Skin is the largest organ in the human body and act as a protective coat to all the internal organs and surroundings. since it is in direct contact with external environment it is prone to several skin diseases. Eczema is one of the most common dermatological diseases throughout the world. The word Eczema comes from a greek word meaning ‘to boil out’‘ek’ isout and ‘zema’ is boiling. Eczema is an inflammatory response by immune cells to outermost (epidermis) and dermis(inner) layers of skin. Eczema is also known as ‘DERMATITIS’. As per current studies around 1 million Australians have eczema.
Eczema has many reasons, but the exact cause of eczema still remains unknown but is understood precisely as a combination of environmental factors like exposure to allergens in the environment like pollen, chemical fumes, bacteria, dust mites etc. cause hypersensitivity and lead to over production of IgE antibodies. Due to genetic predisposition, most commonly with a specific gene named filaggrin .
Eczema can be in various forms like contact dermatitis, post traumatic eczema, atopic dermatitis, discoid eczema, gravitational eczema, seborrheic dermatitis etc. Each type of eczema has its own peculiar signs and symptoms.
Example-
1.In contact dermatitis there will be eczematous eruptions on the skin in response to external agents like alkalis, harsh detergents, cosmetics , perfumes etc.
2. In Seborrheic dermatitis it is characterised by red scaly rash more particularly on scalp, folds of nose and lips, eyebrows with itching sensation.
3. In Atopic dermatitis due to hypersensitivity reaction to dust, pollen, etc.
resented with severe itch, redness and swelling, dryness of skin associated with cracks and papules.
4. In Gravitational eczema loss of hair, bluish discolouration, ulcers are found at the site of eczema most often seen on lower legs due to poor blood circulation.
5. Coin shaped large rashes are found in Discoid eczema which is most common on the limbs of men.
‘Eczema herpeticum’ is a special kind of eczema caused as a secondary infection to herpes simple virus infection.
In classical texts of Ayurveda all the dermatological conditions are given a common nomenclature ‘KUSTA’ which have 18 sub categories. The signs and symptoms of Eczema is well explained in Ayurveda under the disease named ‘VICHARCHIKA’. Excessive intake of watery, uncooked food, salty and spicy foods, fish, incompatible foods ,suppressing the natural urges can be a leading causative factors for Vicharchika. The humours vata, pitta and kapha gets vitiated and altogetherly disturb the Dhatus (tissue component of body) Twak (skin),Rakta (blood),Mamsa (muscle tissue), lasika (lymph/plasma) causing kandu (itch), pidaka (papular rash),srava (watery or pus discharge),rukshata (dryness of skin).
Though all the humours are involved in causing Vicharchika ,the humour Kapha (mucous component of body) is dominant among three humours.
Management of Eczema through Ayurveda depends on variety, chronicity and dominance of particular humour. Wide variety of herbs like Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Haridhra (Curcuma longa),Khadira (Acacia catechu), Aragwadha (Cassia fistula) etc. having good anti histamina,anti fungal and anti bacterial properties are recommended accordingly by our expert Ayurvedic medical practioners at Ayur Healthcare.
Herbal decoctions are also advised as a part of palliative treatment for your skin to regain its originality much better than yesterday. Since most of the eczematous conditions are due to altered immune mechanism, all these herbs also shields your body from further detoriation by modulating the immune cells.
Ayur health care also helps in Eczema through therapies like Abhyanga (hot oil massage), Sirodhara ( continuous pouring of warm oil on forehead) which decreases the dryness ,scar tissue on the skin. They even maintain good blood circulation and calms down the stress factors too. Through Detox plan treatment, toxins can be easily flushed out and rejuvenate the body on the whole.
World have much variety of treatment modalities to treat Eczema but only Ayurveda can give you a root level cure to the condition at Ayur Healthcare.
