Can Ayurveda Help In Treating Atopic Dermatitis?

ABSTRACT

Atopic dermatitis is a medical condition that affects the skin. It results in inflammation, discoloration, and red rashes on the skin. It is also called Atopic Eczema. It usually begins at a young age. This condition is more prevalent in females. People living in cities and dry climates are more prone to Atopic Dermatitis.

INTRODUCTION

Atopic Dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that causes dry, itchy discoloration of the skin. There are various types of dermatitis. Contact dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis are the most common types of Dermatitis. A person with a family history of Atopic Dermatitis is more prone to this condition. Recurrent flares and remissions are generally seen in this condition. It develops in that area where the skin flexes. The skin behind your knees, elbows, hands, fingers, arms, legs, and eyes are some of the sites where the skin is affected. The color of the skin lesion depends upon the skin color. Usually, red rashes are seen in people with light complexion whereas brown, purple rashes are seen in darker skin complexion. This condition is more common in dark-skinned people and children. Allergies, asthma, skin infections, and mental disturbances are some of the complications of Atopic Dermatitis. Antibiotics, Oral steroids, topical steroids, and light therapy are used to manage this condition.

CAUSES

1. Bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus
2. Genetic factors
3. Environmental factors
4. Contact with irritants and chemicals
5. Use of alcohol-containing skin products
6. Poor nutrition
7. Stress

SYMPTOMS

1. Dry patches on the skin
2. Red patches on the skin
3. Rashes
4. Oozing fluid from the skin
5. Itching (can be severe sometimes)
6. Crusting of skin
7. Hard and thick skin
8. Cracks on skin

DIAGNOSIS

1. Blood test
2. Skin test

AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW

In Ayurveda, Atopic Dermatitis is correlated with Vicharchika. Acharya Charak has mentioned Vicharchika in Charak Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana. Vicharchika is categorised under Kshudra Kushta Roga (skin diseases). It is due to the vitiation of all three dosha (Vata, Pitta and Kapha), especially Kapha. Overconsumption of oily and heavy food, consuming hot and cold food simultaneously, consumption of new grains, fish, salt, yogurt, sesame seeds, black split grams, controlling the body’s natural urges and various other factors result in the aggravation of Kapha dosha and Rakta dhatu dushti (abnormality in the blood). Generally, itchy, dry, scaly discoloration of the skin with discharge is seen in this condition. According to dosha predominance, different symptoms are seen in Vicharchika. In Vata dosha, predominant symptoms like dryness of skin and pain are seen. Pitta dosha predominance Vicharchika leads to a burning sensation and fever. It can also cause bleeding. Kapha dosha predominance is more seen in this condition. Itching and oozing are some of the symptoms seen in Kapha dosha predominance.

TREATMENT

Ayurveda offers a holistic approach in order to manage Atopic Dermatitis. Ayurvedic Management of Atopic Dermatitis involves Nidana Parivarjan, Shodhan Chikitsa and Shaman Chikitsa.

Nidana Parivarjan (Avoiding causes and triggers

All the triggers and factors that can result in Atopic Dermatitis should be avoided.

1. Shodhan Chikitsa (Bio-cleansing therapy

Virechana (Purgation)

Virechana can be done in Vircharchika. Various herbal formulations like Tritvit leham and Avipatika churna are used for virechan.

2. Shaman Chikitsa (Pacifying therapy)

The following herbs can be given for Atopic Dermatitis

1. Manjishta (Rubia cordifolia)
2. Haridra (Curcuma longa)
3. Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus)
4. Khadira (Acacia catechu)
5. Lodra (Symplocos racemosa)
6. Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
7. Patola (Luffa acutangular)
8. Katurohini (Picrorhiza kurroa)
9. Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)

Given below are the formulations that can be given in Atopic Dermatitis

1. Arogyavardhini vati
2. Gandhak Rasayan
3. Amalaki Rasayan
4. Patolkaturohinyadi Kashaya
5. Patoladi Kashaya
6. Triphala Kashaya
7. Araghwhadadi Kashaya
8. Mahamanjishthadi Kashaya
9. Kalyanaka ghrita
10. Panchtikta ghrita
11. Mahatikta ghrita
12. Panchtikta guggulu ghrita
13. Kumkumadi oil

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR ATOPIC DERMATITIS BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda offers a wonderful combination of herbal remedies in order to manage Atopic Dermatitis. These products contain 100% pure herbal extracts which are formulated under GMP guidelines. We provide you with herbal products which are scientific and certified. These herbal products are free from any chemicals, adulterants, and preservatives. The products are formulated under a team of Specialized MD Doctors. Planet Ayurveda products are natural, effective, and free from side effects. Planet Ayurveda offers the following herbal formulations in Atopic Dermatitis Care Pack:

1. Gleaming Skin, Hair, Nails Formula
2. Navkarshik Churna
3. Gandhak Rasayan
4. Kustha Rakshas Tel
5. Royal Honey Shower Gel

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. Gleaming Skin, Hair, Nails Formula

Gleaming Skin, Hair, Nails Formula is a herbal formulation that contains Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Pit Papda (Fumaria officinalis), Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus) and various other herbs. Manjistha present in this formulation is bitter, sweet and astringent in taste and hot in potency. It balances Kapha and Pitta dosha. It is very helpful in managing a wide range of skin problems. It subsides pigmentation of the skin, reduces pain and purifies blood. Another wonderful herb present in this formulation is Sariva. Sariva is sweet, bitter in taste and cold in potency. It is tridoshahara (balances all three doshas). It relieves itching and discharges from the skin. It also subsides bleeding from skin lesions.

Dosage: 1-2 Capsules twice daily, with plain water, after meals.

2. Navkarshik Churna

Navkarshik Churna is a polyherbal formulation that contains Amla (Indian gooseberry), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bahera (Terminalia bellerica), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) and various other herbs. Amla present in this herbal powder is rich in antioxidants and cold in potency. It is cold in potency and balances all three doshas. It removes dead skin cells and subsides the thickening of the skin. As it is rich in antioxidants it helps in reducing flare-ups in dermatitis. Other amazing herbs present in this formulation are Haritaki and Bahera. Both are helpful in improving skin conditions. Both have anti-microbial properties and therefore prevent various secondary infections over skin lesions. These herbs prevent skin dryness and inflammation.

Dosage: 1 teaspoonful twice daily, after meals, with plain water

3. Gandhak Rasayan

Gandhak Rasayan is a standardised herbal formulation that contains Shuddh Gandhak (Purified sulphur). Gandhak is exclusively used for skin diseases. It is a potent rejuvenator and has shown great results in skin ailments. Gandhak has antibacterial, antimicrobial, antipruritic and adaptogenic properties. It purifies the blood and also subsides burning sensation, itching, pain and discoloration of the skin. It is also recommended in various skin allergies, urticaria and scabies etc.

Dosage: 1-2 tablets twice or thrice daily with lukewarm water

5. Kustha Rakshas Tel

Kustha Rakshas Tel is a polyherbal formulation that contains Kustha (Saussurea lappa), Saptaparna (Alstonia scholaris), Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), Rasona (Allium sativum,) and various other herbs. Kustha is bitter, pungent and sweet in taste. It is hot in potency and balances kapha and vata. It is useful for various skin disorders. It reduces all the symptoms associated with Atopic Dermatitis. Another wonderful herb present in the formulation is Saptaparna. It is hot in potency. It helps in relieving itching, and pigmentation from the skin as it balances all three doshas. Rasona is also present in this formulation. It is hot in potency and balances vata and kapha dosha. It is rich in antioxidants and subsides Atopic Dermatitis.

Dosage: It has to be applied externally twice or thrice a day. Before application kindly wash the affected area.

6. Royal Honey Shower Gel

Royal Honey Shower Gel is a standardised herbal formulation that contains honey, vitamin E, Aloe vera extract (Aloe barbadensis), Tea tree extract (Melaleuca alternifolia) and various other ingredients. Honey is hot in potency and balances Kapha and Pitta dosha. It is known for Lekhan Karam (scrapping). It eliminates vitiated doshas by its scrapping activity. It is dry in nature. It helps in the healing of skin lesions seen in Atopic Dermatitis. It cleans the skin lesion and also manages hyperpigmentation. It also removes dead skin cells and helps in the growth of new cells. Aloe vera extract is also present in this formulation. It is bitter in taste. It is cold in potency and balances all three doshas. It helps in managing blisters, itching, and burning sensation and improves the complexion of the skin. Another herbal ingredient present in this formulation is tea tree. It is rich in antioxidants and manages itchy skin associated with Atopic Dermatitis.

Method of Application: Squeeze a small amount onto a wet body sponge or pouffe. Work into a rich creamy lather and then rinse clean.

CONCLUSION

Atopic Dermatitis is a chronic skin condition that causes dry, itchy discoloration of the skin. Recurrent flares and remissions are generally seen in this condition. It usually develops in that area where the skin flexes. In Ayurveda, it is correlated with Vicharchika. It is categorized under Kshudra Kushta Roga (skin diseases). It is due to the vitiation of all three dosha (Vata, Pitta and Kapha), especially Kapha. Ayurveda offers management of Atopic Dermatitis with the help of vata, pitta and kapha pacifying herbs. Manjishta, Haridra, Sariva, Khadira, and Lodra are some of the herbs that can be used to manage Atopic Dermatitis.