Atopic Dermatitis is a long-lasting skin condition which leads to dry, itchy, and irritated skin. It's a type of Eczema that often flares in cycles, characterised by clear skin and then painful outbreaks. Atopic Dermatitis generally starts in childhood but it could also begin at any age and continue into adulthood. It is most common where the skin bends (behind the knees, inside the elbows, around the hands and feet). It may appear as red patches in light skin tones and brown, purple, or grey in darker skin tones.
It is not clearly known what causes Atopic Dermatitis however it is believed to involve both genes and environmental triggers. Individuals with this particular condition usually have a weak skin barrier which makes the skin more sensitive to irritants and vulnerable to bacteria and allergens.
Common triggers include certain foods, increased stress, changing weather or exposure to harsh chemicals or synthetic fabrics. Atopic Dermatitis isn't contagious but can cause serious itchiness and skin discomfort during everyday living.
Atopic Dermatitis has no defined cause why it happens. It might be triggered by a mix of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors which weaken the skin's natural barrier. This makes the skin feel dry, irritated and inflamed.
Genetics: Atopic Dermatitis is much more likely to occur in families with a history of Eczema, allergens, or asthma. A gene variation can make the skin barrier less effective at holding moisture.
Immune System Response: Overactive immune responses could result in redness, itchiness and rashes in the skin.
Environmental Irritations: Everyday irritants include cigarette smoke, pollution, harsh soaps and detergents that can aggravate sensitive skin.
Allergens: Common allergens such as pollen, dust mites, some foods and pet dander can trigger flare-ups in some individuals.
Bacterial Imbalance: Excess Staphylococcus aureus bacteria on the skin can disrupt its protective barrier and intensify symptoms.
Weather & Temperature Changes: Extreme heat, cold, or humidity may trigger irritation and itching in the skin.
Stress: Higher stress can trigger or worsen Eczema flare-ups by impacting the immune system.
Dietary Triggers: Food allergies to Eczema such as peanut, egg, dairy or soy allergies may also trigger this skin condition.
Atopic Dermatitis often causes discomfort and irritation, and daily living becomes difficult for those affected with the condition. The symptoms may differ considerably for every person and may appear in different ways depending on the severity of the condition and individual skin tone. Recognising and managing these signs may help individuals to avoid further worsening of the condition and discomfort.
Typical signs and symptoms of Atopic Dermatitis consist of :
The skin becomes rough and dry and cracks easily, particularly during flare-ups.
The most prominent symptom is persistent itching, which may be severe and worse at night.
Rashes are usually red on light skin and pinkish, purple or grey on darker skin. These rashes generally occur on the inside of elbows and behind knees where the skin flexes.
Tiny bumps of fluid may form, especially on brown or black skin and ooze/crust over when scratched.
The afflicted areas may become swollen and inflamed.
Repeated scratching and inflammation can make the skin rough and leathery to touch.
Sometimes, the skin around the eyes may darken from inflammation and rubbing.
The skin may be raw, sore, and prone to infections from repeated scratching.
More serious cases may develop a crust over the rash that may ooze out fluid from a scratched skin surface.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment for Atopic Dermatitis using evidence-based Ayurveda. Our treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
HACCP certified Ayurvedic medicines: Scientifically-formulated mixtures that help restore balance in the body and promote emotional stability.
Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness: Calming practices to improve your mental health and overall wellbeing.
Ayurvedic Treatments: Therapies like Panchakarma and massages to detox the body and promote emotional balance.
Diet & Lifestyle Guidance: Expert suggestions on how you can alter your eating and daily routines for better health and wellness.
Ayurvedic medicine are formulated carefully to treat Atopic Dermatitis which strengthens the immune system and alleviates Atopic Dermatitis symptoms. These herbal formulations have been documented for their effectiveness in treating Atopic Dermatitis. Following are some commonly used naturally-sourced Ayurvedic herbs used to formulate efficient Ayrvedic medicines for Atopic Dermatitis:
Turmeric (Haridra): Curcumin in turmeric lowers inflammation and itching. Turmeric can be applied as a paste or taken in powdered form to support skin health.
Neem: Neem has antimicrobial and cooling properties and is used for treating irritated and infected skin. Neem paste or neem oil can be applied topically to the affected areas or neem supplements can be taken to detox the body from within.
Sandalwood (Chandana): Sandalwood cools and soothes irritated skin with its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties. A sandalwood paste can ease itching and balance the upset Pitta dosha in the body.
Triphala: This combination of three fruits (malaki, bibhitaki and haritaki) cleanses the entire body. Triphala detoxifies the body and may lessen skin inflammation and promote healing.
Indian Sarsaparilla (Anantamul): This is a useful herb in Ayurveda for purifying blood. Taking Indian sarsaparilla as a supplement helps control Itching and helps maintain healthy skin from within.
Cardamom (Elaichi): Cardamom is a mild detoxifying herb that aids digestion and internal balance, indirectly supporting skin healing.
Atopic Dermatitis (Vicharchika in Ayurveda) is an imbalance in Pitta and Vata doshas characterised by skin dryness, itching & inflammation. Ayurvedic treatment aims at restoring equilibrium through herbs, diet and lifestyle changes to relieve symptoms naturally.
Ayurveda helps manage symptoms and flare ups of Atopic Dermatitis by addressing the underlying root cause of the disease. Skin health may improve with regular Ayurvedic treatment and lifestyle adjustments over time.
Ayurveda uses herbs, diet modifications and stress relieving practices to lessen inflammation, moisturise the skin and increase immunity. This holistic approach allows the skin to heal naturally without frequent flare-ups.
Ayurveda recommends avoiding spicy, sour and processed foods that increase Pitta dosha and increase inflammation. Instead, opt for cool and hydrating food like cucumber, leafy greens and coconut water for better skin health.
Ayurvedic herbs like neem, turmeric and triphala may prevent flare ups by reducing inflammation and cleansing the body. A regular application of these herbs under guidance may restore skin balance and relieve symptoms.
Yes, Ayurvedic diagnosis is based on individual dosha (body type) and lifestyle. This individualised approach identifies specific imbalances and recommends customised treatments addressing the root cause of the skin condition.
Daily oil massages (abhyanga) using coconut or sesame oil can moisturise the skin and prevent it from drying. Also using light, natural cleansers and avoiding strong chemical ingredients in skin care can help promote better skin health.
Ayurvedic herbs like turmeric, neem and triphala are safe and effective if used under the supervision of an Ayurvedic physician.
The timeline is individual-specific since Ayurveda treats the dosha imbalance at the source. Some improve within weeks; others may take a while.
