Skin is the largest organ in the human body with its own set of functions and complications. Skin rashes and itching is a common skin problem that affects a considerable part of our population. It is characterized by constant inflammation, itching, and irritation. However, this condition can be treated with medication and therapies. Ayurvedic treatment for skin rashes and itching is a widely accepted approach for this problem.
What are Skin Rashes and Itching?
An abnormal change in skin texture or colour is known as skin rashes. Skin rashes are usually accompanied by inflammation, irritation, and itching. There are several types of rashes, including lichen planus, eczema, pityriasis rosea, and granuloma annulare. It affects people from age groups and genders. Ayurveda offers an all-natural and side-effect free treatment for skin rashes and itching.
Causes for Skin Rashes and Itching
Skin rashes and itching may affect your complete body or a small local spot. The severity of this condition varies according to the cause behind it. Here is a generalized view of the causes behind skin rashes:
- Skin Conditions: Skin conditions like eczema, dermatographism, eczema, and dermatitis may result in rashes and itching. Also, skin infections like scabies, pinworms, lice, mites, bed bugs, fungal rashes, measles, and chickenpox are common causes of rashes and itching.
- Irritants: Specific substances like poison ivy, a substance released from insect bites, and allergies like food allergies may result in itching and skin rashes.
- Internal Disorders: Serious internal disorders like kidney failure, lymphoma, thyroid disease, leukaemia, anaemia, cirrhosis, or bile duct obstruction may result in generalized itching and skin rashes.
- Disorders Related To Nervous System: Certain nerve-related diseases like neuropathy, shingles, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes can also lead to skin problems.
- Medications: Antifungal and antibiotic medications often cause widespread itching and rashes. Anticonvulsant and pain relievers are also included in this category of causes.
- Pregnancy: Though it is not common, some women experience itching and rashes due to hormonal surge during pregnancy. It may be due to some preexisting condition sometimes which gets worse due to pregnancy.
Symptoms of Skin Rashes and Itching
- Itchiness
- Change in skin texture
- Inflammation
- Formation of small fluid-filled blisters
- Dry scaly or leathery skin from constant scratching
- High skin sensitivity
- Red bumps on various parts of the body
- Lacy red patterns all over the body or some local regions
- Spots on general areas of the body
- Skin looks irritated, red, and wet
Complications and Risks
Sometimes, skin rashes indicate serious problems like kidney dysfunction, leukaemia, or diabetes. If the reasons aren’t that serious, it gets better with proper treatment and medication. If not, then the patient needs to go for high-level checkups. In either case, it is essential to visit a doctor and find out the exact cause behind it.
Also, sometimes, skin problems are contagious i.e. they spread with touch. It may be dangerous if you have small kids or old age patients in your home. Quick diagnosis and treatment is the safest option in both cases.
Diagnosis and Ayurvedic Treatment for Skin Rashes and Itching
Ayurveda explains skin problems as a result of a lack of maintenance of any of the three Doshas - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Lifestyle issues or dietary problems may result in skin problems. If there is a Vata imbalance, it will make your skin dry and rough with cracks and fissures. Pitta disorders lead to burning pain, redness, ulceration, fever and pus formation. While Kapha imbalance results in skin discolouration, swelling, itching, and retention of fluids.
Ayurvedic treatment for skin diseases is a combination of therapies and medications. The patient will also need to make dietary changes depending on the Dosha that needs to be pacified. Medications help in managing skin irritation, reducing itchiness, and eliminating the root cause of the problem. Panchakarma therapies like lepam (face packs with medicinal herbs), udhwarthanam (massage with dry herbal powders), and dhoopanam (medicated fumigation), Virechana, Dhara, Snehana, etc. are used as per the patient’s condition. The best medicine for skin rashes and itching is the one that your doctor prescribes you, so it is advised not to take medicines without a doctor’s consultation.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes
Patients suffering from skin problems like rashes must stay hydrated, they must include salad and fruits in their diet. Your final diet will be decided by your doctor depending on the kind of Dosha imbalance in your body. As for lifestyle, you must stay away from stressful conditions, allergens, and pollution to keep your skin problem from getting worse. Yoga and breathing exercises may also be beneficial in proper skincare.
Preventions for Skin Rashes
- Keep the affected area clean by washing it with a natural cleanser.
- Sweat and wetness increase irritation and itching in skin rashes, so stay away from them.
- Drink sufficient water to keep your system and skin hydrated.
- Avoid wearing tight and skin-hugging clothes in hot and humid weather.
- If you are in a tropical area, wear cotton clothes instead of synthetic or thick fabric-based attires.
- Take a bath every day and moisturize your skin regularly with chemical-free products.
Signs and Symptoms of Skin Rashes
Itching
Change in Skin Texture
Formation of small fluid-filled blisters
High skin sensitivity
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.