Tag: Herbal Remedies for Atopic Dermatitis

Prevention and Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

ABSTRACT

Skin is one of the largest and important outer organs of our body. It plays an important role in protecting our body from water loss and pathogens. It helps in regulating our body temperature and stimulating us for any kind of external cause which might cause damage to the skin. Every person has different types of skin like some have oily while others might have dry and some are a combination of both. Some people have very sensitive skin like even a simple ant bite can lead them to rashes all over the body. Itching is also one of the symptoms presented by the body in response to pathogens and one of those skin conditions is Atopic dermatitis. In this article, we will discuss about atopic dermatitis and its ayurvedic management in detail.

WHAT IS ATOPIC DERMATITIS?

Atopic dermatitis also is known as Eczema which is an inflammatory condition of the skin. It is one of the most common disorders which occur throughout the world. Here Atopy is related to hypersensitivity and allergy which is connected with Asthma, inhaled allergens. Atopic dermatitis is represented as a rash all over the body with a history of Asthma. The skin becomes extremely inflamed and itchy resulting in the formation of blisters, swelling, redness, and crust formation. People who have dry skin are mostly seen with atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis can occur at any age but Infants or Children are mostly seen with the disease. It may carry on to adulthood with ups and downs of the symptoms like there are times when the skin starts to itch and form crust all over the skin and after some time all the complaints go and this goes on repeating itself.

atopic dermatitis

Etiology

  • Men and Women are equally affected by this disease
  • Children are most likely to be affected by Atopic dermatitis.
  • 65 percent of the patient shows symptoms in the first years of their life while other show symptoms after the age of 5.
  • Symptoms shown after the age of 30 is very rare and uncommon
  • People who live in areas with high humidity have a higher risk to develop atopic dermatitis.

SYMPTOMS SHOWN BY PATIENT

The symptoms differ from patient to patient depending on their skin. The most common symptoms presented are:

  • one of the marking features presented is the Itching.
  • The parts that are mostly affected are the fold of the body like armpits, back of the knee, wrists, etc.
  • Intense scratching which makes the skin inflammation worse.
  • Atopic dermatitis patients have more sensitive skin as compared to others and they scratch more and for a longer time sometimes until they bleed.
  • Due to itching especially during the night it is difficult for them to sleep which leads to disturbance of sleep cycle.
  • It can also be noted on the skin around the eyes, eyebrows, and lashes. Due to extra the fold of the skin under the eyes atopic dermatitis is common to find here

Features of Atopic dermatitis on Skin

Following are the features of Atopic dermatitis:

  • Ichthyosis where the scales appear on the legs
  • Raised bumps called papules to appear on the skin which may get infected.
  • Itching and rubbing on the same part of the skin causes to appear a thick raised patch called lichen simplex.
  •  Dark circle under the eyes.
  • Warts may also be seen due to continuing picking of skin.
  • Raised red bumps or hives shown on the skin called urticaria.

ATOPIC DERMATITIS STAGES

Following are the stages seen inatopic dermatitis

  • The symptoms appear in newborn children from ages of 6 to 12 weeks
  • Firstly it appears on the cheeks and chin. appearing as a facial rash that progressively becomes red and oozes out.
  • the skin is infected
  • When the child starts to crawl the areas like the knee and elbow also start to get infected.
  • The child starts to become irritable and restless due to itching.
  • Most of the children after 18months of the age start to get better, but children with dry skin have a greater risk to develop later in life too.

CAUSES FOR ATOPIC DERMATITIS

The cause for atopic dermatitis is not known yet but it is believed that it occurs due to mutation of certain genes or due to some external or environmental factors. But one thing is common that hypersensitivity increases with high itching of the skin. It is said to be associated with Asthma and Hay fever.

Some causes which may result in atopic dermatitis

  • Filaggrin a form of protein present in the skin is decreased. Its main function is to hydrate the skin.
  •  People allergic to certain types of food are also affected by dermatitis.
  •  People who have weak immunity.
  • Stress or Emotional factors also play a role in causing dermatitis.

DIAGNOSIS FOR ATOPIC DERMATITIS

Physical examination:– Atopic dermatitis patients can be easily diagnosed by the external appearance of the skin. Skin appears red and itches with inflammation. Skin becomes very dry and scaly.
Skin biopsy: – Sample of skin is taken for pathological examination.
CBC (complete blood count):- Which might show high levels of WBC (white blood cells)
IgE test: – The test might show some elevation due to the infection.
Prick Test: – The skin is pricked with a certain type of substance which is considered to be the cause for allergic reaction.

AYURVEDIC MEDICINE PROVIDED BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Medicines for Atopic Dermatitis

Natural Treatment of atopic dermatitis

Herbal medicines provided by planet Ayurveda for Atopic Dermatitis are 100 percent pure which includes Psora care pack which also includes oil to apply to soothe the skin and decrease the itching. These medicines are free from preservatives and chemicals which help the patient to treat naturally without causing any harm. These herbal medicines do not irritate the skin. Further are the medicines which help in treating the Atopic dermatitis

  1. Radiant Skin Hair Nail Formula
  2. Navkarshik churna
  3. Gandhak Rasayan
  4. Lippu oil
  5. Vetpalai Thailam
  6. Mandarian Orange soap

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1. Radiant Skin Hair Nail Formula

It is a formulation of herbal extract which includes Pitta papda (Fumaria officinalis), Ghritkumari (Aloe barbadensis) and many more. This formulation helps in reducing the itching and redness on the skin. It helps in boosting the immunity and stopping the pathogen from entering into the skin. It makes the skin look better and healthy.

Dosage: – One to two capsules daily with water.

2. Navkarshik churna

It contains herbal extract of Amla (Emblica officinalis), Bahera (Terminalia bellerica), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) etc. All the herbal medicines help in removing all the toxins from the body and reducing the infection which causes dermatitis in the skin. It reduces the itching and inflammation of the skin.

Dosage:- One teaspoon with water after meals.

3. Gandhak Rasayan

It is formed from purified sulphur. Sulphur has been found very useful in any kind of skin disorder and helping the skin to get normal. Sulfur removes all the ailments related to atopic dermatitis. It helps in making the skin beautiful and healthy.

Dosage: – One to two tablets after meals daily with water.

4. Lippu oil

It is the herbal oil which helps in soothing the skin and reducing irritation. Applying it will help the skin in skin disorders like eczema, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis. It will provide hydration to the skin and is especially recommended for people with dry skin.

Usage: – Apply directly to the skin with the help of cotton swab.

5. Vetpalai Thailam

It is an herbal medicine that is only for external use. It should be applied on the affected part of the skin to maintain a healthy appearance of the skin and get rid of any foreign body irritating the skin.

Usage: – Apply directly on the skin and gently massage it.

6. Mandarian Orange soap

It is a herbal soap which is especially recommended for people who have sensitive skin. This soap can be used by any skin type of person. It is free from chemicals and it won’t dry the skin.

Usage: – Directly use it on the skin just like other soaps.

Conclusion

All the Ayurvedic medicine mentioned above will help you in treating skin problems. It is safe to use and will not irritate the skin and is suitable for any skin type.

How Ayurvedic Herbs Help In Relieving Skin Disorders

Introduction

Skin diseases are something that pushes down our self-confidence and brings about embarrassment most of the time. For the majority of people, beauty is always on top of mind and is ready to invest anything and everything over it. Here, Ayurveda comes as a rescuer with its plethora of remedies for every skin problem from mild to severe. In Ayurveda, most of the skin diseases come under the context of ‘kushtaroga’ and ‘kshudraroga’ while many others are randomly included under appropriate titles. Some people consider ‘Kushta’ (skin disease) as Leprosy which is not the correct correlation. A wide range of Ayurvedic Herbs is available that focus on skin health without any downsides. Now, let us see the action of some of those herbs on our skin.

According to Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, vitiation of ‘tridoshas(vata, pitta and kapha) along with impairment in skin, blood, lymph and muscle tissues occurs in skin disorders. Charakasamhitha has prioritized certain group of drugs for particular disorders of the body. Among these classification, the categories which gives promising results in skin problems generally are the.

  1. kushtagnagana
  2. Varnyagan
  3. Kandughna Gana
  4. Udardaprasamana Gana
  5. Krimighna Gana

Further to this, the drug with emetic and purgatory effects in the body also yields definitive effects in dermatology when used selectively according to the predominant dosha and several other factors

Skin Diseases

Top 5 Gana for Skin Aliments

1. Kushtagnagana

Kushtagnagana are the most important group of ten herbs that are described solely for skin ailments.

The list consists of herbs like

  • Khadira (Acacia catechu)
  • Amalaki (Emblicaofficinalis)
  • Abhaya (Terminalia chebula)
  • Haridra (Curcuma longa)
  • Arushkara (Semicarpus anacardium)
  • Saptaparna (Alstonia scholaris)
  • Aragwadha (Cassia fistula)
  • Karavira (Nerium indicum)
  • Vidanga (Embelia ribes)
  • Jatipravala (Jasminium officinale)

Most of these drugs are either bitter or astringent in taste and cold in nature leaving out saptaparna and Arushkara. In addition, they are light, clear and dry thereby having potent effect on skin, blood, liver etc. With these qualities they help in blood purification and removal of toxins from the body. Also they promote a healthy complexion. Being in kushtagnagana, these drugs possess qualities like anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic, complexion enhancing, anti-parasitic etc which makes them the most suitable for skin diseases.

Khadira is the most relevant drug for almost any skin conditions. It mainly helps in balancing the kapha and pitta dosha. It is used both externally and internally. Apart from having all the properties of kushtagna drugs, it is also switragna (provides relief from leucoderma), vranaropana (wound healing), and rasayana (rejuvenating).

2. Varnyagana

Another list of drugs mentioned by Acharya Charaka is the varnyagana that comprises of herbs which nourishes the bhrajaka pitta (type of pitta dosha) present in the skin. They are

  • Chandana (Santalum album)
  • Tunga (Calophyllum inophyllum)
  • Padmaka (Prunus cerasoides)
  • Ushira (Vetivera zizanioides)
  • Madhuka (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
  • Manjista (Rubia cordifolia)
  • Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus)
  • Payasya (Impomoea paniculata)
  • sita (white Cynodondactylon)
  • Latha (black Cynodondactylons)

These endows wholesome complexion and neutralizes irregular pigmentations on the skin. Therefore, they can be utilised in reducing dark spots, scars, melasma etc. Most of them are cooling and soothing to the skin and act as blood purifiers. Hence they provide relief in burning sensation, blisters, acne etc.

3. kandughna gana

The kandughna gana consists of herbs that help in relieving pruritis or itching. They are namely

  • Chandana (Santalum album)
  • jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi)
  • Krithamala (Cassia fistula)
  • Nakthamala (pongamia pinnata)
  • Nimba (Azadirachta indica)
  • Kutaja (Holarrhenaantidysenterica)
  • Sarshapa (Brassica nigra)
  • Madhuka (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
  • Daruharidra (Berberis aristata)
  • Musta (Cyperus rotundus)

They are mainly used in those dermatological issues where itching is the main complaint. They pacify mainly kapha and pitta dosha. Some of them act as coolants while others are hot in potency. Hence, owing to their pharmacology, suitable drugs are selected based on the dosha predominance.

4. Udardaprasamana Gana

Moving on to the udardaprasamana gana it involves drugs that are efficient to be anti-allergic and hence used in conditions like urticaria, dermatosis etc. They are Tinduka

  • (Diospyos peregrine)
  • Priyala (Buchananialanzan)
  • Badara (Zizyphus jujube)
  • Khadira (Acacia catechu)
  • Kadara (Acacia catechu Willd)
  • Saptaparna (Alstonisscholaris)
  • Ashwakarna (Diptecocarpusalatus)
  • Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
  • Asana (Ptecocarpus marsupium)
  • Arimeda(Acacia farnesiana)

Most of them possess anti-histaminic and revitalizing effects. They act predominantly on the rasa and rakta dhatus. These purify the blood and also do immune-modulation. Besides, they have lekhaniya property (scrapes off excess kapha dosha). Furthermore, these drugs have the ability to manage the boils and blisters erupting on the skin.

5. Krimighna Gana

Skin diseases may also manifest due to micro- organisms (krimi) and poisonous bites or food items. Charaka samhitha specifies the krimighna and vishaghna group of drugs for this purpose respectively. The herbs belonging to krimighna gana involves

  • Aksheeva(Moringa oleifera)
  • Maricha (Piper nigrum)
  • Gandeera (Euphorbia antiquorum)
  • Kebuka (Costus speciosus)
  • Vidanga (Embeliaribes)
  • Nirgundi (Vitex negundo)
  • Kinihi(Achyranthes aspera)
  • Swadamshtra (Tribulus terrestris)
  • Vrishaparnika (Ipomoea sp.)
  • Akhuparnika (Ipomoea reniformis)

Apart from performing the deworming action, it subsides certain skin infestations too. ‘Vidangam krimighnanam’ which implies that vidanga is the most powerful drug for parasites and worms. The combination of vidanga, silajathu and khadira along with honey and ghee shows its efficacy in psoriasis, leukoderma and eczema.

The vishaghna gana are the ten drugs that have the potential ability to remove toxic effects from the body. The group is composed of herbs like

  • Haridra (Curcuma longa)
  • Manjista (Rubia cordifolia)
  • Suvaha (Operculina turpethum)
  • Sookshmaela (Elettaria cardomomum)
  • Palindi (Ichnocarpus frutescens)
  • Chandana (Santalum album)
  • Kathaka (Strychnos potatorium)
  • Shirisha (Albizzia lebbeck)
  • Sindhuvara (Vitex negundo)
  • Sleshmathaka (Cordia dichomata)

Internal as well as external applications are carried out. Any kind of toxicity, say, food contamination, cosmetic poisoning, drug toxicity or organ related poisoning can be combated through these anti-toxic drugs with its felicitous usage. Selective and suitable combinations of these drugs can be used for skin ailments occurring as a result of noxious environment

Alongside this, Ayurveda explores abundant other herbs which are capable of producing a positive impact on the structure and function of skin. The herbs mentioned here are used bothin acuteand chronic skin conditions along with pathy ahara and vihara (proper diet and regimen). In chronic skin diseases Ayurveda generally emphasizes on emetic therapy to be done on every fortnight, purgation therapy on every third day and blood-letting therapy for every six months according to the stage and condition of the patient.

Conclusion

Along with this these herbs and herbal combinations are used internally and externally and the skin complaints can be managed to a large extent without any further recurrence. The most important fact to remember is that instead of leaning on to medicines it is equally crucial to get adapted to healthy food habits and lifestyle. As only half part can be done through medicines, the rest half depends on ourselves.