Skin Disorders/Eczema
Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is an inflammation of the upper layers of the skin (epidermis). Eczema is broadly referred to a range of repeated or constant skin conditions. Itchy, vesicular, weeping or crusting patches, oozing or bleeding through patches are the characteristic features of Eczema. Temporary discoloration of skin may appear in patchy areas due to healed injuries.
Eczema is usually also referred as Atopic Dermatitis. It is a chronic condition which can appear in any age from childhood. In this condition in a period of time symptoms may flare up or worsen and sometimes it may improve or clear up. Environmental factors such as allergens, microbes, irritants, hot and cold temperatures, stress, etc can aggravate this skin condition.
Causes of Eczema according to Ayurveda:
According to Ayurveda the main cause of the disease is improper food habits, excessive intake of bakery products, excessive ingestion of yoghurt, sea food, salty or sour foods, exposure to very hot or very cold climate, heavy meals, persistent meals (having meals before the previous meal is digested), lack of exercise, day sleep, stopping natural urges, etc. These above causes result in accumulation of toxins in blood which then circulates in the body. The sedimentation of toxins takes place in the layers of skin causing itching, redness etc. called by modern medicine as Eczema.
Signs and symptoms of Eczema:
Symptoms may vary according to the skin condition. It may be distributed over different areas of body. Grossly it may include folds of arm, wrist, neck, shoulder, upper or lower back, back of knee, etc. The common signs and symptoms may include:
- Dry and sensitive skin
- Intense itching and redness over the skin
- Scaly skin
- Swelling along with rashes
- Oozing or bleeding lesions over skin
- Rough and leathery patches etc.
Ayurveda Body Cure’s treatment plan for Eczema:
After a detailed consultation by our specialist Ayurvedic Consultant, treatment plan is prepared according to the severity of Eczema and considering all other symptoms related to disease. The plan will include herbal medication, herbal massage based therapies, detoxification/Panchakarma, dietary and lifestyle changes, Yoga and exercise, etc.
Herbal medication:
A combination of specific herbs is selected according to the individuals’ body constitution, severity of the skin disorder, climatic conditions, lifestyle, etc.
Herbs like Shalmali (Bombax malabaricum), Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), Kushta (Saussurea lappa), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Chandana (Santalum album), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus) etc.are beneficial for curing Eczema.
Detoxification/ Panchakarma:
According to Ayurveda accumulation of toxins in body is the root cause of Eczema. So to amplify the effect of herbal medication detoxification is a very important part of the treatment. Detoxification through lower channels (Virechan) or through oral route (Vamana), Nasal Medication (Nasya), etc will be determined according to condition of disorder.
Herbal Massage based therapies:
These therapies may include body massage Abhyanga (full body massage), neck and shoulder massage Shirodhara (head massage), etc. which mainly de-stress the body and mind helping to cure Eczema.
Local applications such as herbal masks (Lepa), herbal face washes (if facial area is involved) are also suggested to apply on the affected area.
Diet and lifestyle recommendations:
Sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy food intake habits lead to the aggravation of disease. Healthy cooking habits and dietary changes are suggested accordingly to improve your health as well as skin.
Click here to get all details of Ayurveda Body Cure Diet Plan for Eczema.
Yoga / Exercise and Yogic Breathing techniques:
Yoga and exercise are very essential part of the treatment plan. It improves blood circulation of body which gradually increases the quality of health and skin.
Yoga postures like Sukhasana (Cross Legged Pose), Anjali Mudra (Salutation Seal), Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend), etc and breathing techniques like Kapalbhati, Anulom-Vilom and Brahmri will help in relieving mental stress.
Eczema may be an acute or chronic skin condition which may relapse over a period of time. Thus healthy lifestyle and good cooking habits along with the above treatment plan will help in curing the disease permanently.