What is eczema? Know the types of Eczema and Ayurvedic Treatment for Eczema

English November 9, 2023

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What is Eczema?

Eczema is a chronic skin condition, which hampers the skin barrier. As a result, the skin barrier becomes weak and is prone to various skin conditions. The skin loses moisture and as a result, rashes, bumps, dryness, and cracked skin are seen in the patients.

According to Ayurveda, Vicharchika is the name of eczema, although there is an involvement of all the Ayurvedic doshas, there is the dominance of Kapha Dosha.

What are the causes of Eczema?

The eczema causes, triggers, or risk factors revolving around this skin condition can be either internal or external. Mostly, both factors are taken into consideration.

Internal factors:

The skin layer, which acts as a barrier weakens.
Malfunctioning of the immune system.
Hormonal imbalance.

External factors:

Hard water minerals & elements
Cleansing products and hard surfactants.
Fragrances and other cosmetic-related products.
Tobacco and smoke.
Fabrics that cause friction like wool, synthetic, and polyester.
Dry weather can irritate the skin.
Skin ointments & creams containing synthetic products.
Steroidal creams.

What are the symptoms of Eczema?

People who are diagnosed with eczema experience various symptoms that not only physically affect them but their mental state is broken down too. The symptoms are:

Dry and cracked skin
Skin irritation and itching
Rashes, redness, and bumps
Swollen skin
Discoloration of skin
Oozing out of liquid
Skin thickening
Sensitive skin
Open, crusted sores

What are the types of eczema?

Atopic dermatitis

It is the most common type of eczema. It usually begins when the child is six months old. Children of this type may have recurrent episodes of skin symptoms. They tend to improve for a while and then the symptoms flare up and reappear. It is severe and chronic in most cases. While some children find relief during their growing years, there are some who are affected by this even in adulthood.

The body parts affected by atopic dermatitis are:

Face
Folds of arms & legs
Back
Neck

Contact dermatitis

As the name says, contact dermatitis is when the skin comes in direct contact with an allergen or irritant, and the skin cells are damaged.

The reaction occurs because of a single exposure or multiple exposures to chemicals, irritants, or allergens. There are many substances that are responsible for skin rashes, cosmetics, metals, jewelry, plants, fragrances, harsh surfactants, soaps, shampoos, cleansing agents, and paints.

People with certain professions are more prone to this type of eczema. Florists, hairstylists, construction workers, foot handlers, artists, mechanics, plumbers, janitors, and various other health care providers. If treated on time, and if the exposure is limited, it is less likely to be a chronic disorder.

The body parts that are affected by contact dermatitis:

The affected amount depends upon the exposed area.

Dyshidrotic

The main characteristic feature of this type is blisters. There is the development of tiny, bubble-like, red, and itchy blisters which cause extreme pain and discomfort. It can be caused due to metals, weather, and overexposure to water or liquid substances.

The body parts that are affected by Dyshidrotic eczema:

Edges of fingers and toes
Palms of hand
Soles of feet

Nummular eczema

Nummular means coin in Latin. This name was taken from the Latin language. The characteristic feature of nummular eczema is the shape of the rashes, which are coin-shaped patches or circular in nature.

The patches or the rashes which are formed are often oval or circular and itching is also seen in the patients. The person who is diagnosed may also complain about bleeding from these spots.

The body parts that are affected by Nummular Eczema:

It may affect any part of the body, but mostly it is seen in the arms and legs.

Neurodermatitis

This type is usually characterized by a thickened plaque. It looks like an elevated patch in appearance. It usually appears in the form of one or two patches on the body, unlike other types of eczema. The affected areas are itchy, leathery, and discolored which are confined to a small area.

The body parts that are affected by Neurodermatitis:

The plaques are often seen in the areas that are easily accessible like the neck, legs, ankles, wrists, elbows, scalp, and groin area.

Stasis dermatitis

When there is poor circulation in the lower legs, there occurs venous insufficiency that leads to fluid leakage in the lower region, i.e., the legs.

People suffering from hypertension develop this eczema. The brown spots are seen on the skin, and swelling around the ankles is the main symptom. Other signs that are seen are itchy, dry, and hardened skin.

The body parts affected by Stasis dermatitis are:

Stasis dermatitis usually affects the lower legs.

What is Eczema ( Vicharchika) Ayurvedic treatment?

Ayurveda is the oldest branch of science that focuses to heal the body, mind, and soul. By using a purely natural approach of eczema ayurvedic treatment it aims to deal with the disorders in the most effective way as it provides no side effects to the body.

The Comprehensive guide to explore the benefit of Ayurvedic treatment for eczema comprises Ayurvedic herbs, Panchakarma, dietary/lifestyle modifications, and adoption of Yoga & Meditation.

Ayurvedic Herbs

The Ayurvedic herbs are extracted from the plants. The plant parts like leaves, rhizomes, seeds, bark, flowers, stem, and roots can be used for healing various ailments.

Ayurvedic herbs like Neem, Triphala, Turmeric, Bhringaraj, Guduchi, Ashwagandha, Coconut oil, Ginger, and Shatavari are used to heal skin ailments.

Panchakarma Treatment

The Panchakarma treatment is the holistic way to heal various disorders. This is the best way to treat the disorders as the toxins built in the body are eliminated from the body. The cleansing, purification, rejuvenation, and detoxification are done by this mode of treatment.

Dietary changes

The diet plays a major role in shaping the body. Eating healthy food and avoiding all processed food, and junk food will help in keeping the body healthy and fit.

Adding fresh fruits, and vegetables and consuming fresh juices/soups will help in healing the body. Furthermore, processed food, and carbonated drinks, will fill the body with toxins.

Having a Satvic diet full of nutrition will improve skin conditions.

Lifestyle Modifications

The sedentary life must not be practiced. The inactive routine should be replaced with the active one. Mild exercise and workouts must be added to the daily activities. If not, then walking or jogging should be encouraged and must be included in the routine.

One can also involve in dance, aerobics, Zumba, and cycling. These physical activities will help in promoting oxygen in the body and will also increase the healing process on the cellular level.

Home Remedies

Home remedies for eczema are very useful in treating the disorder. Ayurveda has the basic herbs and spices which can be used in improving eczema symptoms.

Apart from this, the oils can be used and one can also use the cold compress to find ease & comfort. The best eczema home remedies are suggested by the expert of Dr. Sharda Ayurveda in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHZUQt-N2uw

Yoga & Meditation

The regular practice of yoga and meditation acts as healing not only the physical body but also enhances the activity of the brain and helps in soothing the nerves. These practices are very useful in eczema treatment.

All the physical, as well as mental tension, are vanished with yoga poses. The mind is relaxed from all the worries, anxiety, depression, and frustration.

With the increase in stress and work pressure, almost everybody is leading a hectic life. Even medical facilities have become online. Ayurvedic online consultations have become easily accessible these days. You can easily book ayurvedic online consultation by visiting the websites of the clinic.