Can Ayurveda help with eczema?

According to Ayurveda, eczema can have three different manifestations based on an individual’s constitution of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Vata has the light and mobile qualities of air and space, Pitta is passionate and energetic like fire, and Kapha is steady and reliable like earth.

A Pitta eczema (or eczema in a Pitta imbalanced body) manifests with inflammatory and red rashes like flushed hands and cheeks. It's thought that Pitta eczema might be due to a developed autoimmune disorder. Sometimes, in aggressive cases of eczema, all three doshas are involved and skin, muscle tissue, lymphatic and presence of the germs must be corrected. 

What causes eczema?

Skin is connected to the liver and blood (Rakta). Underneath the skin, there are connective tissues and, within that connective tissue, we accumulate unresolved anger, fear and stress. When we experience anger, the skin becomes hot and flushed.

The two main internal causes of eczema are:

1. Hyperactive immune system.
2. Hormonal imbalance, especially lower levels of oestrogen, before the onset of the menstrual cycle, the first stage of pregnancy or during menopause.

Some external causes of eczema: 

1. Minerals and metals in hard water.
2. Harsh surfactants in skin cleansing products, detergents, and laundry liquids.
3. Fragrances, colours and other chemicals in cosmetics and skincare products.
4. A skin irritant, commonly present in disinfectants.
5. Tobacco smoke.
6. Fabrics that cause more friction, such as wool, synthetic, polyester.
7. Certain topical medicines.
8. Dry weather, which can lead to skin dryness.

Some other causative factors of eczema are as follows: 

• Food and drinks, for example, eating fish and dairy in excess (especially milk), or yoghurt with sour fruits or melon.
• Changing from hot to cold and cold to hot environment rapidly.
• Exercise immediately after heavy food.  

How to treat eczema

In western medicine, the exact cause of eczema is unknown, which can make identifying treatment difficult. But, in Ayurveda, there are personalised internal and external treatments according to the individual’s cause and effect. 

In order to deal with eczema, one of the effective treatments is cleansing the body from toxins by prescribing purgative remedies to the patients. 

Another way is to correct the blood and lymphatic system by correcting the function of the liver. Bitter drugs (remedies) will remove impurities from the blood and liver. Also, drinking a glass of milk and honey can help with eczema in Pitta imbalanced body.

The above are internal treatments of eczema. When considering external treatments, the application of Turmeric paste, Aloe Vera gel or coconut oil on the affected area can be cooling and useful. Also, try to avoid soap and chemicals as a prevention method.

The importance of diet

Based on Ayurveda science, impaired digestive fire known as 'Vishama Agni' in Sanskrit is the root of all skin problems. So, if you want to have a beautiful, glowing complexion, start with your stomach.

Diet plays an important role in balancing the Pitta and healing the disorder. A sour diet in a Pitta body creates acidity because the digestive process has a fermentation action and causes inflammatory and skin rashes. It can also be toxic to the blood and causes skin disorders like acne and eczema.

Why not book an Ayurveda consultation and find out about how it can help?

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