Dyshidrosis is also known as pompholyx or dyshidrotic eczema and is a skin condition which causes small, fluid filled vesicles on the palms and soles. These blisters cause intense itching and usually dry up after about 3 weeks, leaving behind painful fissures. The risk factors for this condition include female sex, stress, history of seasonal allergies, exposure to metal salts, and frequent exposure to water.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for dyshidrosis is aimed at treating the vesicles in the palms and soles, reducing itching, and either preventing or treating the fissures which form afterward. Treatment is also aimed at healing the skin condition and preventing its recurrence. Ayurvedic herbal medicines which have a specific action on skin, subcutaneous tissue, and the capillaries supplying the skin, are used in the treatment of this condition. These medicines remove the toxins from the blood, reduce allergic components which can cause skin conditions, and bring about early healing of the skin lesions. These medicines also improve and strengthen the connective tissue of the skin and the subcutaneous tissue.
Treatment is mainly in the form of oral medication; however, this can be supplemented with Ayurvedic local therapy in the form of application of medicated ointments, pastes and oils, which have a curative and moisturizing action on the skin. Local applications can reduce itching and also prevent or treat the formation of blisters as well as help to prevent secondary infection in the lesions.
Depending upon the severity of the condition, most individuals affected with dyshidrosis require treatment for about four to six weeks in order to completely heal the condition. Individuals who have recurrence of the condition may require treatment for about three to four months, in order to comprehensively treat the skin condition as well as improve the immune status of the affected individuals. Medicines may also be required to treat stress. Over exposure to water needs to be attended to.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
