Eczema is a skin condition that causes intense itching, dryness, and discomforting patches. Often people neglect this skin disease assuming it to be a normal skin reaction, or infection which in turn sometimes results in extreme, and serious conditions.

Skin works as a natural defensive layer against outside pollutants and allergens, and keeps it secure. But during eczema, also known as dermatitis or, Vicharchika, this defensive skin layer becomes thin and weak, resulting in great harm to the skin followed by dryness, inflammation, rashes, and patches. To avoid such complications, it is highly advised to seek a proper eczema treatment from a healthcare professional, or skin specialist.

Symptoms of eczema

Symptoms that help confirm eczema:

Noteworthy to mention that symptoms of eczema can vary from person to person. However, the most common signs are:

1. Dryness on the skin
2. Itchy, and red patches
3. Skin inflammation, and rashes
4. Tiny raised bumps
5. Oozing and crusting
6. Skin discoloration (affected areas turn lighter/darker, or sometimes thicker)

Types of Eczema

Medical experts have categorized the types of eczema into following categories, namely;

1. Atopic dermatitis

Often starting from childhood, and persisting until adolescence/ adulthood, this type of dermatitis is most common. Intensely itchy, dry, and light red patches on cheeks, elbows, arms, knees, legs, neck, and back region are some common signs of atopic dermatitis disease that a patient may experience during such circumstances.

Triggers:

1. Genetic preposition, and

• Environmental triggers such as cold weather, dust mites, pollen, molds, and food allergies

Ayurvedic treatment for atopic dermatitis includes herbal medications and moisturizers for oral application that help keep skin hydrated.

2. Contact dermatitis

This type of dermatitis mainly occurs through coming in contact with some allergen, or irritant. It can affect any part of the body however the complications of contact dermatitis are basically seen on hands, legs, face, and elbows.

Triggers:

1. Allergens that stimulate inflammatory reactions involving poison oak, fumes, plants, latex, particular metals, or medications.
2. Irritants such as battery acid, bleach, detergents, kerosene, and beauty products.

Often patients with contact dermatitis are housewives, labourers, or workers who are more exposed to these substances. Contact dermatitis treatment usually involves maintaining a safe distance, exposure to the triggers, and application of certain soothing ointments.

3. Dyshidrotic eczema

Also known as Pompholyx, this type of eczema mainly causes small bumps, and blisters on the palms, hands, and feet. Apart from intolerable itching, the patient may also experience oozing out of these tiny blisters if the condition is severe.

Triggers:

1. Allergic reactions
2. Damps hands, or feet
3. Excessive stress

Cases of dyshidrotic eczema on fingertips are seen as common during summer due to excessive sweating. Although both men and women may experience dyshidrotic eczema, it is more seen among women.

4. Neurodermatitis

Also called lichen simplex chronicus, this type of eczema, or dermatitis often starts from 1-2 patches only. The patient with neurodermatitis experiences a steady urge to itch or scratch these patches which in turn worsens their condition.

Triggers:

1. Insect bites
2. Nerve damage/injuries
3. Allergic reactions to certain fabrics
4. Emotional stress

Typically, patches of neurodermatitis are seen on the neck, scalp, forearms, ankles, or groin areas including vulva, scrotum, and anus. Medical treatment of eczema becomes necessary here as mostly the patches of neurodermatitis are quite irreversible in nature.

5. Nummular eczema

The nummular type of eczema, also known as discoid eczema, result in small coin-shaped patches that may also contain fluid. They are extremely horrifying to look at, and in severe cases, oozing is also possible out of these sore patches.

Triggers:

1. Dry skin, or lack of moisture
2. Allergic reactions
3. Any other accompanying skin condition like contact dermatitis, or psoriasis.

Treatment of nummular eczema includes the application of virgin coconut oil, bath with lukewarm water, and intake of water-enriched foods are some natural measures that may help maintain skin moisture and keep nummular dermatitis far away.

6. Seborrheic dermatitis

People also name seborrheic dermatitis disease as scalp eczema as this type of skin condition mainly affects the scalp. It is mainly caused by an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast. It is an organism that lives on the surface of the skin.

Triggers:

1. Excessive stress
2. Hormonal fluctuations
3. Medication conditions such as HIV, Parkinson’s disease, or psoriasis

It is portrayed by red, dry, and scaly patches on the scalp, eyebrows, chest, or groin regions. Usage of antifungal medications and proper hygiene management have shown hopeful results among patients.

7. Stasis dermatitis

People with poor blood circulation get this variety of dermatitis the most. It mainly affects the lower legs of the body where veins start releasing fluids to the skin due to weakness, or injuries.

Triggers:

1. Blood clotting
2. Hypertension
3. Varicose veins

People often apply petroleum jellies, or other moisturizers/creams to cure the condition. But that’s not a permanent solution, seeking a healthcare professional and obtaining a proper stasis dermatitis treatment is a must for this type of dermatitis, as it may appear outside but its actual cause lies within your system, which is to say poor blood circulation.

Ayurvedic management of Eczema

A nature-based healing path is followed for eczema management, also known as Vicharchika under Ayurveda. The emphasis is laid on neutralizing Pitta Dosha in the body which is the prime factor responsible for maintaining heat and water elements.

The following are some simple, and powerful measures, recommended by specialists at Dr. Sharda Ayurveda that can assist you with treating your dermatitis normally.

1. Start a healthy diet schedule. Avoid all processed, junk, and non-vegetarian food, and add fresh fruits, and veggies to your plates the maximum.
2. Keep your skin hydrated always. Drink an adequate amount of water, soups, juices, coconut water, or herbal teas throughout the day.
3. The application of virgin coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, jojoba, and sesame oil on the skin

can also help enhance the healing of your skin.

• Make yoga, and meditation a routine. They first open up the blocked pores of your skin, and secondly also calm your mind, which is also associated with your skin health.
• Say a permanent goodbye to all chemical-based beauty products. Instead choose herbal ingredients like coconut oil for moisture, neem soap for cleansing, and bhringraj for hair.

To get more such valuable information, or natural remedies for eczema, visit your nearest branch of Dr. Sharda Ayurveda and consult our Ayurvedic practitioners or healthcare professionals.