Eczema, also known as Dermatitis, is a non infections inflammation of skin. It is characterized by itchiness, red skin and a rash. In cases of short duration, there may be small blisters, while in long term cases the skin may become thickened. The area of skin involved can vary from small to the entire body. Atopic eczema is the most common form of the disease among Australians. If affects one in three Australian sat some stage throughout their lives. It is most common in people with a family history of an atopic disorder, including asthma or hay fever.
































 

 

TYPES OF ECZEMA -
The three main types of eczema are atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis and nummular eczema. There are also several other skin conditions that can be related to eczema which also cause itchy and dry skin.

1. Atopic dermatitis: It is can inflammatory skin condition that causes intense itching of skin. It is the most common and usually the most severe form of eczema. It is also most commonly found in children. The most common locations for the itching are the elbows, back of knees and the face. Atopic dermatitis is more common in children who suffer from asthma and seasonal allergies.

 

1. Contact dermatitis: When a specific irritant or allergen comes in contact with the skin, the skin reacts to the irritating substance by becoming red, inflamed and itchy resulting in contact dermatitis. It is an allergic reactions of the skin. Common things that can cause contact dermatitis are chemicals, fabrics, beauty care products or poison ivy. The irritating substance can be something that you have come in contact with before, and your body has built up an allergy over time, or it could be something that you react to instantly. The skin can be red dry and scads or blistering like a burn from the reaction.

 

1. Nummular eczema: It has more of a distinct form than the other types mentioned. It is often shaped like a coin and there can be several patches on the body. Frequently it is the body's reaction to inflammation caused by something such as a big bite. It can also happen when the skin becomes too dry in the winter.

 

 

The Ayurvedic concept of Eczema or Dermatitis:

Eczema or Dermatitis is correlated with Vicharchika in Ayurveda. It is a spreading type of skin eruption with itching. According to ancient Ayurvedic text books, in this condition the skin has red rashes, with bumps, associated with profuse discharge, intense itching and often blue discoloration.
Some others also notify painful, dry and mild to moderate itching lesions.












 

Types explained in Ayurveda :
According to Ayurveda, vicharchika (eczema/dermatitis) is related to the vitiation of any of the three doshas affecting the skin and blood as well as accumulated metabolic wastes. In general, the main dosha involved is pitta or kapha, but all three can be involved. Below is a general description of how doshas influence the characteristics of this disease.

1. Vata- vata types of eczema are characterized by extreme dryness, scaling, exfoliation, itching and much pain and throbbing.
2. Pitta- Pitta types of eczema are associated with redness, blisters, bleeding, burning sensations, and infection. Pitta individuals may be prone towards seborrhoeic and contact dermatitis due to excess heat, especially in the armpits and on the scalp
3. Kapha- kapha types of eczema cause itching, oozing and thickening of the skin. Kapha types may also be prone to seborrhoeic eczema, especially in between rolls of fats as well as other moist sweaty areas.
4. Tridosha- Tridosha types are when all three doshas are involved and the various symptoms are mixed, which is common in many chronic cases.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

Causes as per Ayurveda:
These are classified into following 3 group

Foods that cause skin diseases:

1. Use of fish, lemon and milk together.
2. Excessive use of newer grains, curds, sour and salty eatable.
3. Use of deer meat with milk.
4. Use of alcohol with milk.
5. Excessive use of green vegetables with milk.
6. Excessive use of a sesame seeds, milk and jaggery.
7. Use of radish with jaggery.
8. Intake of articles having sour taste with milk.
9. Continuous intake of aquatic and marshy flesh with milk.
10. Intake of honey and meat after taking hot diet and vice-versa.

Habits that cause skin diseases:

1. Regular sleep in the day.
2. Sexual intercourse during indigestion.
3. Physical exercise and taking sunbath after heavy meals.
4. With holding the natural urges.
5. Taking cold bath immediately after exhaustion and sunlight.

Mental activities that cause skin disease:

1. Censuring or killing virtuous persons.
2. Use of money or material acquired by unfair means.
3. Insulting wise men, teachers and other respectable persons.
4. Depression and stress.

Treatment of Eczema in Ayurveda:












Eczema Ayurvedic treatment includes several types of therapies including body detox with Panchkarma, application of herbal pastes/oils and administration of oral herbal formulations. Overall Ayurvedic treatment for eczema focuses on clearing the skin lesions as well as reducing the body toxins that could be responsible for inflammation in the body. In infants with eczema deep cleansing is not indicated and the treatment is usually given through the mother, especially in the case of a breast feeding baby. A daily teaspoon of Aloevera juice mixed with any liquid and given to the infant can do wonders to relieve the symptoms and rejuvenate the skin. If the condition persists after 3 years of age, internal herbs may be given.
Ayurveda offers many traditional and custom formulations that are specific to the various forms of this conditions, but these can only be selected once a full evaluation is made by an ayurvedic practitioner. Below in a general list of some of the most commonly used herbs to treat eczema and related skin conditions:

1. Khadirarishta
2. Neela ghrita.
3. Maha manjishthadi kwatha.
4. Kaishore guggulu.
5. Triphala guggulu.
6. Panchatiktaka kashaya.
7. Nimbadi choorna.
8. Haridra khandam.
9. Chandarprabha vati.
10. Chandanasvam.
11. Karanaja Tailam.
12. Marichadi Taila.
13. Mahamarichayadi Taila.
14. Chakramarda taila.
15. Gandhakadya malahara.
16. Neem taila.
17. Jatyadi ghritam.
18. Lakshadi taila.

Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – It contains a compound called glycyrrhizin, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory activity that benefits in redness, swelling and itching in eczema. Liquorice is considered an effective herb for the treatment of eczema since many centuries.

Neem (Azadirachta Indica)- Neem is a bitter, astringent herb that is cooling and highly antibacterial. It is one of the top home remedies for eczema in Ayurveda as it clears away toxins in the blood and liver. One can use neem oil to massage over affected areas to relieve eczema symptoms and aids skin regeneration.

Tea Tree oil- People often use this oil to help with skin problems, including eczema. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and wound-healing properties in the oil. It may help relieve skin dryness and itching and help prevent infections.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)– Dandelion juice can stimulate the liver and help clean up dyshidrotic eczema (the kind which causes tiny bubble-like blisters paired with intense itching). However, applying dandelion externally can also help with eczema. Dandelion sap, otherwise known as dandelion milk, is used in treating skin diseases caused by microbial or fungal infection. Its flowers are a fantastic natural source of lecithin, which is a moisturising nutrient often used in skincare. Dandelion root contains a number of different compounds including inulin which, as we saw with burdock, draws moisture up to the skin.

Coconut oil- Coconut oil is ideal for dryness. It also has antibacterial properties, which may prevent harmful, infection-causing bacteria from entering cracked skin.

Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis or Matricaria recutita) – these two different chamomiles are antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. Chamomile is also considered to be hypoallergenic with the ability to neutralise skin irritants.

Manjishta (Rubia Cordifolia)- Manjistha is an herb that is a natural cure for eczema because it is Pitta pacifying and detoxifying, calms itching and acts as a blood purifier. 

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum)– This herb is named milk thistle because of the milky sap it contains which is a demulcent, meaning that it creates a gel-like layer, trapping moisture and soothing the skin. Milk thistle contains a compound called silymarin which improves skin redness, itching, hydration, and skin colour. Plenty of anecdotal evidence suggests that milk thistle alleviates the symptoms of eczema.

Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus)- Shatavari root when infused in oil is a natural cure for eczema. Shatavari is a cooling herb that calms Pitta and is a great help for the digestive system. 

 

Honey- Honey is a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent, and people have used it to heal wounds for centuries. Honey can help heal wounds and boost immune system function, meaning it can help the body fight off infections. With direct application on eczema-affected skin, honey could help prevent infections while moisturizing the skin and speeding healing.

Calendula (Calendula officinalis) – Calendula is believed to benefit eczema by reducing inflammation, eliminating bacteria, and helping the skin heal. 

Turmeric- Turmeric contains a key ingredient called curcumin. Various studies have found curcumin to have antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help protect sensitive skin. It may also affect the immune system cells that are in part responsible for eczema. Many topical products containing curcumin — such as ointments, soaps, and cosmetics — are sold throughout world.

Aloe vera-  Aloe vera is used to treat a wide range of skin disorders because it is soothing, moisturising, and cooling to the skin. Uses include treating minor burns (including sunburn), minor skin irritations, acne, insect bites, abrasions, skin ageing, eczema (including napkin dermatitis), and psoriasis.

Bakuchi (P. corylifolia)- The plant has blood purifying properties. It is used to treat itching red papules, itching eruptions, extensive eczema with thickened dermis, ringworm, rough and discolored dermatosis, dermatosis with fissures, and scabies. P. corylifolia is a very ancient remedy for leucoderma. it is used in the inflammatory diseases, mucomembranous disorders, dermatitis, and edematous conditions of the skin.  It also alleviates boils and skin eruptions. 

General recommendations for eczema types of skin conditions :

1. Use natural soaps and detergents free from perfumes and harsh chemicals.
2. Avoid wearing wool that comes in direct contact with the skin.
3. Avoid frequent, long, hot showers or baths.
4. Wear natural fibers rather than synthetic one.
5. Avoid wearing cheaply made metal jewelry.
6. Drink 6-10 glasses of water a day.
7. Resist the urge to scratch lesions to avoid the spreading and aggravation of surrounding areas. Keep finger nails clipped short to minimize damage from scratching.
8. Periodically remove something from your diet or environment to identify allergen triggers.

 

To treat eczema and other skin diseases, it is essential to have the guidance of a skilled practitioner who can tailor an herbal and dietary program specific to your individual needs. Contact expert Ayurvedic doctors at Life Line Ayurvedic Herbal Clinic to get best Ayurvedic Natural treatments of eczema in Australia.