Ayurvedic Treatment for Atopic Dermatitis
Abstract
Skin is one of the largest organs of our body. It is the important outer part of the body which protects us from water loss and pathogens. It helps in regulating our body temperature. Every person has different types of skin texture. Skin is an important structure which helps us to differentiate between hot and cold. Skin is a flexible and soft organ of our body. Dry skin has the largest tendency to suffer from skin diseases as dry skin is not able to hydrate itself. There are various skin conditions which affect the texture of the skin. In this article, we will talk about the skin condition known as Atopic Dermatitis and its relevant ayurvedic aspect.
Introduction
Atopic dermatitis is a skin condition in which the skin becomes red and itchy. It is one of the common disorders which occur throughout the world. It can occur at any age, but most commonly occurs in children. It is also known as Eczema. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition. It may occur due to Asthma or hay fever. Dermatitis is known as inflammation of the skin characterized by swollen and cracked skin. It usually starts in childhood and severity changes over the years. The rashes in this condition tend to flare and go away and then come back again. Chest, face, back, armpits, back of the knee etc are the commonly affected sites in this condition.
Ayurvedic Aspect
In Ayurveda, we can correlate this disease with Vicharchika which comes under the heading of kshudra-Kushtha.
Etiology/Causes
The exact cause of this condition is unknown. But some of the possible causes are
- Family history
- Living in the cold and polluted area
- Some food allergies
- Strong soaps
- Pollen allergies
- Stress and anger
- Animal dander
- Dry skin
- Dust exposure
Nidana (causes) of Vicharchika As1
The person who uses cold and hot things simultaneously, excessive heavy diet, overeating, drink milk over fish, mostly cereal diet, eating over indigestion, doing exercise after having a heavy meal, take honey, kakmachi n excessive manner, exertion and intense heat, suppress the urges of vomiting, apply too much oil over body etc. these are the general causes of Kushtha disease.
Poorva Roopa (Prodromal symptoms)
Poorva Roopa of this disease by Acharya Charaka 2
- Atisvedana or asvedana(excessive sweating or no sweating)
- Twaka parushya (hard skin)
- Vaivarnya (Discoloration)
- Kandu (itching)
- Sparshgyannasha (no sensation)
- Twaka shotha (inflammation of the skin)
- Romharsha (tingling sensation)
Clinical Features/Signs and Symptoms
People who are suffering from atopic dermatitis shows the following symptoms
- Itching (first symptom of atopic dermatitis)
- Dry and scaly skin
- Red patches
- Sensitive, swollen skin
- Small raised bumps which leaks fluid when scratched
- Dark circles around the eye
Lakshana (symptoms) of Vicharchika
Acharya Charaka describes the Vicharchika symptoms as3
This disease consists of pimples which are associated with itching, blackish and also with discharge is known as Vicharchika.
Complications
Complications may include
- Chronic itchy and scaly skin
- Skin infections
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Sleep problems
Updrava (Complication)
Following are the updrava of Ek-kushtha 4
- Puystrava (pus formation)
- Angbheda (body ache)
- Trishna (excessive thirst)
- Jwara (fever)
- Atisar (diarrhea)
- Daha (burning sensation)
Diagnosis
- Diagnosis is made through physical examination. No lab test is required to diagnose this disease. The doctor will check your skin appearance and will make a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis.
- Sometimes a doctor may suggest a skin patch allergy test. This test is useful to rule out the rash over the skin is due to an allergy or something else.
Prevention
By following these below-mentioned tips you can prevent yourself from atopic dermatitis
- Moisturize the skin twice a day
- Avoid triggering factors
- Take a bleach bath
- Use only gentle soaps
Treatment
There is no treatment for eczema. But medications lower the symptoms of this condition. They might include steroid creams or ointments or steroid pills for severe cases. Modern pathy has limitations to treat a disease but Ayurveda has no limits to treat a disease. Ayurveda science has vast treatment protocols to treat a disease from its root cause.
Chikitsa (treatment)
In the treatment of Kushtha roga we have to follow this treatment protocol
1. Nidana parivarjana: first you have to avoid the Etiological factors for treating this disease. This is the first and foremost treatment protocol for any disease.
2. Sanshodhan (detoxification therapy with panchakarma procedures): we have to do detoxification therapy for treating skin disorders. These procedures include:
- Vaman (induce vomiting)
- Virechan (induce purgation)
- Raktamokshan (blood-leting)
- Basti (medicated enema)
- Nasya karma (Administration of medicated herbal nasal drops)
3. Samshamana chikitsa: This is known as conservative management. It includes:
- Antah parimarjana (oral drugs)
- Bahi parimarjana (for local application)
Antah parimarjana
Rasa/Bhasma
- Shuddha gandhak
- Ras manikya
- Gandhak rasayan
- Talkeshwar ras
- Vyadhiharan
- Swaran makshik bhasma
- Shudh shilajit
- Kustha kuthar rasa
Vati/guggul
- Arogyavardhini vati
- Yograj guggul
- Kaishore guggul
- Panchtikta ghrit guggul
Churna
- Bakuchi churna
- Manjistha churna
- Narsingh churna
- Panchnimba churna
Kwath
- Patoladi kwath
- Khadirashtak Kwatha
- Brihad Mahamanjishthadi kwath
Asava/Arishta
- Khadirarishta
- Sarivadyarishta
- Triphalasava
Ghrit
- Mahatiktaka ghrita
- Panchtikta ghrita
- Mahakhadir ghrit
Bahay parimarjan includes
Tail
- Bakuchi tail
- Kusth rakshak tail
- Somraji tail
Prelepa
- Manah shiladi lepa
- Karviradi lepa
- Haritakyadi lepa
Rasayan
- Haritaki rasayana
- Somraji rasayan
- Bhallataka rasayan
- Haridra rasayan
- Shilajatu rasayana
Herbal Remedies for Atopic Dermatitis by Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda provides a care pack for this disease. Planet Ayurveda is a leading manufacturing company which manufactures various Herbal remedies. These products are made from the standardized extracts of various potential herbs. The products are 100% natural and vegetarian. Efficacy of the herbs is checked in the labs before making any formulation. This company is internationally certified. Planet Ayurveda provides 1 care pack for Atopic dermatitis i.e. Atopic Dermatitis care pack. This pack includes:
- Gandhak Rasayan
- Navkarshik Churna
- Gleaming Skin, Hair, Nails Formula
- Kustha Rakshas Tel
- Royal Honey Shower Gel
1. Gandhak Rasayan
These tablets are prepared from pure Gandhak (purified sulphur) with proven anti-inflammatory properties and anti-bacterial properties. Also it enhances the functioning of the immune system. As discussed above it has anti-inflammatory properties hence it subsides the swelling of the affected site and treats this condition.
Dosage: 2 tablets twice a day after meal
2. Navkarshik Churna
It is a herbal Ayurvedic formulation in powder form. This is a classical Ayurvedic formulation from Chakradatta samhita. It is a combination of natural herbs that helps to maintain healthy bones tissues as well as skin such as Amla (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula), Bibhitaki Terminalia bellerica), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Neem (Azadirachta indica) etc. It helps in cleansing the blood.
Dosage: ½ teaspoon full twice a day after meal with plain water
3. Gleaming Skin, Hair, Nails Formula
This is a polyherbal formulation and the herbs in this formulation are very effective for skin, hair and nail such as Manjishtha (Rubia cordifoli) Pitta papda (Fumaria officinalis) Chiretta (Swertia chirata) Ghritkumari (Aloe barbadensis). It clears toxins from the blood. It is the best anti-ageing formula.
Dosage: 2 capsules twice a day with plain water after meals
4. Kustha Rakshas Tel
Kustha rakshas tel is a classical ayurvedic preparation in oil form which is formulated by planet Ayurveda using ingredients like- Rasona (Allium sativum), Rasa sindhura (A combination of mercury and sulphur), Tamra bhasma (Calcined copper), Shuddha parad (Purified mercury) and many more. Kustha rakshas tel is used in a variety of skin diseases (leucoderma, dermatitis) and can be used during pregnancy and lactation periods.
How to apply: Applied externally over the affected area twice a day.
5. Royal Honey Shower Gel
The royal shower gel is a type of body gel that is formulated by planet Ayurveda for healthy skin using various ingredients like- Aloe vera extract (Aloe barbadensis), Viatenza Almond PE-8, Glycerin, Methyl lactate, Bangicid 90 Cosmetics, D.M water and many more. This shower gel is a refreshing, purifying gel made of honey and vitamin E which makes skin refreshed and maintains skin quality, makes chapped skin look soft, and hydration is maintained all day long.
How to use: Squeeze a few drops of shower gel on a wet body sponge which work into rich creamy leather then rinse it.
Conclusion
We concluded that Ayurveda is the best for the treatment of various diseases as this science has no limitation for treating disease. As we said above, modern pathy has limitations for treating any disease. So switch to Ayurvedic treatment and see the best results by living a happy and healthier life ahead.
