CONTACT DERMATITIS AND ITS AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT

Itchy, red skin condition that develops as a reaction to contact with chemical or other irritants is known as Contact Dermatitis. This is not contagious but is uncomfortable. Treatment of this condition usually depends upon the cause. Multiple substances can cause contribute to this condition like fragrances, cosmetics, jewelry, plants etc. With elimination of the cause and proper management the rashes often subsides in 2-4 weeks.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF CONTACT DERMATITIS?

There are mainly two types of contact dermatitis. The types are :

• Allergic contact Dermatitis : Allergic reaction of the body to substance like metal jewelry, fragrances, preservatives and cosmetic products. In this type itchy, red rash takes several days after exposure to develop.
• Irritant Contact Dermatitis : In this type painful rashes tends to develop quickly in response to contact with irritating substance. Some common irritants includes soaps, cleaners, detergents and acids.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ALLERGIC CONTACT DERMATITIS?

Some common causes of Allergic contact dermatitis includes :

• poison ivy
• metals like nickel
• certain medications
• fragrances
• preservatives

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF IRRITANT CONTACT DERMATITIS?

Some of the common causes that contributes in development of irritant contact dermatitis includes :

• Alkalis like drain cleaners
• Certain plants like peppers, poinsettias etc.
• Acids
• Paints and varnishes
• Hair dyes
• Harsh sops or detergents
• Body fluids like saliva, urine etc
• Resins, epoxies and plastics
• Nail polish removers and other solvents

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CONTACT DERMATITIS?

Symptoms of Allergic Contact Dermatitis includes :

• Hives
• Skin redness
• Dry, flaky, scaly skin
• Oozing blisters
• Sun sensitivity
• Swelling mostly around face, eyes or groin areas
• Skin tends to appears leathery or darkened
• Extreme itching
• Skin that burns

Symptoms of the irritant contact dermatitis includes :

• Swelling
• Ulcerations
• Blistering
• Skin feels tight or stiff
• Cracking skin because of extreme dryness
• Open sores which form crusts

SELF-CARE FOR CONTACT DERMATITIS :

• Use mild soaps and lukewarm water to clean affected area and remove irritants
• Apply calamine lotion to affected area to relieve itching
• Avoid scratching the irritated skin as it may worsen the condition
• Stop usage of cosmetic products which are causing irritation
• Apply petroleum jelly like Vaseline for soothing the affected area

AYURVED APPROACH :

In Ayurved this condition can be correlated with Vicharchika. Due to exposure to etiological factors there is vitiation of three doshas such with predominance of Kapha dosha. Kapha dosha leads to decrease in digestive fire and formation of ama in the body. The vitiated doshas along with ama dosha cause obstruction of the strotos(channels) in skin that leads to development of this condition.

HERBS :

• Kumari
• Manjisth
• Chandan
• Tulsi
• Sirisha
• Khadira
• Aragwadha

PANCHKARMA FOR CONTACT DERMATITIS :

• Kashayadhara
• Raktmokshan
• Vaman
• Virechana

CHANDIGARH AYURVED CENTRE MEDICATIONS FOR TREATMENT FOR CONTACT DERMATITIS:

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. Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu:

The tablets are very beneficial in curing skin diseases as it contains the Pitta pacifying ingredients such as Shuddh guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Amrita (Tinospora cordifolia), Gajapippali (Piper chaba), Shunthi (Zingiber officinalis), etc. The tablet is Tridoshahara, thus is very effective in maintaining the hormonal level in the body.

Recommended Dosage –Take 2 tablets twice daily with normal water.

4. Skin Care tablet:

Skin care tablet is herbo mineral and purely ayurvedic formulation. It contains various herbs like Haridra khand, Panchnimba churna, Panchatikta guggulu, Patol patra, Ajmoda, Khadir chhal, Chirayta, Mulethi, Manjistha, Chopchini, Gandhak, etc. Skin care tablet is a blood purifying. It cools and detoxifies the blood, dissolves obstructions in the blood flow that further increase blood circulation of the skin. It minimises the blemishes, lighten sun tan, delay ageing of skin and heal skin problems. These tablet also act as a skin moistuirizer, Improves blood circulation, Remove blemishes, Reduce itching and burning sensation of skin, Prevent acne and pimples, Relieves leucoderma.

Recommended Dosage –Take 2 tablets twice daily with normal water.

5. Twak Churna:

Twak churna is a composition of two main ingredients – Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) that are considered as the best herbs for skin. The churna has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiandrogenic abilities that treat acne and also prevent it from re-occurrence. The herb Manjistha acts against bacteria such as Propionibacterium acne and Staphylococcus epidermidis which play a role in the development of pimples.

Recommended Dosage– Take 1 teaspoonful twice daily with normal water.