Dealing with irritated, inflamed and swollen skin can be pretty annoying, particularly if you are unable to understand the reason why it’s happening in the first place. This skin condition is called dermatitis and is also commonly referred to as eczema. It affects people of all age groups. Dermatitis and its symptoms can cause hindrance in your daily activities, whether it occurs as a minor rash or recurrent flare-ups.
Our age-old system of medicine, Ayurveda, considers that dermatitis is caused by an imbalance in the body's internal energy. The best part is that Ayurveda provides a holistic and effective method of healing and even preventing the recurrence of dermatitis by focusing on the underlying causes rather than just targeting the symptoms.
Let's understand how the three doshas - Vata, Pitta and Kapha - regulate your bodily activities and how an imbalance between them may impact the health of your skin:
Vata dosha: Vata is in charge of dryness and movement. Dry, flaky skin, a common sign of dermatitis, can result from an exacerbated Vata.
Pitta dosha: Pitta is in charge of transformation and metabolism. Inflammation, redness, and skin irritation are associated with an aggravated Pitta dosha and are frequently observed in dermatitis.
Kapha dosha: Although dermatitis is not commonly linked to Kapha, however an imbalance in this dosha can cause the body to become wet and accumulate mucus. This could worsen dermatitis by causing fungal infections or other skin disorders.
Dermatitis can also develop as a result of lifestyle decisions including unhealthy eating, sleeping too little, sedentary habits and coming in contact with pollutants. In Ayurveda, poor digestion, or "Agni," is frequently regarded as the underlying cause of skin disorders.
Your environment, everything that you eat and your lifestyle can majorly impact the development and progression of dermatitis.
Flare-ups can be brought on by environmental causes such as exposure to allergies, pollution, or harsh chemicals.
Inflammation may be worsened by a diet heavy in processed foods, sweets, and dairy products, and dehydration can make your skin dry and susceptible to dermatitis.
The skin's natural defenses are further weakened by stress, sleep deprivation, and poor hygiene, increasing the likelihood of skin irritation.
A number of modern causes can lead to the development of dermatitis, including:
Genetic factors: Some research has indicated that dermatitis is more commonly seen in those with a family history of eczema or other skin conditions. Typically, the gene that regulates your skin barrier function may be mutated, leaving the skin more vulnerable to infections, allergies, and irritants.
Allergens: Dermatitis can be caused by allergic reactions to things like pollen, tiny flakes of skin shed by pets, or specific foods.
Infections: Fungal or bacterial infections can exacerbate dermatitis, particularly when the skin's natural defenses are weakened.
Environmental factors: Extreme weather (hot or cold) and harsh chemicals and detergents can aggravate the skin and cause flare-ups. In fact, concerns about continuous exposure to digital screens and urban pollutants are also growing.
Ayurveda stresses the significance of adopting a healthy lifestyle, maintaining a clean environment, and making thoughtful food choices in order to effectively prevent and manage dermatitis. Your body's energy can be restored by following all of these steps. Keep in mind that knowing the underlying cause of dermatitis is the first step towards natural healing. Speak with an Ayurvedic expert right now and let your skin revive.