Sixty per cent of the UK population either has a skin condition or has experienced one. At least 100,000 new cases of skin cancer occur in the UK every year. Furthermore, 20 per cent of all children have eczema. Among those with skin conditions or scarring, 70 per cent believe it has affected their confidence. Eczema, psoriasis, urticaria, acne, and rosacea are the five most common skin disorders in the UK.

According to Ayurveda, skin disorders can occur due to an imbalance in all three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These imbalances primarily affect the rasa (superficial layer of skin), rakta (blood tissue), and mansa (muscular tissue) layers. Vata imbalances affect the superficial layer of skin, Pitta imbalances affect the blood tissue, and Kapha imbalances affect the muscular tissue. Due to this dosha imbalance, food cannot be digested properly, creating ama (toxins) that circulate through the body’s channels (ambhu vaha srotas). These toxins accumulate in body tissues, leading to various skin disorders.

Eczema 

In Ayurveda, eczema is referred to as Vicharchika, which is considered a form of Kushta (skin disorder). It arises primarily due to an imbalance in the Pitta and Kapha doshas. This imbalance, triggered by internal or external factors, leads to the formation of ama (toxins) that accumulate in the skin tissues.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Eczema
Ayurvedic treatment for eczema takes a holistic approach, combining dietary modifications, herbal remedies, detoxification therapies, topical applications, and lifestyle changes. These methods aim to pacify the excessive Pitta and Kapha doshas, detoxify the body, and restore balance.

Dietary Modifications
A diet that calms Pitta and Kapha is essential for managing eczema. This includes:

• Avoiding: Spicy, sour, and salty foods.
• Increasing: The intake of bitter and astringent tastes.
• Incorporating: Cooling and detoxifying foods that support skin health.

Detoxification Therapies
Detoxification therapies aim to remove accumulated ama and rebalance the doshas. These include:

• Virechana: Purgation therapy to cleanse excess Pitta.
• Raktamokshana: Bloodletting therapy to eliminate toxins from the bloodstream.
• Snehana: Internal and external oleation therapy for nourishment.
• Swedana: Sweat-inducing therapy to open skin pores and expel toxins.

Topical Applications
Medicated oils, herbal pastes, and decoctions soothe the skin and reduce inflammation. These remedies help alleviate itching, redness, and discomfort.

Lifestyle Modifications
Adopting a balanced lifestyle is crucial for preventing and managing eczema. Suggestions include:

• Maintaining hygiene: To avoid infections.
• Practising stress-relief: Activities such as yoga and meditation.
• Avoiding triggers: Such as excessive sweating, allergens, and harsh environmental factors.

Holistic Approach
Ayurveda addresses the root cause of eczema by rebalancing the doshas, detoxifying the body, and promoting overall well-being. This holistic approach not only provides relief but also helps prevent the recurrence of eczema, ensuring long-term management and skin health.

Dermatitis 

In Ayurveda, dermatitis is referred to as Vicharchika and is primarily caused by an imbalance of the Pitta and Kapha doshas. This imbalance results in symptoms such as inflammation, redness, and irritation of the skin tissue. Poor digestion, an inappropriate diet, and environmental factors often contribute to the accumulation of ama (toxins) in the skin tissue.

Ayurvedic Perspective on Dermatitis

• Excess Pitta: Causes heat and inflammation in the skin, leading to redness and irritation.
• Excess Kapha: Results in moisture and congestion, presenting as itching, scaling, and oozing.

Root Causes

• Poor digestion leading to toxin buildup (ama).
• Diets high in spicy, oily, or sour foods.
• Environmental triggers such as allergens or pollutants.

Dietary Guidelines for Dermatitis
A diet that pacifies Pitta and Kapha doshas is beneficial:

• Avoid: Spicy, sour, and oily foods that increase inflammation and congestion.
• Include: Cooling, easily digestible foods such as fresh fruits, leafy greens, and whole grains.
• Focus on Tastes: Emphasise bitter and astringent tastes to help balance the doshas.

Ayurvedic Therapies

• Virechana (Purgation): A cleansing therapy to remove excess Pitta and detoxify the body.
• Snehana (Oleation): Medicated oils for internal and external use to nourish and balance the doshas.

Lifestyle Recommendations

• Hygiene: Maintain proper hygiene to prevent skin infections and irritation.
• Stress Management: Practise yoga and meditation to minimise flare-ups.
• Avoidance of Triggers: Identify and avoid allergens, specific foods, and irritants. Wear loose, breathable clothing to prevent sweating and friction.

Holistic Approach
Ayurveda targets the root cause of dermatitis by addressing dosha imbalances. Through dietary changes, detoxification therapies, and lifestyle adjustments, Ayurveda not only alleviates symptoms but also promotes long-term skin health and prevents recurrence.

Rosacea   

In Ayurveda, rosacea is associated with an imbalance in the Pitta dosha, which governs heat and inflammation in the body. Known as Rakta Pitta or Pitta Roga, rosacea manifests as redness, flushing, visible blood vessels on the face, and often acne-like eruptions. The excess heat in the body leads to inflammation and poor circulation in the skin, contributing to the condition.

Ayurvedic Perspective on Rosacea

• Excess Pitta: Creates heat and inflammation, resulting in redness and flushing.
• Rakta Pitta: Involves poor blood circulation and toxin buildup in the skin, leading to irritation and eruptions.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Rosacea

Dietary Modifications
Diet plays a crucial role in managing rosacea. A Pitta-pacifying diet is recommended:

• Avoid: Hot, spicy, acidic, and oily foods that aggravate Pitta.
• Include: Cooling and soothing foods such as cucumbers, leafy greens, coconuts, and foods rich in water content.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of cool water and herbal teas like coriander or mint to help balance Pitta.

Panchakarma Therapies

• Virechana: A purgation therapy to detoxify the body and remove excess Pitta.
• Snehana: Internal and external oleation therapies using medicated oils to soothe and nourish the skin.

Lifestyle Recommendations

• Cleanliness: Maintain gentle skincare routines to avoid irritation.
• Stress Management: Practise yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises to minimise triggers linked to stress.
• Avoid Provoking Factors: Steer clear of extreme temperatures, harsh skincare products, and excessive sun exposure, as these can aggravate symptoms.

Holistic Approach
Ayurveda focuses on reducing the symptoms of rosacea by addressing the root cause Pitta imbalance while promoting detoxification and skin balance. This holistic approach combines dietary changes, detox therapies, and lifestyle modifications to restore skin health and prevent recurrence.