Ayurvedic Treatment for Phytophotodermatitis – Managing Skin Reactions Naturally
ABSTRACT
Skin is the outermost layer of the body. Skin is the layer that helps us to experience the sensation of touch and is the largest sense organ of the body. It is the first line of defense that helps to protect the body from various types of germs, infections, etc. So, it is most prone to various kinds of chemical and allergic reactions. One such type of reaction caused by exposure to some chemicals along with the exposure to sun is called Phytophotodermatitis. The Phytophotodermatitis will be discussed in detail along with the symptoms, causes, and ayurvedic aspect, etc. in the following content.
INTRODUCTION
Phytophotodermatitis is a term coined using three words i.e. phyto, photo and dermatitis. Phyto refers to plants, photo means sunlight and dermatitis means the inflammation of the skin. So, when compiled, it describes the condition as contact with certain plants or plant chemicals with the skin may result in inflammation when there is sun exposure. It is a type of contact dermatitis. The condition of Phytophotodermatitis may present as erythemic skin with burning sensation which may further result in blister formation. The eruptions can be observed almost 24 hours after exposure and may peak at 48 to 72 hours after the exposure. The causes of phytophotodermatitis will be discussed as follows.
CAUSES
The cause of phytophotodermatitis is considered to be a result of exposure to furocoumarins. Furocoumarins is a type of chemical usually present on the surface of plants. This chemical gets activated on exposure to sun rays through photosynthesis. The phytophotodermatitis targets the outermost layer of the skin which is also known as epidermis. The risk factors of phytophotodermatitis will include some of the plants such as carrots, citrus fruits, wild parsley, figs, etc. These causes and risk factors will result in presentation of a variety of features which will be described as follows.
SYMPTOMS
The clinical features of phytophotodermatitis will depend on the region and exposure to the causes or risk factors. Initially, the person observes a blister like patch over the skin, the patch is blister like and is often accompanied with itching. Usually the region affected by phytophotodermatitis has irregular shape without any proper margins or boundaries. The areas most commonly involved can be hands, arms and legs. The blister formation can also appear in the form of drips, streaks, etc. The blisters may not be itchy after the first reaction and the inflammation or swelling will subside on its own. However these blisters may leave behind dark pigmented patches of the skin. This condition is also called the post inflammatory pigmentation. This condition may last from several weeks to several months. The diagnosis will be discussed in the following content.
DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT
The diagnosis of phytophotodermatitis will require physical examination. The condition of phytophotodermatitis can be confused with that of various other conditions such as sun allergies, poisoning cases, hives, etc. The phytophotodermatitis can be primarily managed with home care. Cool washcloths can be applied on blisters to soothe the burning and itching sensation. Topical ointments may also be advised to apply on the skin to manage the outbreaks. The patient may be advised to reduce the exposure to sun. The ayurvedic perspective of this condition will be discussed in the following content.
AYURVEDIC ASPECT
The ayurvedic aspect of the phytophotodermatitis can be correlated with the vitiation of the pitta dosha due to aagantuk factors i.e. the factors present outside the body. There are five types of pitta dosha in the body and bhrajaka pitta is one of the types that is believed to be residing in the skin. So, vitiation of bhrajaka pitta can be considered in this scenario. The vitiation of pitta will result in the blister formations and the vitiation kapha dosha will be responsible for the itching sensation in the phytophotodermatitis. So, the line of management will include restoring the vitiated pitta dosha and kapha dosha back in normal levels. This can be accomplished using a variety of herbal formulations such as gandhak rasayan, dermo plan syrup, etc. The details of these ayurvedic formulations beneficial for the condition of phytophotodermatitis will be described as follows.
HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR PHYTOPHOTODERMATITIS
Planet Ayurveda is providing various preparations of natural herbs such as gandhak rasayan, dermo plan syrup, etc. which are prepared using authentic ways and provide great results in improving the condition of phytophotodermatitis. All the herbal products manufactured here are free from chemicals, preservatives, starch, additives, colors and fillers. These products are hundred percent natural and are formulated by MD Ayurvedic doctors with deep knowledge of Ayurveda and many years of experience. The ayurvedic formulations beneficial for the condition of phytophotodermatitis are described as follows.
1. Gleaming Skin, Hair, Nails Formula
These capsules are prepared by planet Ayurveda which contains a variety of beneficial ayurvedic herbal extracts, few of the them are Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Pit Papda (Fumaria officinalis), Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Aloe barbadensis (Ghrit Kumari), etc. It is very beneficial for improving the condition of the skin, hairs and nails. Thus, it will help to manage the pigmentation left behind by the phytophotodermatitis.
Dose – It can be given one capsule twice daily with warm water after a meal.
2. Gandhak Rasayan
Gandhak Rasayan is presented by planet ayurveda. It is prepared using pure extract of a very beneficial ayurvedic component namely gandhak (Sulfur (purified)). It shows great results on the overall health of the body. It helps to detoxify the body. It acts as an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory agent. Hence, will help to improve the condition of phytophotodermatitis. It is also beneficial in various other skin related disorders such as urticaria, acne etc.
Dosage: Two tablets two times a day with lukewarm water.
3. Kustha Rakshas Tel
Kustha Rakshas Tel is being prepared by Planet Ayurveda. It is a herbal oil preparation consisting of medicinal properties of a variety of herbs such as bakuchi (Psoralea coryfolia), Aragwadha (Cassia fistula), etc. This is a very effective oil formulation as it helps to balance the vitiated dosha of the body. The appropriate use of kustha rakshas tel will help to deal with a variety of skin conditions including the condition of phytophotodermatitis.
Dosage – Use 3 ml of kustha rakshas tel two times a day for local application.
4. Royal Honey Shower Gel
The royal honey shower gel is a medicinal cosmetic product being prepared by Planet Ayurveda. The royal honey shower gel has a combination of beneficial ingredients such as kumari saar (aloe vera) and honey along with vitamin E that helps in detoxification of skin. Also, the aloe vera provides a refreshing and soothing feel and helps in managing phytophotodermatitis effectively
How to use: Bath with Royal Honey Shower gel at least two times a day.
5. Dermo plan syrup
The dermo plan syrup is being prepared by planet ayurveda. It contains a variety of Ayurvedic herbs such as manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), haridra (Curcuma longa), etc. that are known especially to improve the skin and related diseases. Dermo plan syrup is a herbal liquid preparation which helps to detoxify the blood and improve the texture of skin. This will help to manage the condition of phytophotodermatitis effectively.
Dosage – Dermo plan syrup can be given two teaspoons two times a day.
Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing/ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4040 (India), +91-172-521-4040 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 842-749-4030.
CONCLUSION
Phytophotodermatitis can be concluded in a nutshell, that it might not be a fatal condition but the ones suffering with it, face various pains and difficulties. As mentioned, the exposure to some specific chemicals responsible for the condition should be prevented and necessary measures should be taken to manage the condition. The ayurvedic formulations such as gandhak rasayan, dermo plan syrup, etc. described in the above article go a long way to manage the condition of phytophotodermatitis effectively. Along with the herbal formulations, one should always practice a healthy diet and lifestyle to stay healthy. Hence, everyone should put efforts to stay disease free by always following the Ayurvedic health and lifestyle tips.
