Skin Problems are the major complaints of the patients in these days. One out of 3 patients are of the skin problems. Skin is the largest organ of the body. According to modern science, skin has 7 layers. Ancient Ayurveda science also describes the 7 layers of skin. Various diseases of skin are explains in Ayurveda. In Charak Sanhita, 7 mahakushta and 11 kshudrakushta describes.
Now a days, major skin problems are -
- Vitiligo(Leucoderma)
- Psoriasis
- Fungal Infection, Ringworm
- Eczema
- Acne(Pimples)
- Urticaria, Itching, Hives
- Hyperpigmentation, Scar
- Lichen Planus
- Crack Foot
1. Vitiligo(Leucoderma)
Vitiligo is the autoimmune disease with familial predisposition. In Vitiligo de pigmented(Milky white) patches are seen. This can occurs anywhere on the body, more on joint surfaces or pressure points. Outer layer of skin contain melanin. Melanin controls our body temperature. Due to melanin skin color becomes black. In vitiligo patient, melanin deficiency occurs because of that skin color becomes whitish. Vitiligo is not a infectious disease and not spread by contact.
Complete cure of vitiligo is possible only by Ayurveda. It takes 6 months to 1 year of duration. Psoralea corylifolia plant extract is use for local application as well as for internal use. Leech therapy (1 leech for 1 cm area), detox panchakarma treatment like Vaman, Virechan or Basti, various lepas, blood purifier ayurvedic medicines are advisable.
2. Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a non infectious, chronic inflammatory disease of the skin, characterised by well-defined red plaques with silvery scale at extensor surface and scalp. Psoriasis is the hyper proliferation of outer skin layer. Modern life style changes anxiety, depression, tension, mood swings, toxics drugs, trauma, infection, sunlight are major causing factors for psoriasis.
Plaque psoriasis, Guttate Psoriasis, Erythrodermic Psoriasis and Pustular Psoriasis are commom types of Psoriasis. In Ayurveda, accharya describes psoriasis as a kshudrakushta namely Kitibh Kushtha.
Blood Purification is the important goal in treating psoriasis according to Ayurveda. Raktamokshan, Leech Therapy, Vaman, Virechan, Basti, Lepa of Chandan- Shatadhautghruta, internal medicines are recommended.
3. Fungal Infection(Ringworm)
This is the infectious diseases of the skin also known as Ringworm. Mumbai Thane atmosphere is prone for fungal infection. Also called as Tinea infection.
Itching, discolouration, elevation of skin are symtoms of fungal infection.
Tinea corporis is the fungal infection of body & Tinea cruris is the fungal infection of groin.
Tinea capitis is the fungal infection of scalp & Tinea unguium is the fungal infection of nails.
In Ayurveda, Tinea infection describes as Dadru. It is a Shudhrakushta. This is the manifestation of exagerated Pitta and Kapha dosha. Itching is the prominant symtom.
Arogya Vardhani, Gandhak rasayan, Mahamanjishthadi kwath, Khadirarishta, Marich tail, Neem tail are generally used according to the body constitution in treatment of fungal infection.
4. Eczema
The term eczema means ‘to boil out’ or ‘oozing out’. eczema denotes any skin disease which is chronic. Itching, thickening, hyperpigmentation, exudation, chronocity are characteristic features of eczema.
Atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, allergic contact dertatitis, irritant dermatitis are common types of eczema. Anxiety, depression, social complications, debility, social ostrasism are major psychosocial complications of eczema. any skin disease if not treated well reasulting into eczema.
In Ayurveda, eczema describes as a Vicharchika. It is a Shudrakushta. According to Ayurveda, in eczema itching, rash, secretions are major symtoms. Kapha dushti is responsible for eczema.
Leech therapy is the important treatment. Hartal mishran or Chandan powder local application is done. Vang, Trivang, Gandhak rasayan, Arogyavardhani, Bhallatak used.
5. Acne(Pimples)
Acne vulgaris is a disorder of pilosebaceous complex which predominantly affect peripubertal population and clinically results in comedones, papules, nodules, pustules, and cyst, heals with scar formation and hyperpigmentation. Acne comes due to increased sebum secretion i.e. oilyness of skin, microbial colonization, occlusion of skin pores. Diet plays major role. Heavy use of cosmatics, menstrual irregularity, PCOD, anxiety, anger, disturbed sleep exagerates acne.
In Ayurveda, Acne called as Yuvan Pidika. Acne comes in teenage due to Kapha, Vatta, Rakt dushti. Acne appears mostly on face, hence also called as Mukh Dushika.
In treatment of acne various face packs are used like Shalmali Kantak, Lodhra, Chandan, Turmaric, Manjishtha, etc. Arogyavardhani, Gandhak Rasayan, Sukshma Trifala also used. Diet, Pranayam, Yogasanas are also helpful.
6. Urticaria, Itching, and Hives
Urticaria is nothing but the allergy. Urticaria is a heterogenous group of disorder characterised by itchy wheals, which develope due to edema of outer layer of skin. Basic cause of Urticaria is vasodilatation of vessels and leakage of fluid, histamin release from mast cells. Itching is the prominant sign followed by swelling.
In Ayurveda, Urticaria is describes as Shitpitta. Vatta, Pitta and Kapha dosh dushti is responsible for Urticaria.
Vaman, and Virechan panchakarma is mainly carried out in treating Urticaria. Haridrakhanda, Trikatu powder, Kamdudha, Sutshekhar, Khadirarishta, also used in the treatment.
