Skin complaints affect all ages from neonate to the elderly and cause harm in a number of ways. It includes 4D’s:
Discomfort; Disfigurement; Disability; Death (in some cases). Skin is the organ that extends itself superficially
and penetrates itself into the deeper levels of the body.
According to Ayurveda, any skin disorder occurs when there is an imbalance in the doshas and dhatus in our body.
Two of the main causes of diseases that cause a vitiation of doshas are wrong diet and lifestyle. Following an
incompatible diet (viruddhara or food items of opposite nature) or an incompatible lifestyle that is against the
season or the prakriti (nature) of a person, causes the generation of toxins or poisons in our body. When these
toxins accumulate in the body tissues, skin etc and contaminate them, skin diseases erupt. Though skin disorders
are attributed to imbalances in all the three doshas, the prime dosha involved is pitha.
All treatments aimed at curing skin disorders emphasise on the complete penetrative and detoxifying abilities of
the treatments rendered. The approach of Ayurveda to treating skin problems is by eliminating the root causes of
the same; while Ayurvedic treatments may take longer to show results, the focus is on restoring complete health
to the body. Main treatment line for all types of skin disorders mostly include cleansing (shodhana) treatments
like vamana (Emesis therapy), virechana (Purgation therapy) and Rakhtamoksham. Apart from this, shamana oushadhis
(oral medicine) are also administered for preventive and curative purposes.
The de-toxification therapies used to treat skin diseases are not only suitable for patients, but also for people
without ailments. The Panchakarma Therapy helps maintain health, increase lifespan, reduce weight, tone and rejuvenate
complexion and revitalise the mind, body and spirit.The term eczema or dermatitis refers to distinctive reaction patterns
in the skin which can be either acute or chronic. In Ayurveda, this disease is known as Vicharchika. Eczema is characterized
by itching, dryness of skin, swelling, reddening, dryness, and flaking. Scratching of the skin results in rashes. It affects
the ears, central face, nasolabial folds and eyebrows, armpits, umbilicus, breasts and groin. It also affects the scalp; when
eczema affects the scalp, it is marked by scaling (dandruff). Eczema occurs in two types: Endogenous and Exogenous.
Endogenous eczema is triggered due to certain processes originating in the body, while exogenous eczema is caused due to
externally triggered factors. Eczema is triggered when the immunity of the body is impacted - the trigger may be caused
due to various reasons like irritants (soap, shampoos, detergents, disinfectants, vegetables, meats), allergens (pets,
pollen, dust mites), bacteria, hot and humid temperature, perspiration, food items (stale, spicy, fermented, fried, sour,
dry food items), stress and irregular schedules, excessive intake of items like tea, coffee, alcohol, aerated beverages.
