Eczema - A Comparison of Allopathic (Modern) and Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Eczema - A Comparison of Allopathic (Modern) and Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Eczema is a skin disease characterized by rashes and severe itching. The rash is in the form of fluid-filled blisters that burst and then gradually heal with crusting. In addition to asthma and hay fever, eczema forms a triad of allergic diseases that have a hereditary component. These can exist individually or all together in affected individuals. Most people outgrow the tendency to develop eczema by the age of five; others may suffer from chronic and recurring illnesses. Eczema can also be caused or worsened by frequent washing. profuse sweating; the frequent use of rough and tight clothing, contact with aggressive chemicals and rubber or plastic gloves; as well as environmental factors such as excessive drought.

The diagnosis of eczema is usually made on clinical grounds, taking into account the characteristic appearance and distribution of the rash, as well as the history of its occurrence and the triggers. A biopsy may rarely be necessary for a confirmed diagnosis. Treatment in the modern medical system is through regular use of anti-inflammatory, antipruritic and steroidal creams. Moisturizers relieve symptoms, while antibiotic creams and oral medications treat secondary infections. Patients are advised to keep skin clean, avoid known irritants, and wear loose, soft clothing.

Steroid and antihistamine applications work by suppressing the hypersensitivity or allergy that is the characteristic pathology in any manifestation of eczema. These medicines have an immediate but temporary effect in suppressing symptoms. On the other hand, Ayurvedic medicines - although they may act slowly - act directly on the skin, subcutaneous tissues and internal vascular structures to directly reduce sensitivity, treat inflammation, remove accumulated toxins, heal damaged tissue, reduce hyperpigmentation and strengthen the affected parts so that recurrence of the rash is minimized.

Oral Ayurvedic treatment, along with topical application of herbal ointments, is sufficient to achieve complete remission in most people affected by eczema. For the few who do not respond or for those with lesions all over the body, the treatment is supplemented by courses of Ayurvedic detoxification Panchkarma procedures, which include induced vomiting, induced purification and bloodletting. Localized and long-lasting rash can react dramatically to just one instance of bloodshed from a nearby vein.

Prevention-related advice regarding diet and lifestyle is very important. Breathing and relaxation techniques help reduce stress. From an Ayurved perspective, nutritional advice includes avoiding excess salt, curd (yogurt), sweets, fermented foods and fruit salads prepared in milk.

For most people with eczema, about 6-8 months of Ayurvedic herbal treatment is usually enough to achieve complete remission. Further treatment with tapering doses or dietary recommendations is sufficient to prevent recurrence. Ayurvedic herbal treatment can therefore be used judiciously in the comprehensive treatment and treatment of chronic eczema.

Inspired by Abdulmubeen Mundewadi