Ayurvedic Medicines for Erythema Dyschromicum Perstans (EDP)

ABSTRACT

Erythema dyschromicum perstans (EDP) is also known by names of dermatosis cenicienta or ashy dermatosis. It is an uncommon benign skin ailment characterized by ashy gray colored macules on the whole body. EDP is also sometimes considered to be a variant of another skin condition, lichen planus. Both the genders are equally affected however the most affected age group is that before the age of 40 years. In this write-up we have discussed all about EDP or ashy dermatosis and its herbal treatment through Planet Ayurveda’s herbal remedies.

INTRODUCTION

Owing to the ashy bluish gray color of the lesions, EDP is also known as ashy dermatosis, which is an acquired dermal macular hyperpigmentation. EDP results in the formation of patches that are irregular or oval in shape and usually located on the neck, face and trunk. These patches are pigmented and distributed unilaterally or symmetrically. In the early phase these lesions are red in color with a well-defined border that is elevated and this phase usually goes unobserved.
Erythema dyschromicum perstans or ashy dermatosis generally develop gradually and fades away spontaneously. EDP usually is known to disappear on its own within 2-3 years of time. EDP is an asymptomatic skin disorder with polycyclic, oval, irregular in shape, hyperpigmented and gray-blue patches in color which develop on the neck, face, arms, and trunk. Its beginning is always as the ash-colored patches.

There are various theories which are considered to be the causative factor of EDP; however the exact cause remains unknown. The main theory which is postulated here is the role of cell-mediated immunity, however the exact mechanism is not defined. Ashy dermatosis or EDP is also found to be associated with other health ailments like HIV or whipworm infection.  Lesions of EDP develop gradually and slowly and itching is reported along with them in some of the patients, otherwise there are no other complaints. These patches can grow up to 05-3 cm in size and are found in symmetrical patterns on various parts of the body. In the early stage the border is more pronounced while later it becomes lighter, and the mucous membranes remain unaffected.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

As already discussed, EDP or ashy dermatosis is usually asymptomatic other than the patches which are oval or irregular in shape, reddish color in starting and later gray-blue color with marked border in early stages and light border later. Sometimes itching can also be present in these lesions, otherwise it is an asymptomatic skin ailment.

CAUSES

The exact cause of Erythema dyschromicum perstans is not known. Owing to its histopathological features, this skin condition is usually categorized as a lichen planus pigmentosus variant. However, there are certain other factors which can be considered to be the cause of it like:

• Hair dye or other cosmetics contact allergy
• Genetic susceptibility
• Chemicals resulting in toxicity like barium sulphate or ammonium nitrate
• Infestation of Whipworm
• Certain medications and drugs causing adverse effects
• Viral infections are also considered to be the underlying factor

DIAGNOSIS

Usually the clinical presentation of EDP or ashy dermatosis will be enough for your doctor to diagnose the classical condition of the Erythema dyschromicum perstans. For further confirmation of the diagnosis skin biopsy can be helpful which reveals in the early lesions degeneration of the basal layer of skin, dermal melanophages and pigmentary incontinence.

TREATMENT of Erythema dyschromicum perstans (EDP)

The EDP is usually resistant to all the treatments available in the conventional system of medicine. It is usually seen persisting for several years and then clear up on its own. However, certain methods used for improving the persisting lesion condition include chemical peel, topical steroids, pigment laser, or exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

On the other hand, Ayurveda is the Indian system of medicine which is also known as science of life which is used to treat various chronic as well as acute diseases. There are various herbs and natural compounds present in nature which have been used in Ayurveda for treating different skin ailments. These natural remedies not only clear the lesion from skin surface but also prevent it from coming back by balancing the tridosha (as imbalance of tridosha, i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha are considered to be the cause of any disease in Ayurveda).

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA

A wide range of herbal medicines and products are manufactured at Planet Ayurveda which is a well known brand in the field of Ayurvedic pharmaceuticals. All of these products are purely vegetarian, herbal and organic and completely free from preservatives, chemicals, dye, additives, fillers, yeast or colors. These herbal products are prepared as per the instructions given in classical Ayurvedic literature and under the strict supervision of MD Ayurveda doctors. Products of Planet Ayurveda are now used worldwide as they are effective and easily available through various distributors present in various parts of the globe. Planet Ayurveda offers a combination of herbal remedies that help in treating and managing the condition naturally.

Product List

• Gandhak rasayan
• Kaishore guggul
• Gleaming Skin, Hair, Nails Formula
• Youth restora capsule
• Manjishtha capsule
• Recumin gel

Product Description

1. Gandhak rasayan

These herbal tablets are prepared from Shuddha Gandhak (Purified sulphur) which helps in detoxifying the skin, removing toxins and clearing it. Gandhak rasayan helps in treating various skin ailments owing to its detoxifying, antioxidant and antifungal properties

Dosage– Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water

2. Kaishore Guggul

Various therapeutic herbs like Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), guggul (Commiphora mukul) etc. are used in the preparation of Kaishore guggul tablets. It pacifies the Pitta dosha, relieves inflammation, eliminates toxins, and acts as a skin health promoter.

Dosage– Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water

3.Gleaming Skin, Hair, Nails Formula

As the name suggests these capsules are a three in one combination which works amazingly to support the health of skin, hair and nails. Coming to the skin, it helps in treating various skin ailments like infections or inflammation. Radiant skin hair nail formula capsules also help in modulating the action of the immune system if it works against skin. It is prepared from herbs like Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Chirata (Swertia chirata), Pit papda (Fumaria officinalis) and Ghrit kumari (Aloe barbadensis).

Dosage– Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water

4. Youth restora capsule

These are again the multi herbal capsules prepared from Grape seed (Vitis vinifera), Bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri), Cow colostrums (Bovine colostrums) and Green tea (Camellia sinensis). Youth restora capsules helps in slowing down the aging process of the skin, boosts immunity and fights against skin infections.

Dosage– Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water

5. Manjishtha capsule

The standardized extract of Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) is used to prepare this capsule which possesses medicinal properties like anti inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant. Manjishtha capsules help in relieving inflammation, prevent skin infections and save skin from oxidative damage of the free radicals, respectively.

Dosage– Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water

6. Recumin gel

It is herbal gel from Planet Ayurveda which is used topically for treating various skin ailments like eczema, psoriasis, EDP etc. Recumin gel restores the normal texture, color and functions of skin, treats pigmentation on the skin and promotes wound healing. Herbs like Haridra (Curcuma longa), Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Sesame (Sesamum indicum), etc are used in this herbal gel.

Direction

Take some gel and apply twice daily on the affected area

CONCLUSION

EDP or ashy dermatosis is a rare skin disorder which usually does not respond to various conventional methods of treatment but herbal remedies suggested in this article have shown an amazing therapeutic effect on it.