Introduction to Eczema The exact terminology for the disease eczema in Ayurveda varies from text to text and author to author. However, the eczema is taken as skin disease having skin rashes. This could be considered an inflammatory condition of the skin. Eczema gives more trouble to neonates and infants children and adults also have this disease but not as frequent as the previous ones. Ayurveda believes this condition to be quote under the â€kushtha roga’ or â€twak roga’. The skin is said to be the seat of mainly Pitta Dosha and rest being supporting it. This is the situation when one has itching rashes and redness all over the skin. They are less likely to be painful. Definition of Eczema Eczema is an inflammatory reaction of the skin in which, there are formation of vesicles, minute blister appearing like a raised area. Later they become into Erythema i.e. redness along with swelling. The condition is then followed by papules and crusting of the skin. The entire situation ends with the thickening or also called as lichenification and scaling of the skin. However, the eczema looks different from sufferer to sufferer. It is more commonly known as red, dry and extremely itchy patch over the skin. It is well known saying that the rashes that itch is nothing but eczema. This could be reverse as if one scratches the skin duet to the itch; it is surely going to be turned in rash. Eczema can occur in any part of the body. In infants, it generally happens on the forehead, cheeks, forearms, scalp and neck. In children and adults, this may seat on face, inside the elbows, neck, ankles, knees etc. In some cases, eczema may ooze. Apart from all these, the symptoms may appear as more scaly, dry and red. Intense scratching the localized site, takes on the leathery texture. This could be due to the skin gets thickened as aforesaid. Ayurveda considers that when the vitiated doshas spoil the skin, blood, muscles and lymph, the condition is occurred known as twak roga i.e. skin disease in general. Causes of Eczema This can be caused in many ways. The exact cause is unknown but it is believed that certain allergic reaction may cause this situation. Certain things like belts, buckles, fabrics, certain foods or beverages, clothes etc can irritate the skin and may cause the rash i.e. eczema. Reaction of several allopathic drugs may give rise to this condition. There are certain diseases like varicose veins can also bring the eczema to an individual. The itching is first and foremost symptoms of eczema. It is considered that coarse or rough material that comes into the contact with the skin can bring the itching. In certain cases, soaps, detergents, juices from fresh fruits or meats, detergents, disinfectants, animal dander, dusts may trigger the itching. Upper respiratory infections caused by virus and stress may also shoot up the itching in an individual as reported by latest researches. Ayurveda states that if one follows the diet and factors that increase the Pitta Dosha in the body invites the eczema. Certain diet that is stale, spicy, too oily, sour and decayed food may be also causative factors for eczema. Types and symptoms of Eczema These are some types of eczema and in each type, there is different symptom. They are categorized as follow. Atopic Eczema This is one of the commonest forms of eczema that can affect to all age groups. However, it is common among children and infants. This is featured by intense itching of patchy and skin which is dry. It appears like red rashes. The eczema can be controlled with non-steroidal treatment, moisturizing and daily cleaning of the affected area. Once when the condition has turned bad, flaring a topical herbal cream helps overcoming the swelling and also brings the texture of the skin back. Like with all types of dermatitis and eczema daily usage of moisturizing helps in treating and preventing the atopic eczema. Allergic contact dermatitis This type of eczema looks like a rash and if often itchy. This appears very quickly as a result of the contact with specific substance. Some people react to some metals like nickel that is found in belt buckles or earrings and hence, to be avoided if you have such a sensitive skin. The reaction may occur to synthetic or rubber products such as dyes and perfumes. Emollient creams and moisturizers can help getting rid of this trouble but though it is best to avoid such irritants. Infantile seborrhoeic eczema This is also called as â€cradle cap’. It is commonly seen among babies. This appears like dry flaking skin on the nappy area or on the head i.e. scalp. This can spread very quickly and generally it is not itchy. Infantile seborrhoeic eczema is cleared within few months if there is regular application of gentle cleansing moisturizers and different medicated bath oils. Varicose eczema This generally affects the lower legs of old aged persons. This can be due to the poor blood circulation in that area. Itchy, dry skin is around ankles or shins are hallmarks for this type of eczema. This should be taken constant care with emollients to avoid it from turning into ulcer formation. Irritant contact dermatitis Triggers like detergents or chemicals can be causative factor for the itching and redness of the skin. The commonest site for this is hands. Any suspected irritant is hence to be avoided or gloves can be worn while handling them. We can find this condition as common factor among the women who washes the dishes and clothes with bare hands using the irritant detergent powder or soap. The quality of the soap or detergent is therefore to be checked or tested by taking little part of it on hand. Adult seborrhoeic eczema As the name suggest, this affects the adults and appears as mild dandruff. This may start from the scalp of the adults and can then spread to the ears, chest or face. Generally this is treated with the antifungal herbal cream. Discoid eczema A typical condition that can be found in adults resembling like a small red patch on the lower legs or the trunk is known as the discoid eczema. In Ayurveda, there are common symptoms like patches could be dry or could be wet secreting the purulent discharge of fluids. Redness and swelling with not clearly defined margin of the pustules or patches are commonly seen. There could be appearance of papules, vesicles and sometimes these may sometimes even appear like large blisters. Scaling, cracking and exudation of the skin is very commonly seen. There will be pigmentation and scratch marks at particular area where the disease has attack. Prevention of eczema There are lots many ways to prevent this type of condition. Some of them are mentioned below. Controlling those that produce irritation (allergens) Allergens are main causative factor that can bring itching. One should avoid these allergens that trigger the eczema. The problem one faces is, it is quite difficult to identify the allergens. Allergens do not have perfect shape; it could be anything such as pet dander, pollen, soap, dust, rubbers, metal, perfumes etc. If one can identify this then it is better to prevent into coming contact with them. This is best and always works. The best way to get rid is to use vacuum cleaner instead of dust-mop or broom. Mattress and pillow wraps may help you to reduce the contact with dust particles. There is another way to do that is replacing the carpet with linoleum, other flooring or wood. Bathing Soak yourself in a steaming hot baths is one of the best ways to unwind and relax. But unfortunately this can be done of the reason of itching if you have eczema. Bathing in hot water does make your skin dehydrated. Body produces the natural oils and they are lost during this procedure. This further goes more down when one rubs towel vigorously to clean up the body. One can take quick lukewarm shower than to long hot baths in tubs. It should be done for about 15 minutes. Chemical soaps and shampoos are to be avoided as much as possible. Pat yourself dry when the shower is finished. Don’t rub the body vigorously but it is gently to be wipe-out. Once this is done, one should apply the herbal moisturizer or gentle body cream or body lotion. Excessive sweating and skin rashes Excessive perspiration can also increase the eczema especially skin rashes under the breasts and near the joints. In short, it happens more where there are skin folds in the body. A person who is obese or fat is at high risk of having this. The weight loss in this way may help the eczema. Children and eczema A survey states that 10-20% of early age children/kids suffer from the infant eczema. Infant eczema rashes go off and fade with age in many cases. Half of them continue with some type of eczema. Little children are likely to scratch itchy rashes and grown up child may have to face the teasing for their visible eczema patch. Young children generally find difficult to resist the itching. The most important is making it sure, that child should never have big nails. This is because if they have it, and if the scratch the itchy portion, there are chances to spread infection. Nails carry dirt and dirt carries microorganisms. Having nails cut all the time is also best for general hygiene and so the health. Miscellaneous tips * The low humidity may also cause the skin to become dry and hence to crack. This may result in the patch. One can avoid this by using herbal humidifiers in the room. * Laundry soap leaves residue on clothes. These residues aggravate the condition of eczema. One should look for the laundry soap designed for sensitive skin. Make sure that the clothes are rinsed properly before wearing those. * This can be prevented if you avoid the exposure to the extreme temperature and dry air. Certain make-up material including hard soap and chemical packs are to be avoided. Wear the clothes made up by cotton instead of synthetics like polyester. * One should be care of choosing the moisturizing cream after having a bath. Eczema is considered contagious disease so avoid the contact with a person who has this. * Avoid irritating chemicals, plants, animal dander, jewelry etc that may trigger this disease. Proper washing and bathing is must. * One should keep that area dry where he or she has eczema patch. Sweating and moisture may worsen the case. For this, one can go for herbal dusting powder, which can be moisture absorbent. * Ayurveda believes that the factors aggravating Pitta Dosha should be avoided. This include sour tasted food items, stale items, fermented food items. Oily, spicy and canned food having preservatives are best to be avoided. * Incompatible foods like radish with honey or milk, fish with milk, lemon with milk etc are dangerous as they may cause skin disease including eczema. So it is better to avoid them. * Some people have allergy towards eggs, so for them, eggs are to be avoided. * Leave alcohol, smoking and non-vegetarian diet for a while till you get fully corrected from the eczema. Diet for eczema Some foods work as triggering factors for eczema and allergic condition and hence, are to be avoided. These are listed below†* Tree nuts * Eggs * Peanuts * Soya * Some of the gluten containing cereals i.e. wheat, rye, barley * Some of the seeds like sesame seeds. * Fish and shellfish * Cow’s milk to some people Ayurveda believes that Pitta aggravator factors such as various pulses, grams, curds, buttermilk etc are strictly avoided. Eczema is most usually caused by an allergic reaction to any one of the substances referred to under Allergic reactions. Man-made fibers, cheap, jewellery, metal zippers, nickel, zinc, aluminum, lanolin and specific plants such as poison ivy, hellebore, hog weed and primrose are particularly likely to bring on this condition which can vary from a mild red irritation to small but extremely unpleasant blisters which join up to form large weeping patches which then crust over and flake again. Olden-day psychologists believed that the area of the eruption was preordained by inner problems; on the face betokened overweening vanity, around the mouth meant that you had been speaking ill of someone, itchy feet showed a desire to run away, on the hands meant overwork and anxiety, whilst on the neck it denoted a longing for pretty things. This diagnosis was not too difficult to work out really, and such were the yardsticks by which witches were hounded to death. Never the less, eczema is considered to be the outer manifestation of emotional and physical problems not yet come to light. Diet should be examined and refined as for asthma and hayfever and highly spiced food, pickles and alcohol should be avoided. Constipation and problems with the kidneys are also thought to be contributory factors in eczema. Children, particularly bottle-fed babies, occasionally suffer from a milk allergy which causes eczema. Some authorities suggest that a teaspoon of sunflower oil a day will cure the problem and are adamant that cow’s milk is the cause. Others suggest rubbing a little oil of evening primrose into the affected area to help it heal quickly. If eczema is diagnosed, safe infusions suitable for a baby’s bath water are marigold and chamomile. Use a few drops of a prepared tincture or an essential oil. If the condition persists consult your health visitor again. Old-fashioned remedies, of which there are many, vary from the moderate starch poultice or strips of linen soaked in olive oil to reduce scabbing, to starch and talcum powder or tar ointment in Vaseline to dress and soothe. The less humane remedies included strapping children’s arms to their sides so that they could not scratch! Two eminently sensible and safe ideas are to wash in water and oatmeal (which cleanses without irritation0 and to dress the itchy areas with calamine lotion. Two-way Remedies * Marigold, sage or chamomile These three healing herbs can either be drunk several times a day to soothe the beleaguered spirit or used as an infusion to bathe the irritated area. Essential oil of chamomile diluted in almond oil may be rubbed into the skin to promote healing. * Cabbage The juice may be drunk daily or take the sell-pulped leaves of a fresh, green Savoy. * Carrots Eaten raw in salads they will do much to promote a healthy body, as will the juice. A poultice made of raw grated carrots is a very oil remedy for skin complaints which even today is still used in some beauty parlors * Bilberries Settlers traveling to new countries made sure that they took a good supply of bilberries with them for they were an indispensable part of country medicine. Drink the juice or chew a few dried berries at a time to clear the skin of blemishes. Or make the following strong decoction to drink in the quantities of 1 shall g LASS HOURLY. Place 50g (20z) of dried bilberries in a stainless steel pan with 900 ml (1.5 pints) of lukewarm water and leave to stand for 1 hour. Bring slowly to the boil and boil for 20 minutes then remove from th heat and leave until soft. Strain and use as needed. It may also be used as a healing skin cleanser. * Slippery elm slippery elm soap was used to replace soaps which contained damaging animal fats and chemicals. A little of the powdered bark mixed with warm water will give a healing paste which can be used on the hands and other sore places at night, whilst an emollient glass of slippery elm and honey taken each morning before breakfast may prove to be a necessary laxative; 1 dessertspoon of each. Whisked into hot water and seasoned with a pinch of cayenne. Both English elm (Ulmus campestris) and American elm (Ulmus fulva) are almost endangered species since the plague of Dutch elm disease and are, thankfully, being left at present to regenerate. * Birch leaves Simmer 50g (2oz) of birch leaves in 1 litre (1.75 pints0 of water for three minutes. Leave until hand hot then add a pinch of bicarbonate of soda. Allow to cool for several hours before using as a useful disinfectant wash and a therapeutic daily drink. * Watercress Eat regularly and use the juice to wash the affected areas. The juice can be either expressed fresh or extracted by placing in cold water, bringing to the boil and gently simmering for 10 minutes. Leave to cool. Remedies to Take Try the famous â€green cocktail’ (see under Body Odour) but include also some beetroot and parsley. * Nettle or dandelion Drink the tea of either plant. Alternatively eat the nettles in a nourishing soup, and chop the well-washed dandelion leaves into a salad of cucumber and watercress, which are also expressly recommended to alleviate eczema. * Horehound For many years the chopped leaves of horehound were added to the diet in order to clear the blood of impurities when a skin disease was in evidence. However, as the generic term Murrubium from the Hebrew word for â€bitter’ makes clear, the leaves taste unpleasant as well as being hairy. Horehound tea well sweetened with honey is a better idea. * Goat’s milk This can be a valuable addition to the diet for anyone suffering from an allergy. * Evening primrose oil Amongst many other things this remarkable cure-all reduces tension and stress. * Burdock An infusion of burdock can be used to bathe damaged skin and burdock and chamomile drink will strengthen the body against skin irritations if a small cup is drunk four times a day for two weeks. * Daisy infusion Place 25g(1oz) of daisies in 1 litre (1.75pints) of water and bring gently to the boil. Boil for two minutes. Remove from the heat and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink 3 cups a day between meals. Could this be the same daily wine once recommended for concussion. * Red clover and heart’s ease Use the two together, with or without marigold, to make a gentle infusion for alleviating stress. Soothing Lotions and Potions * Walnut leaves Use an infusion of 15g 91/2oz) of fresh leaves to 600ml (1pint) water to bathe the affected area daily. * Speedwell An infusion of 1 teaspoon of the dried herb to 1 cup of water can be used to bathe the afflicted part morning and night. * Flax (linseed) Add it to the bath water to soften the skin and act as a tranquillizer. Boil 50g (2oz) of linseed in 1 litre (1.75 pints) of water for just two minutes. Strain and use the liquid. * Essential oil of rose Added to the bath water this has the same effect as flax (above) with the extra attraction of a delightful fragrance. * Wheatgerm and vitamin E oils These are now used extensively to heal damaged skin. * Milk whey This will reduce irritation when used to clean dry skin. * Lavender oil fill a glass jar full of lavender flowers and pour in enough virgin olive oil to practically fill the jar. Put in a double boiler and heat gently for two hours. Cool in the pan then filter. Store in small bottles in a dark place and use regularly on sore spots.
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