The word Eczema was coined
from the Greek word “ekzein”, meaning to “boil out”. Eczema is dermatitis - an
inflammation of the upper layers of the skin known as the epidermis. This
condition causes itchy, inflamed skin which leads to red rashes when scratched.
It typically affects the insides of the elbows, back of knees, and the
face.
Other forms of eczemas
includes; atopic dermatitis, nummular eczema, contact dermatitis, allergic
contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis.
Causes:
· Genetic
· Environmental factors
· Malfunction of immune system
. Dry skin
Symptoms:
·Reddish / brownish / grey colored patches
·Itching, which may be severe, especially at night
·Small, raised bumps, which may leak fluid and crust over when
scratched
·Thickened, cracked or scaly skin
·Raw, sensitive skin from scratching
Ayurvedic Treatment for Eczema:
Eczema can be correlated
to Vicharchika, caused by the vitiation of the vata and pitta doshas. It's a
skin ailment characterized by spontaneous eruptions on the skin, which is
caused due to an impure Rakta Dhatu.
Eczema Appearance by Dosha:
· Pitta predominant eczema is oozing and burning
· Kapha eczema is oozing, but thicker and very sever itchy
· Vata eczema is dry and painful with itching
Balancing the aggravated
dosha, improving metabolism, strengthening immune system, detoxification
. Detoxification is recommended at regular intervals as the toxins gets
released in small portions each time.
Treatments:
The treatment
modalities includes panchakarma, external therapies, internal medications,
Activities, Advice of food and life style changes.
Panchakarma – Virechana,
Vamana, Rakta mokshana
Externally –
Abhyanga,l Takra Dhara, Kashaya Seka
Internally – Deepana
(appetizer)
Pachana ( Digestives)
Mrudu rechaka (mild
purgatives)
Rakta Shodhaka (blood
purifiers)
Specific Rasayana for the
skin (which helps in strengthening the Rakta Dhatu, skin)
Activities:
Specific Asanas, Panayamas, meditation.
Food and Lifestyle changes: specific to the
individual’s constitution, nature of work and geographical conditions.