Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema): Symptoms, Triggers, and Home Remedies

Atopic dermatitis is a very chronic eczematous condition of the skin that usually begins from the early age of childhood. This problem is not contagious, as the child grows this condition may worsen and even may go away completely. Term dermatitis means inflammation of the dermis and word atopic means strange, it may define as a strange type of inflammation of the skin. In this disease, skin is extremely inflamed and itchy that causes redness, swelling, vesicle formation, cracking, weeping and crusting. Complaint of dry skin is very common in the sufferers of atopic dermatitis.

The exact cause is this disease is not found various environmental factors and genetics are considered to be the main reason of causing this disorder.

According to Ayurveda dermatitis is skin related disorder that is named as vircharchika and major causes of this disorder according to Ayurveda are-

• Extra consumption of incompatible food (virudhahara)
• Excessive intake of oily (snigdha) and heavy (guru) food items.
• Regular sleep during daytime
• If you suppress your urges
• Frequent bath with cold water after heavy exposure to sunlight
• Extra consumption of curd, fish, salty food, dairy products and sesame seeds.

All above mentioned factors leads to the imbalance of kapha and pitta dosha. Both of these dosha along with vitiated vata dosha enters through the blood and veins in the body and causes serious dryness of skin that is called atopic dermatitis.

Emesis therapy of kapha dosha, enemas for vata dosha, purgation and leech therapy are the best purification therapies mention in Ayurveda to cure this serious disorder.

Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis

• Dry skin
• Itching
• Redness and inflammation
• Reddish-brown colored patches on feet, hands, ankles, chest, wrist, neck, inside the bends of elbows and knees.
• Tiny and raised bumps on the skin.
• Thickened and cracked skin
• Open, crusted and weepy pores
• Large cracks behind the ears

Major Triggers of Atopic Dermatitis

Skin Dryness

Dry skin is more prone to atopic dermatitis. It may worsen the condition because dry skin is easily converted to scaly, rough and tight.

Temperatures

Both extreme and cold temperatures triggers the symptoms of eczema. In hot summers due to excess of heat and sweating skin get easily irritated and worsen to cause prickly heat symptoms. In cold winters due to extreme cold temperature, skin gets rough, irritated and itchy.

Routine Products

Soaps, shampoos, detergents, sanitizers hand wash we used are also harmful for this condition because the chemicals used in the preparation of these routine products may cause irritation and burning sensation in the dermis.

Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal changes, especially in women also contribute to worsen this disease. Imbalance of hormones also triggers the underlying symptoms of atopic dermatitis.

Stress

Stress full life is again a major factor that helps to increase this skin related disorder.

Allergens

Pollens, molds and various dust particle present in our surrounding environment contribute to create an allergic reaction in the skin.

Infections

Bacteria, virus and microbes are various microorganisms present in the environment that also infections which triggers this condition.

So treatment of this skin related disorder is very important, but to treat it, we know about the major cause of eczema.

Home Remedies for Atopic Dermatitis

1. Phototherapy

Daily exposure to sunlight for 10-15 minutes daily is very useful to treat this disease. It helps to increase the production of vitamin D, reduces skin inflammation and gives energy to the body to fight against various bacterial infections.

2. Coconut Oil

Dry skin is the major cause of this worse condition so moisturizers are very beneficial to treat it. Coconut oil is a natural home remedy available at every home easily. Rather than a perfect moisturizer this natural remedy is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-microbial in nature that helps to fight against various microorganisms.

3. Vitamin D

Exposure to sunlight, eggs, salmon, tuna and cod liver oil are great sources of vitamin D. It helps to prevent the children from eczema and reduces the various symptoms of this disorder.

4. Cool, Wet Compress

 

Cool, wet also beneficial to treat eczema as it reduces excessive irritation. But wet compress causes serious infections in weepy and children with oozing blister.

5. Licorice Juice

Extract obtained from the roots of licorice plant is applied over infected areas to reduce the inflammation, redness, irritation and itching.

6. Omega3 Fatty Acid

Foods that are rich sources of omega3 fatty acid are considred to be good for atopic dermatitis. These food supplements helps to boost our immune system and helps in speedy recovery.

7. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is also very beneficial for atopic dermatitis. Its local application over infected areas also helps to relieve itching of skin.

8. Pumpkin and Chia Seeds

Both the seeds are a powerhouse of zinc. It helps in the process of wound healing and also helps in the metabolism of fatty acids.

9. Vitamin A Rich Food

Fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin A are very good for the skin. All these food items reduce inflammation and give for nourishment to skin.

10. Sunflower Seed Oil

Sunflower seed oil is known for its anti-inflammatory and skin barrier restoring effects. Linoleic acid present in this plant helps to reduce inflammation and other underlying symptoms.

Safety Measures to Control Atopic Dermatitis

• Daily skin care routine is very important for everyone. Try to make your skin clean and dirt free.
• Take showers with lukewarm water. After taking shower moisturize your skin twice daily with cream, oil or lotions. Avoid rubbing of skin.
• Raise levels of stress cause adverse effects on skin so try to live healthy and stress free life to protect your skin from serious disorders.
• Always wear loose clothing because tight clothing may cause irritation. Avoid synthetic fiber and wear cotton, smooth and soft fabrics.
• Moisturize your skin twice daily with lotion, cream or natural oils.
• Always stay hydrated to reduce the dryness of skin.
• Probiotic drinks in lactating and pregnant mothers reduce the risk of eczema in infants
• Try to avoid stress and live healthy and happy life.
• Always sit in shades and wear eye shades to protect your eyes.
• Use caps and long brimmed caps to protect your skin from the direct exposure of sunlight to the skin.
• Avoid sugary and fried foods that cause inflammation.
• Use humidifier at home because it helps to create moisture in the air and protect skin from dryness.
• Try to soothe your skin daily with natural aloe Vera gel. It gives natural care to skin.