functioning of immune system, removing toxins etc. Ayurvedic supplements are safe and natural and gentle on the skin as well.

Symptoms and Treatments of Eczema According to Ayurveda

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition characterized by itchy, inflamed, and sometimes cracked skin. It typically affects areas such as the face, hands, arms, legs, and scalp. Ayurveda views eczema as a manifestation of an imbalance in the doshas, primarily Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, often caused by an accumulation of Ama (toxins) in the body, along with imbalanced digestion, emotional stress, and environmental factors.

Symptoms of Eczema

The symptoms of eczema can vary in intensity and may include:

  1. Itching: The most common symptom is itchiness, which can be severe and leads to scratching.

  2. Redness and Inflammation: Affected skin areas may appear red, inflamed, or swollen.

  3. Dry, Scaly Skin: The skin often becomes dry, rough, and flaky, sometimes with visible scales.

  4. Cracked and Bleeding Skin: In severe cases, the skin may crack and bleed, leading to infection.

  5. Blisters: In some cases, eczema may cause blisters filled with fluid that can break and weep.

  6. Thickened Skin: Chronic eczema may lead to thickened, leathery skin due to prolonged scratching or irritation.

  7. Discoloration: After healing, the skin may show hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, with areas becoming darker or lighter than the surrounding skin.

Ayurvedic Understanding of Eczema

In Ayurveda, eczema is considered an external manifestation of internal imbalances in the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and the presence of Ama (toxins) in the body. The dosha involved and the root cause can vary from individual to individual.

Ama (toxins) produced due to poor digestion can accumulate in the skin tissues, further aggravating eczema. An improper diet, stress, and exposure to toxins in the environment can exacerbate this condition.

Ayurvedic Treatments for Eczema

Ayurvedic treatment for eczema focuses on balancing the doshas, improving digestion, reducing inflammation, and detoxifying the body. The goal is to treat eczema holistically by addressing both internal imbalances and external symptoms.

1. Dietary Modifications

In Ayurveda, food plays a significant role in both the root causes and treatment of eczema. A pitta-pacifying and kapha-reducing diet is often recommended.

2. Herbal Remedies for Eczema

Certain herbs have specific therapeutic benefits in treating eczema by reducing inflammation, soothing the skin, and balancing the doshas.

3. External Treatments

4. Internal Detoxification

Ayurveda places a strong emphasis on detoxifying the body to eliminate the root causes of skin conditions like eczema. This is typically achieved through:

5. Stress Management and Lifestyle Modifications

Since stress is a major trigger for eczema, Ayurveda emphasizes stress management practices such as:

Eczema, also known as Atopic Dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition characterized by inflammation, itching, and redness. It is commonly linked to immune system dysfunction, environmental factors, and genetic predisposition. In Ayurveda, eczema is seen as a manifestation of an imbalance in the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), specifically Vata and Pitta, which can affect the skin and cause inflammation, dryness, and itching.

Causes of Eczema According to Ayurveda:

  1. Vata Imbalance (Dryness and Pruritus):

    • Vata dosha governs the skin’s texture and moisture levels. When Vata becomes imbalanced, it leads to dry, rough, and flaky skin, which are common features of eczema. Vata imbalance can be caused by dry air, harsh weather, stress, and insomnia, all of which can aggravate skin dryness and itching.

  2. Pitta Imbalance (Inflammation and Redness):

    • Pitta dosha is responsible for heat, inflammation, and digestion. When Pitta is aggravated, it leads to inflammatory reactions in the body, which can cause redness, swelling, and heat in the skin. This is commonly observed in the inflammatory type of eczema.

  3. Kapha Imbalance (Mucus and Fluid Retention):

    • Kapha dosha governs the body’s moisture and structure. When Kapha becomes imbalanced, it can cause fluid retention and mucus accumulation in the skin, leading to weeping eczema (eczema with fluid-filled blisters) or thick, sticky patches of skin.

  4. Ama (Toxins):

    • Ama, the undigested toxins resulting from weak digestive fire (Agni), can accumulate in the body and clog the channels (srotas). These toxins can manifest as skin issues, including eczema. Ama can weaken the immune system, making the body more prone to allergic reactions and skin inflammation.

  5. Poor Digestion and Weak Agni:

    • According to Ayurveda, the state of digestion (Agni) plays a critical role in overall health. Weak or imbalanced Agni can lead to toxins building up in the system, which eventually manifests on the skin as eczema. Indigestion, acidity, or food allergies may also trigger eczema flare-ups.

  6. Allergic Reactions and Environmental Factors:

    • Allergens, dust, pollution, harsh chemicals, and even emotional stress can aggravate the doshas and trigger eczema flare-ups. Food allergens like dairy, gluten, and certain spices can also contribute to eczema outbreaks.

  7. Genetics:

    • A family history of eczema, allergies, or asthma can increase the likelihood of developing eczema. Genetic predisposition plays a significant role in the body’s immune response and its vulnerability to inflammatory skin conditions.

  8. Stress and Emotional Factors:

    • Mental stress and emotional imbalance can exacerbate eczema. Vata and Pitta imbalances are often aggravated by psychological stress, leading to flare-ups of skin conditions like eczema.

  9. Hormonal Changes:

    • Hormonal fluctuations, such as those occurring during pregnancy, menstruation, or puberty, can trigger or worsen eczema due to their influence on the immune system and skin health.

Symptoms of Eczema According to Ayurveda:

Ayurvedic Treatments for Eczema:

Ayurvedic treatment for eczema involves balancing the doshas, improving digestion, cleansing the body of toxins (Ama), and reducing stress. The goal is to restore harmony in the body, which can help heal the skin from within.

1. Herbal Remedies for Eczema:

2. Ayurvedic Treatments and Therapies:

3. Dietary Recommendations:

4. Lifestyle Recommendations: