Ayurvedic Treatment For Eczema And Home Remedies
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
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 Symptoms
- 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
- 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 Symptoms
- 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
- 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 Symptoms
- 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
- 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 Symptoms
- Red, itchy, and dry hands.
- Cracks on the skin.
- Blisters on the skin.
- Burning sensation.
Causes Of Hand Eczema
- 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 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
Usual symptoms of Neurodermatitis are chronic itching and patches on the skin
6. Nummular Eczema
Nummular Eczema Symptoms
- Coin-shaped rashes or sores on the skin.
- The affected part can be itchy.
Causes Of Nummular Eczema
- 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 Symptoms
- 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
1. Dietary Changes
Foods To Avoid
- Acidic fruits.
- Dairy products.
- Processed foods.
- Salty foods.
- Alcohol.
- Refined foods.
- Spicy foods
2. Panchakarma 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
- 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
- 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.