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.
Types of Eczemas :
There are two groups of eczemas: Exogenous and endogenous. While
overlap between the two groups is common, distinction between
them is critical for treatment because avoidance of
incriminating contactants takes precedence over other measures
in the management of exogenous eczema. The box below shows the
classification of the eczemas.
| Classification of the eczemas : |
| Exogenous |
|
|
| Endogenous |
- Atopic
- Seborrhoeic
- Discoid
- Asteatotic
- Gravitational
- Localised neurodermatitis
- Pompholyx
|
Symptoms:
-
In the former, there is no secretion
whereas in the latter, water may come out from the patches,
either by scratching or without it.
-
Redness and swelling, usually with
ill-defined margin
-
Papules, vesicles and more rarely large
blisters.
-
Exudation and cracking.
-
Scaling.
-
Lichenification, a dry leathery thickening
with increased skin markings, is secondary to rubbing and
scratching.
-
Fissures and scratch marks.
-
Pigmentation.
Herbal Remedies
Babul :
Babul is an excellent remedy for eczema .The bark of the babul
tree is useful in the treatment of eczema. About 25 gms each of
this bark and mango bark should be boiled in about 1 litre of
water and the vapours allowed to foment the affected part. After
the fomentation, the affected part should be anointed with ghee.
Butea:
The seeds, ground and mixed with lemon juice, can be daubed on
dhobi's itch - an eczema-type of skin disorder, characterized by
itching.
Linseed:
A hot poultice of the seeds is a popular household remedy for
skin disorder like eczema. Equal parts of linseed oil and lime
water mixed together is an effective remedy for eczema and
herpes.
Madhuca:
The leaves of madhuca are effective in the treatment of eczema.
The leaves, smeared with sesame oil, warmed over a fire and
bandaged on the affected parts provide relief. They should be
changes after every 3 to 4 hours.
Neem :
The leaves, applied externally, are very useful in eczema and
any type of skin diseases. They can be used either as a
poultice, decoction or liniment.
Diet:
- Salt intake should be reduced. Sour items including
pickles and curd are strictly prohibited.
- Bitter and neem flowers are useful. Turmeric is perhaps
the best as it can be applied internally as well as externally
also.
Life style:
Patients need to cleaned daily with warm water boiled with neem
bark. After cleaning the paste of the bark should be applied
over it and allowed to dry. Patients are not allowed to have any
spicy and oily food. Patients need to avoid the hot, humid
temperature and should kept free from any tight
clothing. Nylons, terylenes and other synthetic fibers should be
avoided as the inhibit evaporation of perspiration.
Yoga to cure
Eczema:
