ECZEMA AND ITS AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT

INTRODUCTION

Eczema is a skin condition which is characterized by dry, scaly and itchy skin. The skin gets inflamed and there occurs red patches. It is a very common condition and mostly occurs in children. However, people of any age can get affected. It is not a contagious disease as it doesn’t spread from the infected person to the healthy one. It is a chronic disease and occurs in flares. The symptoms often develop when a person comes in contact with an allergen or a chemical irritant such as any type of food, hay, etc. In this, the skin barrier gets broken down and this prevents in retaining of moisture by the skin, causing dry and itchy skin.

There are various types of treatment options available. By keeping the skin moisturized and doing some self-help measures can help in management of eczema. Some oral medications and creams can be very helpful.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ECZEMA?

There has not been found the exact reason for the occurrence of eczema. Researchers found it to be due to the overactive response of the immune system. Filaggrin is a protein which is produced in skin and keeps the skin moist and hydrated. In persons suffering from eczema, this skin protein is absent and this leads to dry and scaly. Persons having a genetic predisposition are more prone to eczema.

WHAT ARE THE TRIGGERS OF ECZEMA?

On exposure to certain external and internal factors, there occurs flare up of eczema. Following are the common triggers of eczema:

• Allergens such as dust, mites, pollen grains, etc
• Chemicals present in cleansers, detergents, etc
• Cigarette smoke
• Rough and scratchy clothing like wool
• Perfumes
• Synthetic clothes
• Animal dander
• Emotional stress
• Certain food allergies
• Extreme cold weather
• Sweat
• Respiratory infections

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF ECZEMA?

The common signs and symptoms of eczema are:

• Dryness and intense itching
• Itching especially at night
• Thick and cracked skin
• Small, raised reddish bumps on skin from which liquid oozes out
• Scaly skin
• Inflammation and swelling in skin
• Increased sensitivity due to scratching

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS WHICH ARISE WITH ECZEMA?

Following are the complications which are associated with eczema:

• Bacterial skin infections
• Hives
• Hay fever
• Asthma
• Hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation of skin
• Chronic skin itching
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Presence of scales on skin

HOW ECZEMA CAN BE PREVENTED?

Eczema can be kept at bay by a healthy diet and good lifestyle. Following are the steps which can be useful for prevention of eczema:

• Quit smoking
• Avoid alcohol intake
• Doing regular physical exercise
• Keeping body moisturized and hydrated
• Avoid using harsh soaps
• Wearing cotton clothes
• Meditation
• Practicing yoga
• Do not wear tight-fitting and synthetic clothes

WHAT IS THE AYURVEDIC CONCEPT OF ECZEMA?

Eczema is known as Vicharchika in Ayurveda. It occurs because of the aggravation of the pitta dosha. This causes redness and inflammation in skin. According to Ayurveda, it is caused due to faulty eating habits and sedentary lifestyle. Panchkarma is considered to be very effective in management of eczema.

Herbs which can be given in treatment of eczema are:

• Khadira
• Manjishtha
• Sariva
• Neem
• Chandana
• Guduchi
• Karanj
• Haridra

CHANDIGARH AYURVED CENTRE’S MEDICATIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF ECZEMA

Here are some of the medicines of Chandigarh Ayurved centre which are used for the treatment of eczema:

1. Detox Premium Powder

The eczema sachet consists of various herbo-mineral preparations in it.

Parwal Pishti:This Pishti is prepared from natural coral calcium processed with rose water. It reduces the inflammation in the eczema patients.

Shukta Pishti:It contains pearl oyster shell calcium processed in different ways. This Pishti balances the pitta dosha in the body.

Giloy Satv:This satv is prepared from the herb Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia). The antioxidant nature of this herb removes all toxins out from the body.

Gandhak Rasayana:The main ingredient in this is purified sulphur that acts as a blood purifier. This rasayana deal with all signs and symptoms related to eczema.

Sudhyog Tab:These are herbal tablets that provide very effective result in eczema patients.

Moti Pishti:This is an ayurvedic preparation that shows anti-inflammatory properties. As it reduces inflammation in eczema patients.

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

2. Blood Purifier Syrup

The herbal syrup is prepared from herbs like Khadir Chall (Acacia catechu), Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Harad (Terminalia bellirica), Baheda (Terminalia chebula), & Amla (Emblica officinalis) that acts as a natural blood purifier. This herbal syrup reduces redness, itchiness, swelling on the skin.

Recommended Dosage: Take 2 teaspoonful twice daily.

3. Panchtikat Ghrit Guggul

This herbal preparation contain ingredients like Neem (Azadirachta indica), Patola (Trichosanthes dioica), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Vasa (Adhatoda vasica), Patha (Cissampelos pariera), Vidanga (Embelia ribes), etc that relieves all skin diseases. It balances Pitta & Kapha dosha in the body.

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

4. Twak churna

Twak Churna balances all the three doshas of your body.  It help reduce symptoms of various skin diseases like ECZEMA, PSORIASIS, cure FRECKLES, and other skin allergies. It help reduce Pigmentation of skin, MELASMA over face and Acne along with Urticaria, Cellulites and all kinds of Dermatitis. It contain ingredients like Yashtimadhu and Manjishtha that possess antioxidant, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Recommended Dosage: Take 1 teaspoon twice daily with normal water.

5. Skin Care tablet

Skin care tablet is herbo mineral and purely 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, removes stagnant blood and dissolves obstructions in the blood flow that further increase blood circulation of the skin.

Recommended Dosage:Take 1 tablet twice daily.

6. Twak Tailam

TWAK TAILAM is the herbal oil and is purely Ayurvedic preparation. CAC Twak Tailam provides relief from various skin problems such as pimples, blemishes, scars, ulcers, wounds, skin rashes, dry patches, itching, skin irritation, reduces redness, etc. It is composed of natural herbs that pacifies all three doshas and provides healthy skin. This oil is made up of pure herbs such as yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), manjistha (Rubia cordifolia). Twak tailam supports skin health, helps in reducing uneven pigments, delays the process of ageing, improves complexion, and helps in deep detoxification, blood purification without any side effects.

Recommended Dosage:Apply to affected area twice daily.