In Eczema skin rashes appears  that have redness, dryness,  swelling, itching, and flaking. The skin itches and results in a rash when scratched.This disease is known as Vicharchika in ayurveda. When the immune system becomes unbalanced then It occurs.  And  is often associated with other allergic conditions like  hay fever and  allergic asthma, etc. Genetic factors, climate, debility,  and psychological factors can also aggravate the condition.

Causes of Eczema

Excessive consumption of foods that are dry, cold, stale,  salty, sour, spicy,  fermented or fried, late night working, regular late night meal, excessive physical, mental, and sexual activities. Stress can also be responsible in cause of  eczema. Excessive intake of tea, coffee , alcoholic beverages, aerated drinks, indigestion, constipation, acidity,  flatulence too can lead to eczema.

Symptoms of eczema

• Redness on skin
• Rough and thickened skin
• Dry and flaky skin
• Itching
• Itchy blisters
• Inflammation of skin

Ayurvedic View on Eczema

According to Ayurveda it is caused due to  faulty diet and lifestyle, which cause  impairment of digestion and aggravation of Pitta Dosha which is Ayurvedic humor representing  the Fire. Pitta  causes accumulation of heating toxins known as ama and manifests in the skin. These toxins accumulate in body  tissues where these  contaminate at a deep level and cause Eczema. Use of local creams, antibiotics and steroids only relieve  the symptoms but they do not affect the root cause of this disease andbecause of this  problem mostly  reappears.Individualized treatment plan for patients is recommended in ayurved which  includes  proper diet and specialized herbal combinations of medicines.  Pitta is pacified  by enhancing the body’s digestion, and cleansing the body from accumulated toxins.

What one should do for relief :

• Avoid spicy or oily food also  hot and  humid atmosphere.
• One should wear loose, cotton clothes and avoid synthetic fibers because they inhibit perspiration.
• Avoid soap and use mild herbal soap for bathing.
• Use a soft and smooth towel and avoid rubbing the skin.
• Avoid hot spices, tea, coffee,and preserved and canned foods.
• Practice Bhujangasan and Agnisaar Pranayam to enhance your body’s immunity.

Home Remedies to get  relief :

• Prepare a decoction by boiling 25-35 margosa (neem) leaves in about 5-6 cups of water for 20 minutes. Let it cool and use this water to wash the affected area.
• Mix 1 teaspoon licorice root powder with a small amount of sesame oil. Warm this in a pan and then apply to the affected part. Wrap a bandage over it and leave for 3-4 hours. Repeat twice a day.
• Boil 30 grams of Indian gum tree (babul) bark and 30 grams of mango tree bark in 1 liter of water for 30 minutes. Use this water to make a hot compress (fomentation) on the affected part. After fomentation for about 15-20 minutes, clean the skin with dry cloth and apply purified butter as an ointment.