What is Eczema?

Eczema, also known as Atopic Dermatitis, is a persistent skin disorder that causes irritation, itching, dryness, and inflammation. Eczema is not a single condition but a group of skin disorders that result in irritated, inflamed skin. It often follows a relapsing-remitting cycle, where flare-ups are followed by periods of relief. People of all ages are impacted, but youngsters are more
susceptible.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, eczema is not seen as a single condition but rather as a manifestation of internal imbalances, especially involving the doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The disease is often categorized under the broader term "Vicharchika", a type of Kshudra Kushta (minor skin disorder) in classical Ayurvedic texts.

Dosha Involvement

  • Pitta: Dominantly associated due to its fiery nature, leading to inflammation, redness, burning, and oozing.
  • Kapha: Involved when there is thickening, oozing, itching, and a sticky discharge.
  • Vata: Contributes to dryness, flaking, and cracking of the skin.

Typically, eczema involves a tridoshic imbalance, though it often shows Pitta-Kapha predominance.

Signs and Symptoms

Eczema presents a variety of symptoms, which can vary depending on the individual’s age, skin type, and environment. The key signs include:

  • Dry, scaly skin
  • Intense itching, especially at night
  • Red or brownish-grey patches on hands, feet, ankles, wrists, neck, upper chest, eyelids, elbows, and knees.
  • Thickened, cracked, or leathery skin
  • Oozing or crusting in severe cases
  • Swelling and sensitivity due to scratching

Symptoms can be more pronounced during certain weather conditions, stress, or exposure to irritants.

Causes and Risk Factors

While the exact cause of eczema is not fully understood, it is believed to be triggered by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Major causes and risk enhancers include:

  • Genetics: Family history of eczema, asthma, or hay fever
  • Immune System Dysfunction: Overactive immune response to irritants or allergens
  • Environmental Triggers: Exposure to pollutants, soaps, detergents, and allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander
  • Skin Barrier Defects: Dehydrated or damaged skin that fails to retain moisture or protect against irritants
  • Stress and Lifestyle: Emotional stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep can worsen symptoms

Causes (Nidana) According to Ayurveda

  • Excessive intake of incompatible, spicy, oily, or sour foods
  • Suppression of natural urges (e.g., sneezing, bowel movements)
  • Improper lifestyle (e.g., lack of sleep, irregular meals)
  • Mental stress and emotional disturbances
  • Accumulation of ama (toxins) due to impaired digestion

Ayurvedic Pathophysiology

  • The doshic imbalance leads to the accumulation of toxins in the rasa (plasma) and rakta (blood) dhatus. This affects the skin (twak) and manifests as various symptoms like itching, redness, and lesions. Over time, if left untreated, it can progress deeper into the dhatus.

Holistic Eczema Treatment at Sanjeevanam

At Sanjeevanam, our treatment philosophy for eczema integrates Ayurveda, naturopathy, and yoga to provide long-lasting relief and healing. Our aim is not just to manage symptoms but to address the root cause and improve overall skin health.

Ayurvedic Approach

Shodhana (Purification Therapies)

  • Used when the body has high ama or doshic accumulation:
  • Virechana (Purgation): Primarily for Pitta-related eczema
  • Raktamokshana (Bloodletting through various modes – Alaboo (Wet Cupping), Siraavedha, Prachana or Jalookavacharana): To remove the impure blood for improve the circulation thereby to nourish the skin
  • Basti or Vasthi (Medicated enema): Very effective for Vata-related eczema

Shamana (Palliative Therapy)

  • Herbal formulations: like Decoctions, Tabs, Ghees, Lehas, Fermented preparations mostly with Neem, Turmeric, Guduchi, Manjistha, Aragwadha, Khadira, Patola etc.
  • Topical procedures and applications: using ayurvedic decoctions, medicated oils, lepas with herbal powders, Neem oil, turmeric paste, Kumkumadi oil etc.

Rasayana (Rejuvenation)

  • Using of various herbal preparations based with Amalaki and Ashwagandha to boost immunity and rejuvenate the skin for strengthens tissues and prevents recurrence
  • Nutritional guidance to strengthen the immune system

Ayurvedic Diet for Eczema

  • Warm, light, easily digestible meals
  • Include bitter gourd, neem leaves, turmeric, and amla
  • Avoid spicy, sour, sugar, dairy, seafood, gluten, fermented, and processed foods
  • Anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, green vegetables, and whole grains

Lifestyle Recommendations

  • Regular abhyanga (oil massage) with medicated oils
  • Meditation and yoga to manage stress
  • Avoid exposure to heat and sun if Pitta is aggravated

Yoga and Mindfulness

  • Practices like Pranayama, meditation, and gentle yoga asanas to reduce stress-induced flare-ups

Ayurvedic treatment should always be personalized based on an individual’s prakriti (constitution) and vikriti (imbalance). It’s advisable to consult an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner for tailored care.

Why Choose Sanjeevanam for Eczema Care?

  • Holistic and Integrated Care
  • Individualized Treatment Plans
  • Experienced Ayurvedic Dermatology Experts
  • Eco-friendly and Non-toxic Remedies
  • Supportive Lifestyle and Nutritional Coaching

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