Eczema

Skin is the largest organ in the human body and acts as a protective coat to all the internal organs and surroundings. since it is in direct contact with the 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’ is out and ‘Zema’ is boiling. Eczema is an inflammatory response by immune cells to the outermost (epidermis) and dermis(inner) layers of skin. Eczema is also known as ‘DERMATITIS’. As per current studies around 1 million Britishers have eczema.

Eczema has many reasons, but the exact cause of eczema 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 overproduction 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 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 is characterized by a red scaly rash more particularly on the scalp, folds of nose and lips, and eyebrows with an itching sensation.
   3. In Atopic dermatitis due to hypersensitivity reaction to dust, pollen, etc. presented with a severe itch, redness, and swelling, dryness of skin associated with cracks and papules.
3. In Gravitational eczema loss of hair, bluish discoloration, and ulcers are found at the site of eczema most often seen on lower legs due to poor blood circulation.
4. Coin-shaped large rashes are found in Discoid eczema which is most common on the limbs of men.

‘Eczema herpeticus’ is a special kind of eczema caused as a secondary infection to herpes simplex virus infection.

Ayurveda about Eczema :

In classical texts of Ayurveda, all the dermatological conditions are given a common nomenclature ‘KUSTA’ which has 18 subcategories. The signs and symptoms of Eczema are well explained in Ayurveda under the disease named ‘VICHARCHIKA’. Excessive intake of watery, uncooked food, salty and spicy foods, fish, incompatible foods, and suppressing the natural urges can be a leading causative factor for Vicharchika. The humours Vata, pitta, and Kapha gets vitiated and altogether 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 the skin).

Though all the humours are involved in causing Vicharchika, the humour Kapha (a mucous component of the body) is dominant among the three humours.

Ways to stop Eczema from the root level through Ayurveda :

Management of Eczema through Ayurveda depends on variety, chronicity, and dominance of particular humour. A wide variety of herbs like Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Khadira (Acacia catechu), Aragwadha (Cassia fistula), etc. have good antihistamine, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties are recommended accordingly by our expert Ayurvedic medical practitioners at Pranava Kerala Ayurveda Clinic.

Herbal decoctions are also advised as a part of palliative treatment for your skin to regain its originality much better than yesterday. Since most eczematous conditions are due to altered immune mechanisms, all these herbs also shield your body from further deterioration by modulating the immune cells.

Pranava Kerala Ayurveda Clinic also helps in eczema through therapies like Abhyanga (hot oil massage), and Sirodhara ( continuous pouring of warm oil on the forehead) which decreases the dryness, and 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.

The world has much variety of treatment modalities to treat eczema but only Ayurveda can give you a root-level cure to the condition at Pranava Kerala Ayurveda Clinic.