Eczema is an eruption of the skin, usually preceded by
intense itching. The eruptions, which are actually fluid filled vesicles,
usually rupture with the leakage of fluid, following by crusting of the rash.
Most individuals have a hereditary component, and are also usually susceptible
to asthma, and hay fever. Most individuals gradually outgrow the tendency to
eczema by 5 years of age; those who do not, may have chronic and persistent
affliction. Environmental factors are also responsible, like excessive dryness.
Rough, tight clothes, harsh chemicals, sweating, rubber or plastic gloves, and
frequent washing can also cause or aggravate the condition.
Diagnosis is usually made by looking at the characteristic
appearance and distribution of the rash, along with a detailed history of its
appearance and trigger factors. Rarely, a biopsy may be required for a
confirmed diagnosis. Treatment is usually with anti-inflammatory and anti-itch
creams as well as steroid applications. Emollient creams help preserve moisture
in the skin and are helpful. Antibiotic applications or oral medicines are
sometimes required to treat secondary infection. Individuals are advised to
keep the skin clean, avoid known irritants, and wear loose, soft clothing.
There is always some element of hypersensitivity or allergy
in the manifestation of eczema. While steroid and antihistamine applications
suppress this sensitivity, Ayurvedic herbal medicines work directly on the
skin, the subcutaneous tissue, and the vascular apparatus, to reduce
sensitivity, treat inflammation, remove accumulated toxins and damaged tissue, reduce
hyperpigmentation and strengthen the affected skin parts. Medicines are also
given to heal the lesions and modulate overall immunity so that the tendency to
recurrence subsides gradually.
For patients who have extensive lesions all over the body,
or have intractable eczema not responding to standard oral treatment,
generalized detoxification is done using Ayurvedic Panchkarma procedures. These
include induced emesis, induced purgation, and bloodletting. A systematic
course - or courses - of these detoxification procedures are done and followed
up with oral treatment for helping the skin lesions subside fully, without
recurrence. For limited, localized, and long-standing eczema, sometimes just
simple bloodletting from a nearby vein does wonders as a standalone treatment.
From the point of view of Ayurved, dietary advice is an
important part of treatment, both for early and complete healing, as well as
for preventing recurrence. Dietary recommendations for eczema – and for all
skin diseases in general – include avoiding excess of salt, curds (yogurt),
sweets; fermented, fried or acidic food items; and fruit salads prepared in
milk. Other than these, even other food items known to aggravate the condition,
should be avoided. Breathing and relaxation techniques help in reducing stress.
Clothing and lifestyle choices which act as triggers should also be avoided.
For most people affected with eczema, Ayurvedic herbal
treatment of about 6-8 months usually suffices to bring about a complete
remission. Further treatment at tapering doses, or dietary advice, suffices in
bringing about a recurrence. Ayurvedic herbal treatment can thus be judiciously
used in the comprehensive management and treatment of chronic eczema.
