Our immune system constantly works on a cellular level to keep every part of our body safe from harmful, disease-causing things. It is deeply wired in every part of our body, from our digestive system to nerves and our skin. Sometimes, it reacts unnecessarily against not-so-harmful substances and triggers unwanted reactions in our body. This over-reaction is termed as allergy and when it happens in our skin, it becomes skin allergy. It can be treated both medically and naturally depending on your choice of treatment. If you are looking for skin allergy natural treatment, then you may want to check how Ayurveda defines and takes care of this problem.
What is Skin Allergy?
Medically, when our skin reacts abnormally to harmless stimuli, it is known as skin allergy. Skin can react to any kind of substance be it aerial, liquid or solid. There are some flowers, plants, as well as normal food substances that can result in skin allergy. A skin allergy is characterized by itching, red patches, irritation, and bumps on the affected area. It may spread all over the body or stay limited to local regions. Also, they may last for a few minutes to few days depending on the intensity of immune system response.
Causes of Skin Allergy
Any kind of allergic reaction needs at least 10 days to develop and show its full effect. Once established, it can trigger a reaction within minutes of coming in touch with the allergy-causing substance. Most noted causes of skin allergies include:
- Chemicals and fumes.
- Fragrances and perfumes.
- Medicinal reactions to antibiotics and anti-itching creams.
- Sprays.
- Sunscreen.
- Cleaning and washing detergents and toilet cleaners.
- Specific plants like poison ivy.
- Nickel, a metal in jewellery.
- The latex used in balloons, clothing elastic, gloves, erasers and plastic.
- Makeup products.
- Hair dyes.
- Insect bites.
- Foods including nuts.
Symptoms of Skin Allergy
Skin allergy symptoms may vary from mild to severe. Swelling, itching, and redness are some of the common indicators of skin allergies. A few other notable symptoms include:
- Inflammation
- Swelling
- Dry or itchy skin with crusts producing fluids.
- White or red rashes on various parts of the body.
Diagnosis and Skin Allergy Treatment in Ayurveda
Ayurveda explains that there are several reasons behind skin allergy. Normally, intake of opposing qualities substances, suppression of natural urges, physical exertion after heavy meals, etc. lead to skin disorders. Doshas(Kapha, Vata, and Pitta), Dhatu (Tissues), and Agni (Digestive fire) play a crucial role in the development of allergy. With respect to skin, it is usually a Pitta based dosha. Pitta aggravating factors like salty, sour, and spicy foods in combination with fermented food substances, extremely sunny conditions, hot/humid weather, and citric fruits lead to skin allergies.
The doctors diagnose skin allergy after a thorough examination of the patient’s lifestyle, diet, habits, and daily habits. The treatment includes prescription of herbal medicines and Panchakarma therapies that detoxify the system and work on elimination of allergy-causing Dosha. The Ayurvedic treatment for skin allergy is a widely accepted and recommended approach as it works on the root cause of the problem and not just on symptoms.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes
The person undergoing skin allergy treatment need to take a simple diet devoid of spicy and over-fried food items. They also need to be precautious about consuming opposite quality food items like yoghurt and pickle, milk and citrus foods, etc. Regular exercise and a systematic routine are considered essential in skin allergies ayurvedic treatment.
Preventions for Skin Allergy
- The most effective way of preventing skin allergies is to limit contact with the allergen (allergy-causing substance).
- If you are taking ayurvedic medicine for skin allergy, please stay away from pitta aggravating substances.
- If you have rashes, try not to scratch them as it may lead to infection. Try to use natural substances like aloe vera to soothe irritation and get rid of dry skin.
- Try to maintain proper hygiene and stay away from chemical-based soaps. They suck all moisture from the skin and increase dryness and irritation in the skin.
- Stay away from detergents, chemicals, allergy-causing metals, etc.
- If you experience skin irritation, redness, or rashes in sunlight, start using sunscreen.
Signs and Symptoms of Skin Allergy
Inflammation
Swelling
Dry and Cracked Skin
White Patches on Skin
Why To Choose Ayurveda?
Looks for the Root Cause
The ayurvedic approach of disease looks for the root cause and not merely the symptoms. Ayurveda offers two ways of treatment; One is Shodhan, and the other is Shaman. Shodhan is complete detoxification of the body by Panchakarma therapies. Shaman is balancing the doshas by Ayurveda medicines, diet, and lifestyle changes. Ayurveda medicines always work better in a patient detoxified with Panchakarma.
Safe Medicines
Ayurveda medicines are processed most naturally and not in the synthetic and chemical form. For this reason, the herbs are soft on the body, and there is no risk of side effects even if the patient requires to take them for longer durations. The complete eradication of the root cause ensures the cure and prevents future health complications.
Holistic Approach
Ayurveda is not merely a medical science. Instead, it is a philosophical science too. The basic principles of Ayurveda consider an individual human a specific identity and hence his treatment. Ayurveda gives importance to the treatment of the patient rather than the treatment of the disease. Two patients of the same disease can have different treatments because of the difference in their body constitution.