Topic of the Month

Skin Problems

The skin reflects our overall health and acts as a barrier against the outside world, is the largest organ and is composed primarily of collagen. Collagen fibers form an elastic network that makes up connective tissues. The skins elasticity, strength and smoothness come from the makeup of the collagen fibers.

Often we may have problems with our skin such as dull skin, skin likely to break out in clotches or skin that dehydrates easily. All of these problems and many more indicate the lack of proper nutrition.

Poor diet, drugs, alcohol, excessive sun exposure, environmental toxins and tobacco smoke increase free radical damage and decrease enzyme activity. Both free radical damage and the reduction in enzyme activity can hasten the appearance of the following problems; wrinkles, age spots, sagging skin and ultimately can also to skin cancer.

Free radicals oxidize cells, making normal cell metabolism impossible. Enzymes can help prevent or treat skin damage by fighting these free radicals and reducing stress on bodily systems.

Skin Functions

Protects internal organs and tissues from injury or trauma.
Preserves valuable moisture and helps maintain normal body temperature
Protects the body from toxins, viruses and bacteria

The Skin's Vitality Can be Measured

To measure the amount of free radical damage you must perform the skin elasticity test. Grasp the skin on the back of the hand between the thumb and index finger. Raise the skin and release it. The skin fold should immediately flatten. If a ridge remains, the skin is aging and damaged by connective tissues and muscles binding together. Enzymes battle both by improving blood supply and then the nutrient supply by the skin's dermal layer.

Different types of Skin Disorders:

Skin Allergy:

Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when your skin comes in contact with an allergen that your skin is sensitive or allergic to. The reaction usually appears within 48 hours after the initial exposure to the allergen. Symptoms that are commonly seen include the following: redness, swelling, blistering, itching, and weeping. The allergen can be a substance in a product that you have used for many years; it does not have to be a new product. Allergic contact dermatitis occurs more commonly in adults.

Eczema : (for more details click here.......)

The terms ‘Eczema’ or ‘vicharchika’are synonymous. They refer to distinctive reaction patterns in the skin , which can be either acute or chronic and due to a number of causes.

Eczema, or dermatitis as it is sometimes called, is a group of skin conditions which can affect all age groups. The severity of the disease can vary. In mild forms the skin is dry, hot and itchy, whilst in more severe forms the skin can become broken & raw. Although it can sometimes look unpleasant, eczema is not contagious. With treatment the inflammation of eczema can be reduced, though the skin will always be sensitive to flare-ups and need extra care.

Leprosy:

Leprosy is a chronic disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae; M. leprae multiplies very slowly and the incubation period of the disease is about five years. Symptoms can take as long as 20 years to appear; Leprosy is not highly infectious. It is transmitted via droplets, from the nose and mouth, during close and frequent contacts with untreated cases.

Psoriasis: (for more details click here.......)

Psoriasis is one of the most stubborn skin disease. It is a chronic disease, characterized by thick, red silvery, scale patches of the skin. This disease affects both sexes equally, and is more common during the first fifteen to thirty years, although it may appear at any age. Psoriasis is not contagious.

Ringworm: (for more details click here.......)

Ringworm is a fungus infection of the scalp or skin. In the skin ringworm causes a reddish, ring like rash that may itch or burn. The area may be dry and scaly or it may be moist or crusted. The same fungi that infect humans can also infect animals such as dogs and cats. The infection may be acquired from pets as well as from infected children .

Herbs which is useful :

Neem (Azadirachta indica) :

The leaves applied externally, is very useful in skin diseases. Many of the historical and modern day uses of neem leaves and neem oil have been to treat external skin conditions. The seeds, bark and leaves contain compounds with proven antiseptic, antiviral, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal uses.

Neem are also beneficial in the treatment of boils, chronic ulcers, eruptions of smallpox, syphilitic sores, glandular swellings and wounds. They can be used either as a poultice, decoction or liniment.

Sandalwood (Santalum album):

An emulsion or a paste of the wood is a cooling dressing in inflammatory and eruptive skin diseases such as eczema, erysipelas, an inflammatory disease of the face, and prurigo - an itchy eruption. The oil is useful for scabies too. This oil mixed with twice its quantity of mustard oil is used for removing pimples. In summer, regular application of sandalwood paste on the body, especially for children, has a refreshing effect, which heals any tiny infected spots.

Manjishtha (Rubia cordfolia):

According to Ayurveda Manjistha is probably the best alternative blood-purifying herb in Ayurveda. It cools and detoxifies the blood, dissolves obstructions in blood flow, and removes stagnant blood. It is having healing action, thus helpful in erosions of gums and bleeding gums.

For Acne, Pimples Boils, Eczema: Apply an amalgamation of Manjishta with red sandalwood powder, turmeric, kuth and Fuller's earth (multani mitti) on the affected area.

In Ayurvedic medicine it is used as an immune regulator. Its antioxidant properties are also being investigated. Its role in supporting heart health is evidenced by studies that show that it regulates blood pressure, blood vessel constriction and the tendency of blood to form clots.

Giloy (Tinosporia cordifolia):

Giloy is a bitter tonic that is useful for immune diseases and Pitta (inflammatory) diseases. It purifies the blood and effective in fevers. It has also been used to strengthen the system before and after chemotherapy. Giloy has been proven to be effective in inhibiting the growth of bacteria and enhancing the buildup of immune resistance. In a study using human white blood cells Giloy increased the killing ability of macrophages, the immune cells responsible for fighting invaders.

Diet & Life style:

Stay hydrated- drink 8-12 glasses of water a day.

Avoid direct sun light- by wearing protective clothing, staying on the shade and applying sunscreen daily.

Avoid or limit your toxins. Intake this includes alcohol, coffee, spicy food, drugs, limit sugar intake etc.

Get rid off dead skin cells; exfoliate regularly.

Maintain a cleansing routine- remove makeup daily (do not wash more than two times a day).

Exercise regularly, to reduce stress. More intake of oxygen in resulting in firmer and nourished skin.

Maintain a healthy diet, eat foods rich in essential fatty acids, vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin B. This include fruits, vegetables & fish .

Take Health food supplements like NEEM GUARD

Getting great skin takes time, but it isn't difficult. Allowing yourself to get into a good skincare routine is very important. In addition to following the steps outlined above, you must also be sure to drink plenty of water

Ayurvedic Supplements :

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