Ayurvedic Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis

About Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a skin rash and is also referred as eczema. This is generally a chronic disorder which involves rough itching skin that may be dry. The condition in this disease will changes from mild to severe and also depends on the climate in different seasons. This disease mainly appears in infants but can affect adults as well. It is more common in people who also suffer other inflammatory conditions such as seasonal allergies. In this disease person gets red rashes when he scratches it.

This disease is of different types based on their causes and symptoms. One of them is atopic dermatitis which is very common type of this disease and is caused by allergic reactions.

In Ayurveda eczema is also termed as Vicharchika. It is caused by the vitiation of the three doshas- pitta, vata and kapha. Vitiation of the skin occurs through imbalance between the pitta and the blood. It is most commonly observable on the skin. There are some guidelines which should be followed by the person having this condition.

In Ayurveda, vitiation of all three doshas can cause dermatitis.

Kapha dosha: Imbalance of kapha is more distinct on the skin. The skin appears thick with itching and oozing.
Pitta dosha: It may cause bleeding from affected area along with burning sensation and fever.
Vata dosha: It causes the dermatitis due to dryness of skin. It is leads to severe itching and pain.

Causes of Atopic dermatitis

Genetics
Exposure to environmental allergens
Physical and mental stress
Contact with irritants and chemicals
Poor nutrition
Perfumes or dyes added to skin lotions or soaps
Contact with irritants and chemicals
Allergens
Perfumes, household chemicals, harsh soaps, alcohol containing skin- products, tight clothing, and wool are the main skin irritants
Excess heat and low or high humidity triggers eczema. The dry skin conditions during winter also triggers the flare-up
Hot baths and hard water
Cold
Stress

Symptoms Atopic dermatitis

Blisters with oozing and crusting
Itching

Dry skin all over the areas of bumpy skin on the back of the arms and front of the thighs
Skin redness and inflammation
Lichenification.
Blister on skin

Atopic Dermatitis in Children

This type of skin complication is also known as Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis. Almost 18.7 percent of infants are affected with this skin disorder. It has become highly common these days with the rising levels of pollution, dust and dirt in the atmosphere. This dermatitis usually gets cured with age. But, if the situation persists, it may lead to certain chronic complications with the advancement of age. Children and infants tend to have a very sensitive skin. Their skin becomes more and more prone to dust, sweat, dirt, clothes, soaps, chemicals, pollution and skin care products. Rashes, redness and irritations develop on their skins quite easily and they quite often get affected with the skin disorder, atopic dermatitis. So, it needs to be treated with utmost care to avoid future complications.

Some Guidelines

Use very mild soap on the skin or it is better not to use any kind of soap. Use olive oil in water to have bath so that your skin does not get dry much. After bath just bloat the skin, do not rub. Later apply some ghee or olive oil for better results. Use warm water in cold and cold water in summers.
Opt for moderated temperature, mild, sunlight and light wind.
Opt for balanced diet. Stay away from allergic foods like curd, sour things, pickles, dry fruits etc.
Say totally no to all packed, junk and fried food items.
Keep yourself free from stress and tension as symptoms may get worsen more. Listen to music, practice yoga and meditation.
Keep yourself away from woolen and other warm clothes like blanket.
Avoid harsh exercises and excessive sweating of the skin.
Better to avoid things like – peeling garlic, onion, cutting ladyfinger, same with cosmetic products also. Take care while using so that these should not aggravate the symptoms further.
Extreme emotions like shock and anger should be avoided.
Medicines do not give a specific cause for atopic dermatitis but just give relief for some time. So for the best treatment one should go for the root cause of the problem and not just opting western medicines.