Ayurveda understands dermatitis as an imbalance of the body’s energies—fire, water, air, and space. Fire and water are associated with Pitta, while air and space are associated with Vata. These natural energies may cause inflammation, irritation, and other skin problems, such as dermatitis if their balance is disrupted.
Speaking about the treatment of dermatitis, Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapy offers an effective solution for all types of dermatitis and allergic conditions.
Understanding Dermatitis
Modern medical science sees dermatitis disease as an allergic inflammation that may be triggered by various factors, such as environmental allergens, immune responses, and even genetic predispositions. In dermatitis, the skin often appears red, itchy, and dry, and sometimes blisters can develop.
The root causes of Dermatitis are:
- Genetic Factors – A person with a family history of diseases like asthma, hay fever, or food allergies is more likely to develop dermatitis. This is known as genetic predisposition. A genetic mutation in the filaggrin gene also weakens the skin’s natural defence mechanism, making it more vulnerable to bacterial infections.
- Immune System Dysfunction – Atopic dermatitis is a type of dermatitis disease when the immune system mistakenly identifies the body’s skin cells and allergens as harmful substances. To counter it, the body releases inflammatory molecules that trigger skin inflammation, causing symptoms of dermatitis, such as skin redness, swelling, and itching.
- Environmental and Lifestyle Triggers – Environmental factors like allergens and weather conditions also play a significant role in the development of dermatitis. Additionally, irritants like harsh chemicals, soaps, and perfumes, as well as stress, can trigger dermatitis.
- Microbial Factors – Bacterial infections and the overgrowth of microorganisms like Malassezia and Staphylococcus Aureus, can also trigger or worsen dermatitis, leading to skin inflammation. In seborrheic or atopic dermatitis, the overgrowth of yeast and bacteria leads to red, oily, flaky patches and makes the skin more open to irritation, worsening the condition.
- Hormonal Changes – Dermatitis can worsen during hormonal changes, especially during phases like pregnancy, puberty, and menstruation, when there are fluctuations in hormones. During hormonal changes, the skin may appear oily, with flaky patches, and redness, or be covered with yellowish scales.
Types of Dermatitis
- Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
Atopic dermatitis disease is also known as eczema which causes dry, itchy, and skin inflammation. It is often seen developing in childhood and is linked to a family history of allergies, such as asthma or hay fever. This is one of the types of dermatitis that needs natural treatment.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis disease causes oily, flaky patches on the skin, and is often seen developing around the scalp, face, and chest region. It is linked to an overgrowth of yeast that thrives in oily areas.
- Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitis disease condition develops when the skin reacts to an irritant or allergen, such as certain soaps, plants, or metals (like nickel). It causes skin redness, swelling, itching, and sometimes blisters.
- Dyshidrotic Dermatitis
Dyshidrotic dermatitis is a skin disease that causes small, and itchy blisters on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet. These blisters are often filled with fluid, and one may experience itching that sometimes becomes intense.
- Nummular Dermatitis
Nummular dermatitis skin disease forms round, coin-shaped patches on the skin, often on the arms, legs, or torso. These patches are usually itchy, red, and dry, and can sometimes become crusty or scaly.
- Stasis Dermatitis
Stasis dermatitis happens when poor circulation causes blood to accumulate in the lower legs, leading to skin inflammation. It is common in people with varicose veins. Symptoms include swelling, redness, itching, and the skin may thicken over time.
- Perioral Dermatitis
People with perioral dermatitis develop red, pimple-like bumps around the mouth and sometimes the eyes or nose region. It can be triggered by factors like stress, hormonal changes, or certain topical treatments.
- Neurodermatitis
Neurodermatitis is a chronic condition that causes intense, recurring itching, often starting in a specific area like the back of the neck. The itch worsens with stress or irritation. Over time, the skin can become thickened, leathery, or discolored from constant scratching.
Symptoms of Dermatitis:
- Skin Redness
- Skin Itching
- Skin Dryness
- Skin Swelling
- Skin Blisters
- Skin Scaling
- Skin Crusting
- Thickened Skin
- Cracked Skin
- Skin Pain or Tenderness
Ayurvedic Treatment of Dermatitis
Ayurveda offers a natural method for the treatment of dermatitis. It involves cleansing the accumulated toxins in the body, known as Ama, and balancing the doshas, particularly Pitta dosha, which is associated with inflammation and heat. Panchakarma is an effective treatment for dermatitis that can help manage its symptoms.
Some of the therapies in Panchakarma for the treatment of dermatitis are:
- Virechana (Purgation Therapy)
Virechana is one of the key therapies for treating Pitta-related conditions and helps eliminate excessive heat and inflammation from the body. It involves induced vomiting or herbal laxatives to remove toxins from the digestive system, which helps reduce skin redness and irritation in dermatitis.
- Basti (Medicated Enema Therapy)
Basti is a highly effective therapy for balancing Vata dosha, which is associated with dryness and roughness and can worsen certain types of dermatitis, such as eczema.
Medicated oils and herbal decoctions are delivered via the rectum to detoxify the lower intestines and balance Vata dosha. This therapy helps improve digestive function, thereby reducing skin dryness and enhancing skin health.
- Abhyanga (Herbal Oil Massage)
Virechana therapy is one of the key therapies for treating Pitta-related conditions and helps eliminate excessive heat and inflammation from the body. This therapy involves induced vomiting or herbal laxatives to remove toxins from the digestive system, which then is helpful in reducing skin redness and irritation in dermatitis.
