medically reviewed by Dr Godmi Tresa
11 mins read‘Happiness is having a scratch for every itch’, wrote Ogden Dash.
Maybe not if you are suffering from Eczema and feeling itchy every day, every hour, every minute.
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic, inflammatory, non-infectious skin condition characterised by dryness, itching, rashes, scaly patches, blisters, and occasional infections.
It can manifest in people of various age groups, although it is frequently observed in children and adolescents. Eczema comes in multiple forms and can cause mild to moderate symptoms. Interestingly, an Ayurvedic cure for Eczema is a viable choice worth exploring.
Although Eczema is not contagious, it can significantly impact how a person pursues his life, causing discomfort, embarrassment and anxiety. And this is precisely where Ayurvedic remedies for Eczema come into the picture - They alleviate symptoms for an improved quality of life.
Several factors can trigger Eczema, including:
If you’re dealing with Eczema, it’s essential to understand that these triggers can vary from person to person. As you navigate your eczema journey, you’ll learn which factors aggravate your symptoms. By recognising and avoiding them, you can manage your condition more effectively and keep your symptoms under control.
In the case of a vital genetic component, Eczema can be chronic, which means it can last for a long time.
The duration and severity of Eczema can vary from person to person, and it can be challenging to predict how long a flare-up will last. There can be periodic flare-ups when you get exposed to triggers. The flare-up period may last up to two or three weeks if the trigger gets eliminated and proper eczema treatment in Ayurveda is given and adhered to.
The severity and persistence of eczema symptoms vary among individuals, with some experiencing infrequent and mild flare-ups that quickly resolve. However, on the other hand, there may be others who encounter more severe and prolonged symptoms.
Although some of you may see an improvement in your symptoms over time, they can persist throughout a person’s lifetime for others. But, with proper treatment and management, you can effectively manage your symptoms, reducing the frequency and severity of flare-ups.
Ayurveda perceives ‘Vicharchika’ or Eczema as a complex skin condition that requires a holistic approach to treatment, addressing the underlying imbalances in the body and promoting overall health and vitality.
According to Ayurveda, Eczema is primarily caused by an imbalance in the doshas, specifically Vata and Kapha.
Eczema can have multiple causes, including genetic, dietary, lifestyle, environmental, and psychological factors. Consuming non-compatible food, known as ‘virudhahara,’ is one of the primary causes of Eczema.
The Ayurvedic approach to treating Eczema aims to restore balance to the deranged doshas, typically through dietary adjustments, herbal remedies, and purificatory procedures like Panchakarma.
Along with these interventions, eczema treatment in Ayurveda also emphasises lifestyle modifications, including
You may also ask - Why? Well, these are recommended to balance the doshas, reduce the risk of recurrence, and promote overall health and wellness.
For a long, Ayurveda has believed that a proper diet and lifestyle based on one’s Prakriti or body constitution plays an essential role in healing various health conditions. This applies to your skin too. Ayurveda for Eczema states that the root causes of skin disease are improper diet and lifestyle.
When you consume food that is difficult to digest or incompatible with your Prakriti, your body generates toxins that can accumulate over time and negatively impact your skin’s condition.
To know your Prakriti, take this free quiz now - Take Quiz 📝
Consuming certain foods can aggravate your pitta dosha, creating an imbalance. Seeking guidance from an Ayurvedic practitioner can prove helpful in identifying your Prakriti and determining which foods you should avoid, managing eczema symptoms.
However, it’s not just diet that affects skin health; engaging in certain physical activities at the wrong time or in an improper manner can also take a toll. For instance, taking a cold bath immediately after sun exposure can harm your skin.
Here are some recommendations with respect to your diet and lifestyle for eczema management.
Various herbal remedies are used for eczema treatment in Ayurveda. These Ayurvedic medicines for Eczema are believed to reduce inflammation, moisturise the skin, and improve overall health.
Some of the Ayurvedic remedies for Eczema are as follows:
While you can utilise all these herbs internally and externally to alleviate eczema symptoms, seeking guidance from an Ayurveda practitioner to determine the most effective herbs for your unique body type and achieve optimal results is advisable.
Here is a list of foods when knocked off your menu, can help prevent your eczema symptoms
Also, avoid having non-compatible foods, e.g., fish with curd or sour fruits with milk etc.
“I’ve lived with this since childhood. Now I know that I cannot prevent this as it is in my genes. But now I also know how my body can react by changing my diet and lifestyle. My symptoms have reduced once I started my Ayurvedic diet, and I can handle stress very well, which also helps reduce the symptoms.”
-A Nirva client
While there is no surefire way to prevent Eczema, several steps can help to reduce the risk of developing the condition or reduce the frequency and severity of eczema flare-ups. These include:
In conclusion, while Eczema is a chronic condition, you can effectively manage it through proper Ayurvedic treatment and lifestyle modifications. Why Ayurvedic treatment? Ayurveda can help identify the root cause of Eczema by examining the derangement of doshas that can lead to flare-ups. Balancing the dosha equilibrium through natural Ayurvedic remedies and diet can aid in controlling inflammation. Regular Ayurvedic detoxification procedures can also be beneficial in managing eczema symptoms.
However, modern medicine may be necessary in severe cases, and purification procedures may not be suitable for all ages.
If your eczema symptoms are severe and accompanied by secondary infections like bleeding blisters, it’s crucial to consult a doctor. Additionally, seek medical attention if your symptoms persist even after a week of natural remedies or begin to interfere with your daily activities or sleep.
With proper care and management, Eczema can be significantly controlled, allowing individuals to enjoy a better quality of life. Yes, Ayurvedic remedies for Eczema are the keys!
Dr Shahnaz Fathima A
Dr Shahnaz Fathima is a self motivated, enthusiastic Ayurveda Doctor from Kerala, India who has an aim of inspiring and empowering individuals to lead healthier lives by incorporating basic lifestyle changes according to Ayurveda. A Smriti Meditation practitioner for the past one year , she has a keen interest to serve others to improve their quality of life by integrating the principles of Ayurveda and Yoga together. A Gold medallist from VPSV Ayurveda College, Kottakkal , Kerala, she regularly conducts awareness classes focusing on preventive healthcare.
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition characterised by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. The exact cause of Eczema is unknown, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as exposure to irritants, allergens, and stress.
To identify your unique Prakriti, an Ayurvedic practitioner will evaluate your physical and emotional characteristics, including your body shape, skin type, digestion, sleep patterns, and personality traits. Your Prakriti can influence your susceptibility to specific health conditions, including Eczema, and Ayurvedic treatment will aim to balance your doshas to restore health and prevent disease.
Ayurveda can help manage eczema symptoms by identifying the underlying imbalances in the body and addressing them through dietary modifications, herbal remedies, and lifestyle modifications. Ayurvedic treatment aims to restore balance to the doshas, which can help alleviate inflammation and reduce the frequency and severity of eczema flare-ups.
Avoiding allergens that trigger Eczema can involve lifestyle changes, such as switching to natural cleaning products or avoiding harsh chemicals, and dietary modifications, such as eliminating common food allergens like dairy or gluten. Working with an Ayurvedic practitioner to identify and manage potential allergens can also be beneficial.
Yes, there are allergy screenings that can identify potential allergens for Eczema, including skin patch tests, blood tests, and elimination diets. These tests can help identify potential allergens and develop an effective eczema management plan.
Alternatively, you can identify allergens that trigger your eczema flare-ups through elimination. Keep a journal of your symptoms and note .potential triggers, such as exposure to specific foods, products, or environments.
Work with your Ayurveda practitioner to identify potential allergens and manage your eczema symptoms.
Ayurvedic dietary recommendations for managing Eczema include consuming a diet tailored to your specific body type (Prakriti), avoiding foods that can aggravate eczema symptoms, and incorporating foods that can support skin health, such as fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and Ayurvedic spices.
Ayurvedic herbs and remedies that can be used to alleviate eczema symptoms include neem, turmeric, aloe vera, ashwagandha, Guggulu, and liquorice. These herbs can be used internally and externally to reduce inflammation and support overall skin health.
Yes, lifestyle modifications can help manage Eczema by reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and improving overall well-being. Practising yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress and inflammation while improving sleep hygiene can encourage rest and recovery for the body.
The length of time it takes to see improvement in eczema symptoms with Ayurvedic treatment can vary depending on the severity of the condition and individual factors. However, many people report seeing improvement in symptoms within a few weeks of starting Ayurvedic treatment.
While Ayurvedic treatment for Eczema is generally considered safe, it is essential to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner before starting any treatment, especially for children and elders.
Ayurvedic treatment for Eczema is generally safe when practised under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. However, some herbal remedies and treatments may have side effects or interactions with other medications. It is essential to consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner before starting any treatment.
If your eczema symptoms do not improve with Ayurvedic treatment, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider for additional treatment options. Modern medicine or other therapies are sometimes necessary to manage eczema symptoms.
Yes, Ayurveda can be used in conjunction with modern medicine to manage Eczema. It would be best to inform your healthcare provider of any Ayurvedic treatments or remedies you use to ensure they do not interact with other medications or therapies.