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The
Eczemas
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.
Ayurvedic
supplements:
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:
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