Ayurvedic Treatment For Eczema And Home Remedies

Introduction

Eczema is a disease that causes itchy inflammation of the skin. Eczema can happen at any stage. Eczema can be of different types, and the most common type is Atopic Dermatitis.
The main symptoms of Eczema are rashes on the skin, the red colour on skin, cracked and rough skin, etc.
The major causes of Eczema are genetics, environment, and abnormal function of the immune system.

Different Types Of Eczema

Different types of Eczema are Atopic Dermatitis, Contact dermatitis, Neurodermatitis, Hand eczema, Dyshidrotic eczema, Static dermatitis, and Nummular eczema.

Eczema is a skin disease and can be of different types. The exact causes of eczema are under research by experts and some common causes are genetics, environment and abnormal function of the immune system.

1. Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis usually develops in early childhood, especially in people with a family history of Atopic dermatitis. People who suffer from Atopic Dermatitis have conditions like asthma, hay fever, etc.

Atopic Dermatitis Symptoms

There are different symptoms for Atopic Dermatitis

• Dry Skin & Itchy skin.
• Red to brownish-grey patches on the hands, feet, ankles, etc.
• Cracked skin that causes bleeding sometimes.
• Small bumps and fluid leakage from the affected skin.

Causes Of Atopic Dermatitis

The abnormal function of the immune system is the major cause of Atopic dermatitis. Your skin may not be able to protect you from allergens. The factors that cause Atopic dermatitis are:

• Immune system

  Immune system in our body overreacts to allergens that cause skin inflammations.

• Stress

  Both physical as well mental stress levels cause skin allergies.

• Genes

  If any of your family members has dermatitis history, there are chances to have eczema to other members also.

• Environmental triggers

  There are various environmental factors that lead to dermatitis. They are pollan, dust, certain fabrics, certain soaps and detergents, etc.

Abnormal function of the immune system leads to Atopic dermatitis and symptoms are dry & itchy skin, cracked skin with bleeding, etc.

2. Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is a skin rash caused by contact with a certain substance. Contact Dermatitis may happen when you touch a substance that contains allergens.

Contact Dermatitis Symptoms

There are various symptoms for Contact Dermatitis

• Rashes on the skin when it touches the allergens.
• Red colour on the skin, itchy skin, etc.
• Itchy bumps may evolve on the skin.
• The thickness of the skin.
• Formation of fluid-filled blisters.

Causes Of Contact Dermatitis

Common causes of Contact Dermatitis are:

• Most of the Skin-care products contain alpha-hydroxy acids which causes allergic symptoms for some people.
• Tobacco contains nicotine and various compounds which causes several diseases including skin irritations.
• Latex products like gloves, bandages, athletic shoes, balloons, etc.
• Most of the household oil paints contain Volatile organic compounds which cause skin allergy to some people.
• Most of the metal products contain nickel and skin interaction with these metals causes skin allergy. eg. gold, silver, etc.
• Detergents contain a chemical called surfactants which may cause skin allergies.
• Most of the soaps contain chemicals which leads to skin allergies.
• Organic protein is a key ingredient of perfumes which may lead to skin allergies.
• Poisonous plants like wood nettle,stinging nettle, leadwort,ragweed,etc.
• Most of the household cleaning products contain organic solvents which cause allergic reactions on the skin

General causes for Contact dermatitis are when we are in direct contact with allergens.

3. Dyshidrotic Eczema

Dyshidrotic Eczema is a condition in which small, fluid-filled blisters may appear on your hands and feet. The blisters will generally last for two to four weeks and may be filled with fluid, sometimes itchy too.

Dyshidrotic Eczema Symptoms

Common symptoms of Dyshidrotic Eczema are,

• Small, fluid-filled blisters appear on the palms, fingers, and soles of feet.
• Cracks on the skin.
• The blisters itch intensely.

Causes Of Dyshidrotic Eczema

Major causes for Dyshidrotic Eczema are,

• Skin disorders.
• Seasonal allergies.
• Contact with certain metals causes allergy.
• Damp hands and feet.
• Color changes in the nail.

Seasonal allergies, stress, Damp hands & feet and skin disorders are the general causes for Dyshidrotic Eczema.

4. Hand Eczema

Hand Eczema affects only your hands. Hand allergies may occur at any time in our day-to-day life. Hand Eczema is a chronic eczematous disorder that affects the dorsal and palmar aspects of the hand.

Hand Eczema Symptoms

Common symptoms are,

• Red, itchy, and dry hands.
• Cracks on the skin.
• Blisters on the skin.
• Burning sensation.

Causes Of Hand Eczema

The major reason behind hand eczema is when in contact with chemicals.

• Health care

  Healthcare products like disinfectants, soaps, etc lead to hand eczema. Because most of the healthcare products contain chemicals that cause skin allergy.

• Hairdressing

  Usage of hair dyes and bleaches leads to hand eczema. Because most hair dyes contain hydrogen peroxide and ammonia causes hand eczema when there are skin interactions.

• Cleaning

  Direct contact of skin with cleansing lotion is another reason behind hand eczema.

• Laundry

  The laundry materials contain chlorine bleach, ammonium sulfate, phosphates, etc. Frequent handling of these leads to cracks on the hands.

Hand Eczema affects only your hands when in touch with chemicals.

5. Neurodermatitis

Neurodermatitis leads to scaling and chronic itching. Neurological skin disease causes scaly patches of skin on the neck, scalp, feet, ankles, and hands. Neurodermatitis usually affects women more than men in the ratio of 2:1. Neurodermatitis is also known as "lichen simplex chronicus."

Neurodermatitis Symptoms

• Scaly patches on your arms, legs, back of your neck, etc.
• Scratching on the affected parts leads the skin to get more itchier.
• Infections and pain on the affected skin.
• Hair Loss due to frequent scratching on the scalp.
• The itch prevents you from sleeping and to take care of your daily routines.

Causes Of Neurodermatitis

Some symptoms of Neurodermatitis can be chronic itching and patches on the skin. Exact causes of Neurodermatitis are under research by doctors.

Usual symptoms of Neurodermatitis are chronic itching and patches on the skin

6. Nummular Eczema

Coin-shaped rashes or sores on the skin are the symptoms of Nummular Eczema. Nummular eczema may start to appear after an injury mostly. The sores and rashes may be itchy sometimes. Nummular Eczema leads to one or multiple patches of coin-shaped lesions.

Nummular Eczema Symptoms

• Coin-shaped rashes or sores on the skin.
• The affected part can be itchy.

Causes Of Nummular Eczema

The symptoms of Nummular eczema are maybe,

• An injury.
• Allergic reactions to chemicals or metals.
• insect bites.

Nummular Eczema generally happens after an injury on the skin and symptoms are coin-shapes sores on the skin.

7. Stasis Dermatitis

Stasis dermatitis usually happens to people at the age of above 50. The reason behind Stasis dermatitis is either venous insufficiency or low circulation of blood in the lower levels. Skin inflammation on the weakened veins in our body leads to ulcers, itchy skin, and pain in the lower legs. Stasis dermatitis is also called gravitational dermatitis.

Stasis Dermatitis Symptoms

There are various sympotms for Stasis Dermatitis

• Itching, swelling.
• Thickened skin with red colour on the ankles or shins.
• Dryness, scaly rashes on the skin.
• Open sores form on the lower legs and tops of feet.
• Varicose veins: Increased pressure in the leg vein due to improper circulation of blood through veins leads to Stasis dermatitis.

Causes For Stasis Dermatitis

• Eczema is common with people who suffer from Varicose veins because the small valves in the vein stop functioning properly, the blood circulation will be difficult. So increased pressure in the leg veins leads to Varicose Eczema.
• Swelling on legs for a long-time.
• Stasis dermatitis affects people with Irregular blood circulation on the legs.
• Extended injury recovery time.
• Conditions that affects your heart, such as congestive heart failure or long-standing high blood pressure.

Stasis dermatitis generally affects your lower legs and symptoms are thickened skin with red colour, itchy & swelling, open sores, etc.

Ayurveda Treatments For Eczema

Ayurveda aims to make a balance between your dosha like Vata, Pitta, and Kapha because dosha imbalances lead to skin diseases. The following treatments are effective in controlling Eczema effectively to an extent.

1. Dietary Changes

You should include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet. Also, nutrients like Vitamin A & C, zinc, fatty acid, etc are found very effective in controlling the symptoms of eczema.

Foods To Avoid

Try to avoid foods like

• Acidic fruits.
• Dairy products.
• Processed foods.
• Salty foods.
• Alcohol.
• Refined foods.
• Spicy foods

2. Panchakarma Therapy

Panchakarma therapy is an ayurvedic method to treat eczema. Panchakarma therapy aims to remove toxins from our body. Always consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before starting therapy.

Panchakarma Therapy Steps

• Consuming Medicated Ghee for 5 to 7 days.
• Whole-body Oil massage.
• Inducing sweating.
• Inducing purging and vomiting.

3. Natural Remedies For Eczema

There are different type of natural remedies people are using

• Aloe Vera Gel

  Applying Aloe Vera gel on your skin twice helps to get relief from itching and inflamed skin and offers a cooling effect.

• Coconut Oil

  Applying coconut oil once or twice a day on your skin helps to prevent dryness of your skin. Coconut oil contains antibacterial properties, so it blocks the entering of infection-caused bacteria to the skin.

• Sunflower Oil

  Sunflower Oil is very effective in controlling skin inflammations and works as a natural moisturizer.

• Oatmeal Bath

  Colloidal Oatmeal is made up of oatmeal powder and adding one cup of oatmeal in lukewarm water for bathing and mixing oatmeal till the water becomes milky in colour. Bathing in this water reduces skin inflammations.

• Hemp Seed Oil

  Applying hemp seed oil on your skin can prevent bacterial infections and makes your skin hydrated.

• Witch Hazel

  Applying Witch Hazel on your skin by using a cotton pad prevents the redness and inflammation on your skin.

4. Ayurvedic Herbal Remedies For Eczema

Ayurvedic herbs are very effective in treating various diseases. You must consider an Ayurvedic practitioner before starting any herbs or herbal products. Because the body type of people is different. The following herbs can be used to control Eczema symptoms:

• Neem

  Neem oil is rich in Vitamin C and anti-inflammatory compounds which reduce the symptoms of Eczema.

• Turmeric

  Turmeric contains anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties which can be used for the treatment of various skin conditions.

• Triphala

  Triphala is an ancient herb consisting of haritaki, amla and bibhitaki. Triphala enhances digestion and improves the tone of the skin.

• Indian sarsaparilla

  Sarsaparilla is a detoxifying herb and effective in treating skin diseases.

• Cardamom

  Cardamom has anti-inflammatory properties and acts as a skin purifier by clearing out defects.

Remedies Or Methods To Treat Eczema At Home

• After the bath, gently rub your skin softly.
• Avoid scratches that lead to Eczema symptoms.
• Avoid Skin allergic products especially take care while using detergents, skin & face care products, cleansers, etc.
• Applying cool compresses makes your skin hydrated and soft.
• Wear loose-fitting clothes specially made of cotton.
• Take precautions while touching chemicals.

Eczema can be controlled to an extent through proper care, herbal usages, oil massages, and Panchakarma therapies.

Conclusion

The above-mentioned treatment information is collected from various Ayurvedic sources. Before starting Ayurvedic therapies and practices, take the knowledge and approval of an Ayurvedic doctor.