SKIN DISEASES AND THEIR NATURAL TREATMENT

INTRODUCTION

Skin diseases involve a vast array of abnormal skin conditions which are characterized by inflammation, swelling, itching and skin rashes. The color of the skin changes and shows discoloration. Skin is the largest organ of the body and it protects the body from micro-organisms. It is among one of the five sense organs and it also helps in maintaining body temperature. It prevents in dehydration and when exposed to sun, leads to formation of vitamin D. When any abnormality occurs, it leads to disruption of the functioning of the skin.

There are various types of skin disorders. They are either caused by genetic factors or lifestyle factors. These skin disorders can be temporary or permanent and some can be life-threatening. The treatment of skin disorders includes oral medications and certain ointments. However, good eating habits and healthy lifestyle can play an important role in its management.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF SKIN DISEASES?

The common causes which can be responsible for skin disorders are:

• Weakened immune system
• Having a genetic tendency towards skin disorders
• Bacteria
• Fungus or parasites living on skin
• Certain viruses
• Suffering from diabetes
• Excessive exposure to Sun
• Exposure to environmental allergens or toxic fumes
• Thyroid problems
• Kidney disorders

VARIOUS TYPES OF SKIN DISORDERS ALONG WITH THEIR SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Here are some of the several skin disorders which affect humans:

ACNE

Acne is one of the most common skin disorder in which the pores of skin get clogged. These clogged pores lead to formation of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, cysts and nodules. Acne mostly occurs in teenage as during this period hormonal changes occur. It can lead to scars and causes skin darkening. There can also occur post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Acne most commonly affect face, chest, forehead, shoulders and upper area of back. Clogged pores or hair follicles lead to acne. In pores or hair follicles, bacteria, sebum and dead skin cells get collected. This plugs up the hair follicle, thus forming a pimple. Then pain and inflammation occurs around the acne.

HIVES

Hives are also known as urticaria. It is a skin condition which is characterized by raised, itchy rashes. These raised itchy bumps are called weals. They may or may not be surrounded by erythematous flares. They are a type of swelling on the surface of the skin. The size of weals vary in size. They are caused by an exposure to allergen, tight wearing clothes or some underlying health issue. The weals sometimes, join together to form larger areas called plaques. They tend to fade off within 24 hours, though they can appear within a few days or months. Urticaria is of two types –  acute and chronic urticaria.

PSORIASIS

Psoriasis is an auto-immune disease in which the skin cells multiply 10 times faster than the normal skin cells. It is a chronic skin disease. In this disease, itchy, scaly and red rashes occur on skin. It most commonly occurs on knees, elbows, scalp and trunk. The skin gets bumpy and thick. Sometimes they bleed also. Psoriasis is non-contagious. It means it is not transferred from one person to another.

Psoriasis mostly affects a person in their early adulthood. It usually affects just smaller areas but in severe cases, large parts of the body are involved. The condition flares for a few weeks or months and then subsides. However, there is no permanent cure of psoriasis but its symptoms can be managed by medications and dietary and lifestyle changes.

ATOPIC DERMATITIS

Atopic dermatitis is also known as eczema. In this, the skin becomes dry, scaly and bumpy. It is characterized by whitish-yellow scaly patches which flake off. The skin becomes red and swollen and accompanied by some blisters. It mostly commonly occurs on face, behind the knees, inside the elbows, hands and feet. People suffering from asthma, hay fever, etc are more prone to eczema. Food items like nuts, dairy products, etc can trigger it. However, pollens, smoke, certain fragrances can also trigger the onset of it.

Atopic dermatitis is a non-contagious disease which means it doesn’t spread from one person to another person. There has been found no cure of eczema but its symptoms can be managed by maintaining proper diet and with certain medicines.

VITILIGO

Vitiligo is known as leucoderma in which the skin loses its color and there occurs hypopigmentation of skin. It is a chronic disorder. The skin discoloration occurs in small patches. The white areas are known as macules if the area is less than 5 mm and patches if the area is greater than 5 mm. Vitiligo usually starts from hands, forearm, face and feet. Normally there is a pigment called melanin in skin which gives color to the skin. It is a black pigment. When the skin loses this pigment, it leads to absence of color in skin and thus causes milky-white color. It can also affect inside of the mouth and hair. Vitiligo is a photosensitive condition which leads to more sensitivity of the affected areas to the sunlight. The white patches of skin can spread in a few weeks or months or years.

FUNGAL INFECTIONS

The skin infections which are caused by fungi are known as fungal infections or mycosis. Fungi are the type of micro-organisms which are grown in damp and moist places. They normally don’t occur on or inside the body but they can cause infection on colonization. They can affect any part of the body. They are contagious and can be easily spread from one person to another. There are millions of species of fungi and they are found everywhere like on plants, household surfaces, in dirt and on the skin.

Fungi get easily reproduced by releasing spores into the air. These spores are then inhaled or come in direct contact with the skin. This leads to infection of skin, nails and lungs. It can penetrate inside the skin and can affect body organs. Some of the most common fungal infections are jock itch, vaginal yeast infection, onychomycosis, athlete’s foot, etc. The treatment involves use of certain medications and healthy lifestyle.

ACTINIC KERATOSIS

Actinic keratosis is an inflammatory condition of the skin in which rough, scaly patches appear on skin due to skin exposure. It is also known as solar keratosis. It is most commonly found on face, around lips, ears, scalp, neck and forearms. These are the areas where there is lot of sun exposure. It is present in people above 40 years of age. It grows gradually and reduces on protecting the skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays. If it is not treated, then there can be chances of developing it into a carcinoma. It is a type of squamous cell cancer. It occurs in 5% to 10% individuals.

ROSACAE

Rosacea is a skin disorder which mainly affects facial skin. It causes redness on cheeks, nose, chin and forehead. It can also appear on ears, neck, scalp or chest. With time, the redness becomes more intense. Even small blood vessels become visible. When nose is affected, it becomes swollen and bulbous and is known as rhinophyma. Styes occur when eyes get affected and then known as ocular rosacae.

HOW THE DIAGNOSIS OF SKIN DISORDERS IS DONE?

The doctor will do a proper examination of the skin. He will ask about the signs and symptoms. He will take the family history to assess any genetic bearing of the disease. He will suggest some of the following tests to the patient:

• Skin culture
• Biopsy of skin
• Wood light test – Black light examination
• Skin patch test
• Dermoscopy
• Diascopy

CHANDIGARH AYURVED CENTRE’S MEDICATIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF SKIN DISEASES

Here are some of the medications of Chandigarh Ayurved Centre which are used for the treatment of skin disorders:

1. Detox Premium Powder

This is a herbo-mineral preparation that contains ingredients like Parwal Pishti, Giloy satv, Shukta Pishti, Kamdudha Ras, Gandhak Rasayan, etc.

Parwal Pishti: This Pishti reduces inflammation, flaking, itching of the skin. The Pishti is composed of natural coral calcium processed with rose water.

Shukta Pishti: It helps to balance the Pitta dosha in the body. All signs and symptoms related to Psoriasis patients are managed with this article.

Giloy Satv: This satv is prepared from the herb Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia). The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties of this herb deal with psoriasis easily.

Kamdudha Ras: This herbal-mineral classical preparation balances Pitta dosha in the body.

Gandhak Rasayana: This herbal preparation is used since ancient times for all types of skin disorders.

Tal Sindoor: It contains ingredients like Shuddh parad, Aloe vera, Gandhak, etc that relieve redness in psoriasis patients.

Akik Pishti: This Pishti reduces all types of Pitta related disorder hence it gives good results in psoriasis.

Recommended Dosage: Take 1 sachet twice daily with plain water.

2. Blood Purifier Syrup

It is ayurvedic syrup that consists of various natural ingredients such as Khadir Chall (Acacia catechu), Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Harad (Terminalia bellirica), Baheda (Terminalia chebula), Amla (Emblica officinalis), etc. As the syrup purifies the blood by removing excess toxins it is very beneficial in maintaining proper circulation and improves the skin naturally.

Recommended Dosage– Take 2 teaspoonful twice daily.

3. Skin Care Plus tablet

Skin care tablet is a pure ayurvedic formulation. It help to maintain the texture of your skin depending on the type of skin you have. It contains various herbs like Haridra khand, Panchnimb churna, Khadir chahal, Chirayta, Mulethi, Chopchini, Gandhak, Ajmoda that work very effectively on all skin types. Skin care is a blood purifying tablet. It cools and detoxifies the blood, increase blood circulation of the skin. It minimizes the blemishes, lighten sun tan, delay ageing of skin and heal skin problems.

Recommended Dosage: Take 1 tablet twice daily.

4. Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu

Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu is an ayurvedic preparation mainly used for skin diseases. This tablet contains pure herbal ingredients such as Nimba(Azadirachta indica), Patola(Cucumis acutangulus), Guduchi(Tinospora cordifolia), Vasa(Adhatoda vasica), etc. This tablet promotes detoxification and rejuvenation. Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu tablet is a natural source of anti – oxidant. It promotes engender vibrant and healthy skin.

Recommended Dosage–Take 1 tablets twice a day with normal water.

5. Twak Churan

This herbal powder is prepared from two herbs Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) & Chopchini (Smilax malabarica) that in combination reduces uneven pigmentation. Manjishtha mainly helps in deep detoxification and blood purification. It can also be used for hand lotion to treat dry, cracked hands, or feet. This herbal powder is good for dry skin, rashes, acne. It has been used in psoriasis. Skin Glow powder removes toxins and impurities of blood. This powder helps to rejuvenate and promote the longevity. It helps to open the blocked sweat pores. This powder is used in infectious conditions like, eczema, pimples, and chronic skin disorders.

Recommended Dosage– Take 1 teaspoonful twice a day with normal water.

6. Twak Tailam

Twak tailam is very effective for the skin as it deeply nourishes the tissues and improves the skin luster. The tailam is composed of yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), etc. The tailam supports skin health, helps in reducing uneven pigments, improves complexion, and helps in deep detoxification and blood purification without any side effects.

Method of Application– Apply over the affected area of the skin.