Dr. Vikram Chauhan, Author at Dr. Vikram Chauhan's Blog

How to Treat Neurodermatitis in Ayurveda ?

Neurodermatitis is defined as inflammation of the skin which results in red, patchy, swollen and cracked skin. On scratching it become irritated and itchier. The skin becomes tough, hard and thick. It is also known as lichen simplex chronicus. It is a lifelong condition. Treatment success depends on resisting the urge to rub or scratch the affected areas. It occurs at any age. It starts in the early period of childhood with changing severity over the years.

Neurodermatitis

Areas Affected

Neck
Wrist
Forearms
Legs or anal region
Vulva
Scrotum

Forms of Neurodermatitis

Localized Neurodermatitis (Happens on the Face, Neck, Elbows or Knees)
Disseminated Neurodermatitis Which is also known as Atopic Eczema.

Causes of Neurodermatitis

Cause is unknown
Genetically reasons
Immune system dysfunction
Environmental exposures such as allergens
Tight clothing or bug bite
Difficulties with the permeability of the skin
Staphylococcus aureus
Stress
Hard water
A disease like eczema or psoriasis

Symptoms of Neurodermatitis

Itchy skin patch or numerous patches
The leathery or scaly texture on affected areas
A raised rough patch or patches that are red or darker in color
Hay fever
Asthma
Lesions to form in the bends of arms or legs, face, and neck

Complications

A wound can be formed on Persistent scratching, skin infection due to bacteria, or permanent scars and changes in skin color. The itch of neurodermatitis can affect your quality of life, sleep, sexual function.

Risk factors

Certain factors may affect your risk of neurodermatitis, it includes

Age and sex. Women are more affected to develop neurodermatitis as compare to men. The condition is most common between ages 30 and 50 in men and women.

Many other skin conditions. People who have a personal or family history of dermatitis develops this disease. Diseases like eczema, psoriasis or similar skin conditions may be a cause of neurodermatitis.

Anxiety disorders. The itch of neurodermatitis is triggered by Anxiety and stress.

Ayurveda : Vicharchika

सकण्डु:पिडकाश्यावाबहुस्त्रावापवचपचिका | According to Charka Samhita

According to Ayurveda, it is known as vicharchika and it is caused due to an improper lifestyle. It is caused due to the aggravation of pitta doshas in the body which in turn vitiates other dhatus and doshas in the body like rakhta, mansa and twacha. All these collectively leads to the formation of Ama which further goes deep inside the skin and tissues and leads to neurodermatitis.

In Ayurveda, skin disorders are explained under Kustharogadhikara. All types of Kustha have been categorized under ‘Rakta Pradoshaja ’ Vikara. Kustha Vyadhi is said to be caused by the vitiation of all the Tridoshas i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha involving Tweak, Raktha, Mamsa and Ambu, collectively termed as Kusthanam Saptako Dravya Sangrahaha.

Kustha is further classified into Mahakushta and Kshudra Kustha.

In Ayurveda Shodhana and Shamana Chikitsa, in the form of Bahya and Abhyantara Prayogas have been explained under Kusthroga Chikitsa, for the management of skin disorders

1. Snehana

It is an oleation therapy that makes the skin smooth. Snehana works on doshas and loosens blocked channels. There are two types of Snehan

Balya : Ghee, oil, vasa, majja (marrow) oil is applied to the body
Abhyantara : Oils are consumed by the patient internally

2. Swedana

Swedana helps to remove srotovarodha (obstruction of channels) that are loosen by Snehan. Sweating is induced to get rid of excess toxins from the blood. Done by exercise, with aid of fire.

3. Panchkarma

This is a process that pacifies the aggravated doshas by natural herbs and appropriate diet. Panchkarma is blood purification process that involves five procedures namely vaman, virechan, basti, nasya and rakhtmokshan.

Diagnosis

1. Testing and Allergy Testing

Small quantities of allergens are applied to a small patch of the skin. After two days of application, if the patient develops a raised bump or reaction limits beneath the skin, the test is positive

2. Skin Biopsy.

It is to rule out lichen planus, eczema, psoriasis that mimic neurodermatitis

Treatment : Tips to Remember

Applying moisturizers may prevent the skin from drying out and it decrease the need for medication
Bathe regularly with lukewarm water, especially in salt water, to moisten their skin
Avoid woolen clothing.
Dilute bleach baths is also effective
Intake of vitamin D supplements
Avoid 6 – fatty acids consumption
Take Gluten – Free diet to prevent the occurrence of new outbreaks
Exposure to narrowband ultraviolent. The usage of UVA1 is more effective in treating neurodermatitis.

Ayurvedic Treatment BY Planet Ayurveda

1. Neem Capsules

These capsules are made by the pure extracts of Azadirachta Indica or neem. It acts as a blood purifier and immunity modulator. Neem is known to be best anti-allergic herb, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and is very beneficial in all kind of skin problems ranging from skin allergies, rashes, irritation, itching, inflammation and respiratory tract infections. Neem is also known to have anti-inflammatory properties which can help in reducing the inflammation and pain. It has healing and antiseptic properties too, thus the medicines help in healing wounds and sores.

Neem herb stimulates the production of T cells and gives a head-on attack against all kinds of infections. This medicine is useful in problems like acne, eczema, dandruff, psoriasis, hives, herpes, ringworm, shingles, warts etc. This herb contains the constituent’s Azadirachtin, Nimbolides, Nimbidinin and Nimbin.

Dosage : The recommended dosage is 2 capsules two times a day with plain water after 30 mins of meals.

2. Radiant Hair and Nail Formula

These capsules are prepared using a combination of four excellent herbs which include Ghrit Kumari, Manjistha, Chirata, and Pitta Papda. Like its name, the medicine works towards promoting healthy skin, healthy hair and nails. It is very useful in managing problems related to the skin. This serves as a wonderful medicine in treatment of Neurodermatitis.

Dosage : 1-2 capsules two times a day with plain water after 30 mins of meals.

3. Aloe Vitals

These capsules are prepared by using standardized extracts of Aloe Vera herb (Aloe Barbadensis) which is very beneficial in handling the skin ailments of all kinds. This herbal medicine has a good amount of Vitamin C and Vitamin E. The product has positive response in these skin related problems –

Treating eczema
Improving the red and dry patches
Healing the wounds
Reducing rashes
Stimulating the development of skin cells
Keeps the skin hydrated
Maintaining skin’s natural glow
Anti-inflammatory, antibiotic and antiseptic properties.

Dosage : The recommended dosage of Aloe Vital capsules is 2 capsules two times a day with plain water preferably after 30 mins of meals.

4. Kumkumadi Oil

This herbal oil is made up of herbs like Rakta Chandan, Manjistha, Yashtimadhu, Daruhaldi, Ushira, Padmaka, Vat, Pipal, Nagkesar, and Til. The oil possesses antiseptic, astringent, disinfectant and deodorant properties. It is safe to be used on any part of the body. It keeps the skin glowing, removes acne, scars, and blemishes. It also helps in getting rid of wrinkles. The oil treats uneven skin tones and pigmentation spots. It helps in improving the skin complexion and texture. It provides relief from itching and scratching sensation.

Dosage : It is recommended to apply 3 to 5 ml of Kumkumadi Tailam in a circular manner over the affected areas daily its only for local application.

Along with these medicines intake of vitamin B is also recommended.
Regular use of moisturizers helps in reducing the dryness of the skin which can further help in ease the itch. Cool compresses can be done to reduce the itching. It is advised to wear loose fitting clothes and stay calm. Try not to touch the affected area often. The cold bath helps in eliminating the itch by reducing the heat in the body.

How to Get Rid of Allergic Rhinitis in Ayurveda?

Introduction

Allergic rhinitis means you get allergic symptoms in your nasal passage. Allergic rhinitis is of 2 types, it can occur in a particular season called seasonal and can also happen the whole year, you sometimes get cured, but it returns soon after, it is called perennial. In such allergies a person can’t breathe normally. The allergies that occur in a season are caused by the pollens, which come from grasses, trees and weeds, also from fungi and moulds. The perennial allergy is caused by house insects, cockroaches, fungi, moulds and animal dander or it is caused by your genetics. Treatment for perennial allergy is a little difficult.

These allergies occur when allergens (allergy causing substances) get in touch with your nose, ears and throat. When these come in contact with your nose, these stimulate the cells and persuades them to release the chemical called histamine, which is responsible for causing allergy.

What are the Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis

Nasal blockade
Sneezing
Itchy eyes, nose or throat
Runny nose
Puffy eyes or ‘allergic shiners’
Post nasal drip
Tears

These symptoms may occur during a particular season or for the whole year long. It doesn’t concern on how old you are. You can become more prone to allergies, if your family has an allergic history. There are certain factors that make you more prone like:

What are the causes of Allergic Rhinitis?

Air pollution
Cigarette smoke
Chemicals
Colognes
Cold temperatures
Fumes
Hairspray
Humidity
Wind
Perfumes
Wood smoke

What is The Ayurvedic concept of allergic rhinitis?

According to Ayurveda allergic rhinitis is due to an imbalance between Vata and Kapha doshas. The idea of Ama, Asatmya and virudh aahara (wrong foods) also cause the allergic conditions. Ama is the product of weak digestion and impaired metabolism. It leaves its impression on rasa and Rakta dhatu leading to a clear display of pratisaya. Wrong food combinations give a lift to allergies, which happen like having fish with milk, milk with fruit juice, honey with clarified butter, lemon with milk and having ice cream after meals.
Ayurveda believes in that the 3 doshas of the body, Vata, Pitta and Kapha should be perfectly balanced and treats the allergies like a disease. It cleans the sinuses, flushes out the phlegm, throws out the dosha that is disturbed after detoxification is done in the whole body. To permanently settle this issue, some dietary alterations and life style changes are mandatory. It also makes the immune system stronger. panch-karma is an effective way of curing allergic rhinitis.

Nutritional Tips:

Better eat light foods and drink lukewarm water. Kapha nashaka foods like saindhav salt, less spicy food, legumes, soups etc.
Avoid eating the heavy foods, processed foods, too hot or too cold foods, non-vegetarian foods, junk foods, lower the intake of sweets, yogurt, banana, deserts, cakes, yellow grams and ice-creams.
Totally say no to alcoholic drinks and cold beverages.

How to treat allergic rhinitis in Ayurveda?

If the allergic symptoms are acute and in deep rooted conditions, Vamana Panchkarma treatment becomes inevitable, after that it is followed by Virechana healing. This healing helps to relieve Ama and balance the Tridosha.
If the allergy victim has normal digestion, Nasya treatment (nasal drop therapy) is done with some herbal oils like Indian Valerian (Valeriana wallichi), ginger oil, Licorice ,Glycyrrhiza Glabra and Bhringraj (Eclipta Alba) Juice
When the Panchkarma treatments are over, certain remedies are given to the patient to enhance his/her respiratory immunity and strengthen upper respiratory canals.
The seasonal allergy is acquired during your course of life. Plenty of seasonal reactions or sensitivities that the person starts feeling the sensations during any age, can be the triggering factor behind such type of allergies. Such types are very easily dealt and cured.
Both type of allergies are treated differently. In the perennial allergy that happens from the birth, the correct identification to what caused this allergy is necessary. If the allergy happens to be by a food than it becomes very easy to avoid that particular food and control the allergy. But if the allergy is not due to a single food or item, it might create asthma later, then it is a serious matter. Such allergy needs a professional help and has to be healed in a holistic way. Ayurveda has remedies that can cure such allergies.
In Ayurveda, throwing Ama out of the body is the main process to cure allergies, as it weakens the immune system and it fails to adapt seasonal changes. Thus a weak immune system can invite many other infections to cause multiple diseases.

You can seek the help of an Ayurvedic doctor for rhinitis allergy treatment. We provide Allergy Care Pack that consists of 4 herbs that are effective in treating all kinds of allergies.

Which are Best Herbal Remedies offered by Planet Ayurveda?

Aller-G Care:

It contains a poly-herbal formula that is effective for all kind of allergies, including pollen allergy. It contains the herbs Haridra, neem, shirish and ashwagandha, which together help remove all kinds of allergies.

Tulsi Capsules:

Tulsi plant has a holistic approach with the Hindus. It is given as a remedy to rectify many diseases. It is best for sore throat, cough, cold and viral flu. It can be given to the persons having asthma. It also helps in controlling diabetes and can reduce the symptoms of cancer.

Praanrakshak Churna:

It also takes care of various allergies, especially in rhinitis, sneezing, It contains the herbs known as vassa, shirish, anantmool, dalchini, mulethi, kantkari and bharangi.

Curcumin Capsules:

All types of allergies are cured by this effective remedy. It can also cure your digestive troubles, keep a check on cancer and sooth your arthritis problems.

All these 4 packs are prepared only after scrutinizing all the ingredients that are used to prepare it, in a modern lab. Every ingredient is tested and only those are accepted that come from organic trees, plants and herbs. These are proving to be very effective on a number of patients. A renowned Ayurvedic doctor keeps his/her watchful eyes on the whole process and these products are sent abroad to many countries. All are authentically herbal and vegetarian with no side effects.

Ayurveda regulates a well-planned execution detox schedule that happens at the end of every season. It helps in flushing out all the toxins that have accumulated in the previous season and are causing all these allergies and if we ignore them, these turn into severe diseases. Ayurveda just vitalize and rejuvenates your immune system so that no infection ambushes your body and you enjoy the life in a healthier way.