Ayurvedic Treatment Of Atopic Dermatitis With Herbal Remedies
ABSTRACT
The skin is the outer shield of the body which plays many functions. It protects the whole body from external environmental changes and any external injuries and prevents any foreign particles from entering the body. It helps to maintain moisture and the body temperature, reducing harmful effects of UV and other radiations and most importantly working as a sensory organ which detects touch and temperature. Atopic Dermatitis is a skin disorder in which discoloration of the skin occurs. Rashes and itching occur on the skin in Atopic Dermatitis. In this article, we are going to learn a detailed study of Atopic Dermatitis, its causes, signs and symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis. Let’s start.
INTRODUCTION
Atopic Dermatitis is a common type of Eczema, in which skin is involved. In Atopic Dermatitis skin becomes itchy and dry and scales are formed on the skin. In this condition, chronic inflammation occurs on the skin tissues which involves mainly the face, arms and legs. Location of rashes also depends on age factor. In infants it occurs mainly at the face, scalp, arms and legs. In older children it occurs at elbows, knees, wrist and ankles. In adults it occurs at hands, neck, elbows and knees. This condition occurs in people whose skin lacks a protein which helps in maintaining a barrier to the water. Due to this, their skin becomes more sensitive and they are more prone to the condition of Atopic Dermatitis. This is a non-contagious disease which means it does not spread from one person to another person by physical touch. People with Atopic Dermatitis are more prone to other skin problems like cold sores and warts. This condition causes skin inflammation, itching and redness. The condition of Atopic Dermatitis can be triggered which means it flares up according to the conditions. Remission of this disease occurs again when there are favourable conditions for Atopic Dermatitis. Let’s start a detailed study about Atopic Dermatitis and its Ayurvedic treatment to cure Atopic Dermatitis and also herbal remedies by Planet Ayurveda to manage conditions of Atopic Dermatitis.
CAUSES OF ATOPIC DERMATITIS
Causes of Atopic Dermatitis may vary from one person to another person. The common causes of Atopic Dermatitis are as follows
- Gene variation
- Microorganisms like bacteria (staphylococcus aureus)
- Weak skin barrier functions
Atopic Dermatitis is a multi-factor disease that depends on many factors. This condition can be triggered by various factors and allergens. When the patient comes in contact with that factor or allergens, his condition flares up. The factors that trigger this condition are as follows
- Irritants like perfumes, soaps, detergents and shampoos
- Various allergens like dust, pollens and animals
- Dry and hot weather, sweat, hot or cold air, excessive exposure to the water etc
- Any food like peanuts, eggs and cow milk
- Stress factors
According to Ayurveda, causes (निदान) of Atopic Dermatitis are as follows
भजतामगताम् छर्दिम् वेगाश्चान्यान्प्रतिघ्न्ताम् ||
व्यायाममतिसन्तापमतिभुक्तवोपसेविनाम् |
शीतोष्णलङ्घनाहारान क्रमं मुक्त्वा निषेविणाम् ||
घर्मश्रमभयार्तानाम् द्रुतं शीताम्बुसेविनाम् |
अजीर्णाध्यशिनाम् चेव पञ्चकर्मापचारिणम् ||
नवान्नदधिमत्स्यातिलवणाम्लानिषेविणाम् |
माषमूलकपिष्टान्नतिलक्षीरगुदाशिनाम् ||
व्यवायम् चाप्याजिर्णअन्ने निद्राम् च भजताम् दिवा |
विप्रान् गुरुन् धर्षयताम् पापं कर्म च कुर्वताम् ||
- Consuming food like unctuous (Snigdha), heavy (guru) ahara(food)
- Suppression of natural urge to vomit and other
- Exercise after eating food
- Excess consumption of cold and hot food
- Excess consumption of sunlight
- Consuming cold water in conditions of exhaustion and fear
- Consuming food that is not properly cooked
- Eating before digestion of previous food
- Complication of Panchkarma
- Excess consumption of New grains, curd, fish, salty (Lavana) and amla (sour) items
- Consumption of items made up of milk, jaggery, Pishtanna (recipes made up of grinding rice), black gram and radish
- Coitus in indigestion condition
- Sleep in the daytime
SIGNS OF ATOPIC DERMATITIS
Atopic Dermatitis is a skin disorder which is a chronic condition. Signs of Atopic Dermatitis are as follows
- Dry and cracked skin
- Oozing from affected area
- Rashes
SYMPTOMS OF ATOPIC DERMATITIS
Symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis may vary from person to person and depends on the condition of the disease and also depends on several factors that may be environmental or emotional. Common symptoms of this diseases are as follows
- Itching is a common symptoms of this condition which may be vary from person to person that is from mild to severe
- Small raised bumps
- Inflammation on the affected area mainly on knees, elbows and trunk area
- Red,brown, grey or purple rashes on all over the body
- Oozing from the rashes occurs when they scattered
- Darkening of skin tone around the eyes
- Crusting of the rashes
- Thickening of the skin
According to Ayurveda symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis are as follows
- Itchiness (सकण्डु )
- Brown coloured rashes on the body
- Profuse discharge from the rashes
DIAGNOSIS OF ATOPIC DERMATITIS
For the diagnosis of Atopic Dermatitis, physical examination of the patient can be done by asking Patient’s medical history of any allergies or disease, his symptoms that appear on his body, any environmental factors like allergen, dust, pollution and the patient’s psychological history of any stress or anxiety can be assessed. Other diagnostic tests that can help in assessing the Atopic Dermatitis are as follows
- Blood test to check for any infection or inflammation
- Skin biopsy to differentiate between Atopic Dermatitis and other skin conditions
- Atopy Patch test (APT) for detection of specific types of allergies which causes Atopic Dermatitis
AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW OF ATOPIC DERMATITIS
Atopic Dermatitis is a chronic condition which can be described by symptoms of inflammation, itching, red/ brown rashes, raised skin and oozing from the rashes. It may be due to any allergens, skin barrier, any environmental factor, food allergy, or may be genetic.. In Ayurveda, descriptions of all skin skin diseases are grouped under Kushta Roga. In Ayurveda it is correlated with Vicharchika which is a type of Kshudra Kushta. According to Ayurvedic point of view Atopic Dermatitis (Vicharchika) is skin disorder characterised by intense itchiness, brown coloured and profuse discharge from the rashes. Doshas involved in Vicharchika are Vata, Pitta and Kapha but here Kapha dosha is dominant. Dushyas in Vicharchika are Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa and Kleda. The Vitiation of the above-mentioned Doshas and Dushays leads to the formation of symptoms of Vicharchika.
DIET FOR ACTOPIC DERMATITIS/ VICHARCHIKA
भल्लातकेः सत्रिफलेः सनिम्बेर्युक्तानि चन्नानि घृतानि चेव ||
पुराणधान्यान्यथ् जाङ्गलानि माँसानि मुद्गाश्च् पटोलयुक्ताः |
शस्ता, न गुर्वम्लपयोदधिनि नानुपमत्स्या न गुडस्तिलाश्च् ||
According to above shloka, diet in Actopic Dermatitis or Vicharchika are as follows
- Laghu Ahara which can be easily digestible like green gram
- Wholesome food like whole grains including wheat, oats
- Bitter taste (Tikta rasa) containing foods like broccoli, bitter gourd, kale etc
- Bhallataka (Semecarpus anacardium), Triphala which consists of Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica) and Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) and Neem (Azadirachta indica) containing foods and Gritha medicated with these herbs
- Old grains
- Moong daal (mudga) with Patola (Trichosanthes dioica)
- Avoid food which is not easy to digest
- Avoid citrus fruits
- Avoid milk, curd, fish, jaggery and tila (Sesamum indicum)
HOME REMEDIES FOR ATOPIC DERMATITIS
- Decoction of Fennel, coriander and cumin
- Daruharidra (Berberis aristata) churna with Gomutra (cow urine)
- Decoction of Triphala which consists of Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica) and Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)
- Decoction of Saptaparna (Alstonia scholaris)
AYURVEDIC TREATMENT OF ATOPIC DERMATITIS
The Ayurvedic line of treatment (chikitsa sutra) for Vicharchika (Kushta roga) is as follows
यथा स्वेर्लक्ष्णेर्बुध्वा कुष्ठानाम् क्रियते क्रिया ||
दोषस्य यस्य पश्येत् कुष्ठेषु विशेषलिङ्गमुद्रीतम् |
तस्येव शमम् कुर्याततः परम् चानुबन्धस्य ||
According to the above Shloka, all the Kushta including Vicharchika is Tridoshas ( all the three doshas i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha are involved ) but Kapha is dominant. So one should choose the line of treatment according to the symptoms and strength (Bala) of the patient. The Dosha which is increased more than others should be treated first. Then after this other doshas should be treated. Ayurvedic treatment for
Atopic Dermatitis/Vicharchika can be given in both external modes that are in the form of Lepa (application of medicated paste formed from herbs) or internal mode that is in the form of tablet, powder, capsule or decoction. Ayurvedic formulations that can be given for the treatment of Ayurvedic formulations that can be given for the treatment of Vicharchika are Mahakhadira ghrita, gomutra arka, Tiktaka ghrita, Panchatikta Ghrita, Madhvasava and many more.
PANCHKARMA IN ATOPIC DERMATITIS
पितोतरेषु मोक्षो रक्तस्य विरेचनम् चाग्रे ||
वमनविरेचनयोगः कल्पोक्ताः कुष्ठिनाम् प्रयोक्तव्याः |
प्रच्छनमल्पे कुष्ठे महति च शस्तं सिराव्यधनम् ||
- Oral administration of medicated Ghee in Vataj type of Kushta
- Therapeutic emesis in Kapha type of Kushta
- Raktamokshana (eliminating vitiated blood from the body by para-surgical methods) in the Pittaj type of Kushta
- Prachana Karma (bloodletting therapy by making multiple pricks on the affected area which helps in oozing of vitiated blood) is done in the condition when Doshas vitiated in small amounts
- Siravedha karma (surgical procedure in which vein is punctured for therapeutic purposes) is done in the conditions when Doshas are vitiated in large amounts
- Asthapana and Anuvasna Basti (Therapeutic decoction enema)
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR ATOPIC DERMATITIS BY PLANET AYURVEDA
Planet Ayurveda offers a wide range of natural herbal formulations which are present in many forms like capsules, powder, tablets, oils and many more. All these formulations are made up after several experiments and tests. Planet Ayurveda always promotes ancient Ayurveda through its best and highest quality of drugs. All the herbal supplements formed by Planet Ayurveda are made up of natural herbs. Planet Ayurveda manufactures a large scale of drugs which consist of ingredients that are highly efficient in nature. Here we are going to study such a highly efficient product of Planet Ayurveda that is Atopic Dermatitis Care Pack. This pack contains five products which are Gleaming skin, hair, nails formula, Navkarshik churna, Gandhak rasayan, Kushtha Rakshas tel and Royal honey shower gel. The product description of these products are as follows
- Gleaming Skin, Hair, Nails Formula
- Navkarshik Churna
- Gandhak Rasayan
- Kustha Rakshas Tel
- Royal Honey Shower Gel
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
1. GLEAMING SKIN, HAIR, NAILS FORMULA
Gleaming skin, hair nails formula by Planet Ayurveda consists of many ingredients like Manjista (Rubia cordifolia), Chirayta (Swertia chirayita), Ghrit Kumari (Aloe barbadensis) and Pit Papad (Fumaria officinalis). It helps maintain all three doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha). This formula is best for the overall health of skin, hair and nails. This also helps in maintaining the pH of skin. This formula comes in the form of capsules. It is best known for its function in maintaining skin health, hair loss and nails health.
Dosage : 1 capsule twice daily with lukewarm water after the meals.
2. NAVKARSHIK CHURNA
Navkarshik churna is a formulation made up of herbs that are Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) and Kutki (Picrorhiza kurroa) and many other. This churna helps to maintain the overall health of the skin. It supports healthy blood circulation as it functions as Raktashodhak (blood purifier). It helps in relieving pain and supports skin health.
Dosage : 1 tablespoon twice daily with warm water after meals.
3. GANDHAK RASAYAN
Gandhak is a purified sulphur which is a solo ingredient of Gandhak rasayan. It comes in the tablet form. It helps in removing harmful toxins from the skin. It works as a detoxification of blood. It improves the immune system and increases the glow of the skin. It helps maintain skin health and also detoxifies the entire circulatory system. It helps in the formation of healthy skin cells. That’s how it works best in maintaining the overall health of the body.
Dosage : 2 tablets twice a day with warm water after the meals.
4. KUSHTHA RAKSHAS TEL
Kushtha Rakshas Tel by Planet Ayurveda is oil formulation which contain many ingredients like Parada, Gandhak, Kutha (Dolomiaea costus), Saptaparna (Alstonia scholaris), Chitrakmool (Plumbago zeylanica) and many more. This herbal oil is very useful in all types of skin disorders. It helps in alleviation of itching, swelling and redness. It reduces the burning sensation of skin of affected areas. It is very useful in Pitta pacification.
Dosage : 3 ml twice daily for local application.
5. ROYAL HONEY SHOWER GEL
The Royal Honey Shower Gel contains ingredients like Honey, Aloe vera extract (Aloe barbadensis), Tea tree extract (Melaleuca alternifolia), glycerin and many more. It contains goodness of Vitamin E. It helps in maintaining healthy skin and it is suitable for all skin types.
Dosage : Use a small amount of shower gel on your wet body.
CONCLUSION
Atopic dermatitis is a disorder characterised by erythematous rashes which may be minor or may be severe. It involves the skin of the whole body but mainly occurs at the areas where skin is flexed. Location of rashes also depends on age factor. Location of rashes also depends on age factor. In infants it occurs mainly at the face, scalp, arms and legs. In older children it occurs at elbows, knees, wrist and ankles. In adults it occurs at hands, neck, elbows and knees. Vicharchika is a complex disorder which affects quality of life. Ayurvedic herbal formulations are very helpful in the treatment of such conditions. When a proper treatment is given after analysing the signs and symptoms of the patients, it helps in relieving conditions of Actopic Dermatitis.
