Types of Eczema, Causes & Ayurvedic Treatment | Dr. Janugade
Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a skin condition that causes inflammation, rashes, itching, and dry skin. It can affect young and old people and, when not well treated, can become a lifelong condition. Unlike most contemporary interventions, which just suppress the body’s manifestations of a disease, Ayurvedic interventions seek to eradicate the causes of the disease and restore harmony to the body. This blog will discuss different types of eczema, their causes, and how Dr. Janugade’s Ayurvedic treatment for Eczema offers a permanent solution.
Types of Eczema
1. Atopic Dermatitis
Description:
This is the most widely known type of eczema, which usually develops during infancy or early childhood. It is hereditary and often occurs with allergic rhinitis or asthma.
Symptoms:
DERMATOLOGICAL: Dry skin, skin scaling, and itching, commonly involving the facial skin, dorsal of the hands, and behind the knees.
2. Contact Dermatitis
Description:
This type of dermatitis that occurs due to direct contact with an irritant or allergens can be classified into irritant and allergic dermatitis.
Symptoms:
Skin rash on the affected area; skin may appear red, itchy, or burned
3. Dyshidrotic Eczema
Description:
This kind results in tiny, filled with water hand and foot blotches.
Symptoms:
Pruritus and irritation may be aggravated by stress or contact with the offending substances.
4. Nummular Eczema
Description:
Circular macules define this type of lesion, formed by cuts, bruises, burns, insect stings, and other skin traumas.
Symptoms:
Single circular, erythematous, scaly, and itching lesion.
5. Seborrheic Dermatitis
Description:
This acne affects body parts with higher concentrations of oil glands, such as the head and face.
Symptoms:
Scaliness, generally with a yellow hue and sometimes associated with some level of dandruff.
6. Stasis Dermatitis
Description:
This type occurs because of the slow blood flow in the lower legs, a common problem in older adults.
Symptoms:
Complaints of pain, increased swelling, erythema, and leg itching.
Causes of Eczema
As a skin disease, eczema has a genetic and environmental cause. Key contributors include
Genetics
Eczema, asthma, or allergies, whether in a family or a person, make them more vulnerable to getting the problem.
Immune Dysfunction
The immune system may cause inflammation in response to stimuli that are not dangerous to the body.
Environmental Factors
Skin inflammation or irritation, exposure to smog, dust, animal dander, chemicals, extreme and sudden changes in temperatures, and some kinds of fabrics can all contribute to the flare-up of this skin disease.
Stress
Most disease conditions are sensitive to emotional and physical stress
Diet
Food allergies or sensitivities, such as dairy or gluten, can cause flare-ups.
Skin Barrier Dysfunction
A damaged skin barrier lets irritants and allergens in and triggers inflammation in the skin
How The Use of Ayurvedic Treatment Can Be Useful in Treating Eczema
For many millennia, Ayurveda – the Indian traditional medicine science – classifies eczema as a disorder due to Vata, Pitta, and/or Kapha dosha. The process aims at equalizing through the use of natural products and foods and a change of mode of living.
1. Understanding the Tridosha Theory
Vata Dominance: Khosla, Chatterjee, & Handa (2018) indicated that dry, flaky, and itchy skin is associated with Vata overactivity
Pitta Dominance: This means that the Pitta levels in the body are high when a person develops red, inflamed, and burning skin.
Kapha Dominance: The three dosas are examined, and it is evident that skin with thick, oozing lesions is due to Kapha.
2. Herbal Remedies
Neem (Azadirachta indica): This oil’s principal activity is to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria; hence, it is helpful for people with skin inflammation.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Because it has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it also helps diminish inflammation and redness of the skin.
Aloe vera can help soothe skin irritation by cooling it down with water.
3. Panchakarma Therapy
Panchakarma is a form of purification to eliminate toxins throughout the body. As procedures, Abhyanga (oil massage), Virechana (purgation therapy), and Takradhara (buttermilk therapy) are helpful in eczema patients.
4. Dietary Recommendations
Cooling Foods: To overcome Pitta, drink water with cucumber, coconut water, and cooked portals. Many vegetables, especially those with green leaves, can also be taken.
Avoid Triggers: Avoid spicy, oily, or processed foods, as they can trigger symptoms.
Hydration: Consuming more water assists in removing toxins in the body and the skin.
5. Lifestyle Modifications
Stress Management: Yoga, meditation, and Pranayama are other activities that can help prevent flare-ups due to stress.
Natural Fabrics: Avoid tight-fitting clothes and fabrics that cause skin rash; instead, opt for breathable cotton clothes
Regular Moisturization: Coconut or almond oil, for instance, is suitable for massaging the skin and keeping it moisturized.
Conclusion
Chronic skin conditions like eczema can significantly affect daily life, but knowing the type and causes of these conditions is key to controlling them. Unlike many other treatments, ayurvedic treatment is cumulative and not palliative; it seeks to eliminate the cause rather than the manifestations. Ayurvedic treatments that involve natural medicine, dietary modifications, and stress reduction help achieve a lasting cure for problems and glowing skin.
Anyone battling eczema should consider Dr. Janugade, an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner who will recommend a regime that works just for them.