Treatment of Erythema Dyschromicum Perstans in Ayurveda

Abstract

Skin is the largest organ of the body that has both cosmetic and protective value. But under the influence of certain heredity and environmental factors certain  skin disorders such as acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation occur in the people which usually presents with slate grey or brownish-black  blue, brown macules, which can change in morphology and size over time. In this article we are going to discuss about one such condition that is responsible for affecting the normal texture of the skin i.e. Erythema Dyschromicum Perstans along with the clinical appearance, features, possible causes, and the best Ayurvedic formulations for the treatment of the disease.

Introduction

Erythema Dyschromicum Perstans (EDP) is characterised by irregular or well-circumscribed oval to round patches predominantly found on the face. These lesions are greyish in color and are a form of acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation. This disease is also known as ashy dermatosis due to its ash like grey appearance.

Sign and Symptoms

The clinical manifestation of Erythema Dyschromicum Perstans include the pigmented lesions which may be unilateral or symmetrical in distribution. In the early stage of this disease, these patches may be present with a reddish color with more prominent border or somewhat elevated but this phase is not always observed. There is a presence of dark greyish or ashy-like irregular hyperpigmented patches which is quite noticeable especially in the face, and may be present in the neck and trunk. These patches are usually painless but in some cases itching and mild discomfort are found associated with the disease.

Causes

These hyperpigmented lesions of Erythema Dyschromicum Perstans (EDP) do not have a known etiology. But few factors are considered as the triggering factors of the conditions include the genetic susceptibility, over or frequent exposure to the radiations, toxic effects of harmful chemicals (e.g. ammonium nitrate or barium sulphate), history of infections (whipworm infestations & viral infections) and allergies (such as contact allergy to cosmetics), adverse effects of medications & drugs. Further, this disease most often affects the patients with darker-skin. The disease is further reported at the young adults and womens are commonly more affected than the males.

Ayurvedic Aspect

In Ayurveda, the features of the disease Erythema Dyschromicum Perstans (EDP) closely resemble the Vyanga. Acharya Sushruta described the brief of this disease in the kshrudraroganidan chapter in a phrase as-

    (Reference- Sushruta Samhita Nidana Sthana 13/46)

Various factors like krodhoaayas (excessive anger or over-exertion), causes the vitiation of vata dosha which get mixed with pitta dosha and leads to the sudden formation of discolored mandalam (patches) in the face. The patches are nirujam (painless), tanukam (small in size), shyavvarna (greyish discolored patches), such patches on the face is known as vyanga.

Treatment

Planet Ayurveda is an leading herbal manufacturer of india and a globally emerging supplier and distributor of herbal or herbomineral medications which are gmp certified and are in strict adherence with ayurvedic principles and texts. The product made here are obtained from 100% natural sources, formulated with ancient time tested formulas in the vigilance and guidance of the expert team lead by experienced ayurvedic physicians.

Best herbal formulation as suggested by Planet Ayurveda’s experts for the treatment of Erythema Dyschromicum Perstans-

1. Gandhak Rasayan
2. Kaishore Guggul
3. Radiant Skin Hair Nails Formula
4. Youth Restora Capsule
5. Manjishtha Capsule
6. Recumin Gel
   

Product Description

1. Gandhak Rasayan

This is a classical Ayurvedic formulation having the sole mineral ingredient i.e. shuddha gandhak (the purified form of sulphur). Gandhak is well known for its pitta pacifying properties and as in this disease (EDP) there is aggravation of pitta dosha, that lead to formation of ashy patches on the face. Thus this formulation helps in eliminating the disease from the root cause, which not only treats the disease but also helps preventing the further progression of the disease.

Dosage- Two tablets two times daily with plain water after meals.

2. Kaishore Guggul

Kaishore Guggul is a classical polyherbal formulation consist of blood purifying herbs like Guduchi-Tinospora cordifolia and Triphala (an effective Ayurvedic combination of fruits of three herbs namely Haritaki- Terminalia chebula, Bibhitaki- Terminalia bellirica and Amalaki- Emblica officainalis), along with trikatu (group of three herbs having katu-pungent taste) i.e. Shunthi- Zingiber officinale, Pippali- Piper longum and Maricha- Piper nigrum, and a few other ingredients. The trikatu helps in digesting the endotoxins of the body by enhancing the jatharagni (digestive fire), and triphala helps in eliminating the remaining endotoxins of blood and body out of the system that will facilitate in fast recovery of the various skin diseases, including Erythema Dyschromicum Perstans.

Dosage- Two tablets twice daily, with plain water after meals.

3. Radiant Skin Hair Nails Formula

These capsules are being made by Planet Ayurveda’s experts with four herbal ingredients that includes Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Chirata (Swertia chirayita), Pit Papda (Fumaria officinalis) and Ghrit Kumari (Aloe barbadensis). These all four herbs are the best Ayurvedic herbs for promoting the skin health that helps in giving the skin a natural glow and texture. This formulation helps in fading down the greyish patches in the facial skin as appeared in EDP.

Dosage- One capsule two times a day, after meals with plain water.

4. Youth Restora

This is another Planet Ayurveda’s patent polyherbal medicine with ingredients such as Grape Seed (Vitis vinifera), Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus niruri), Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) along with Cow Colostrum. These ingredients make the capsule a sufficient natural supplement for having anti-aging, rejuvenating and immune boosting effects. These herbs are having many antioxidants that help in scavenging the free radicals and help in maintaining the good health of skin. These capsules hence enhance the recovery rate and speed in case of EDP.

Dosage- One capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.

5. Manjishtha Capsule

These capsules contain the sole ingredient i.e. the standardised extract of Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia). And Manjishtha is well known for enhancing the glow of the skin and thus helpful in removing the greyish discoloration associated with the disease Erythema Dyschromicum Perstans due to the raktprasadak guna (natural glow enhancing property). Also this herb has raktashodhak guna (blood detoxifying abilities) that helps in attaining the perfect skin color and removing toxins from the blood and system.

Dosage- One capsule twice daily, after meals with water.

6. Recumin Gel

This gel is the polyherbal formulations which have the ingredients like curcumin, bark and leaves of Neem (Azadirachta indica), Chameli (Jasminum officinale), Jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculatus), Tila (Sesamum indicum), Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Jivanti (Leptadenia reticulata) and Narikela (Cocos nucifera) etc. This gel helps in removing the discoloration, enhancing glow of the skin and thus it is very much beneficial as the local application in the management of various skin disorders including EDP.

Method of Application- Wash the area, pat dry and gently massage with this Recumin gel. Apply this gel twice in a day.

Conclusion

EDP is rather resistant to any of the modern allopathic medicines. They usually focus on symptomatic treatment like topical steroid, chemical peels, pigment lasers (such as Q switched ruby laser) etc. Whereas Ayurveda focuses on treating the disease with an integrated approach of herbal medicines and diet, lifestyle modifications. Skin care is like dieting. You have to invest time and efforts in following the good dietary and lifestyle modifications. Along with these alterations in lifestyle the use of these herbal formulations are very much beneficial in treating Erythema Dyschromicum Perstans in a much more effective and safer way.