The growing problem of environment pollution, dust, stress, dietary changes, and heredity may cause skin allergies in adults and children. Allergies occur due to the overreaction of our body’s immune system to particular substances that it misidentifies as harmful. This exaggerated reaction of our body’s immune system is an allergic reaction and factors or substances that are responsible for allergic reactions in the body are known as allergens. The initial step in Ayurvedic treatment of skin allergy is to avoid or limit contact with allergens.
Allergic reactions are often visible in the form of commonly seen skin diseases and respiratory disorders such as hives, eczema, hay fever, asthma, etc. Some common symptoms of skin allergic reaction may include redness, itching, raised bumps, swelling, skin cracking, skin flaking and so on. Ayurveda is reckoned the best option for skin allergy in men, women and children as it heals the skin permanently and provides long-term relief by implementing natural herbs and treatment.
There are primarily four basic conditions of skin allergy, like:
- Eczema: Most usually in children, it is caused mainly due to dry skin or exposure to pollution. Its signs include inflammation, itching, and irritation.
- Hives: It happens due to abnormal reactions of the immunity system towards particular allergens. Its symptoms involve swelling, plaques, and red bumps all over the body.
- Contact Dermatitis: This differs from person to person depending on their skin sensibility. It triggers when specific detergents, soaps, or shampoos come in direct contact with the skin. Its symptoms include itching, rashes, redness, and a burning sensation.
- Acne: This is mainly affected due to excessive intake of spicy or oily food that blocks the hair follicles of the skin. Its symptoms include pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads.
Skin Allergy – Ayurveda View
Ayurveda regards allergy as a disorder caused by impaired digestion. Unhealthy diet and life style cause vitiation of digestive fire leading to the production of toxic substance called as ama which is the root cause of all disease. This dysfunction is the cause for hyper sensitivity to substance such as dust, pollen etc and trigger the allergic attacks.
Each time when a person comes in contact with an allergen, the dosha viz Vata, Pitta, Kapha are vitiated and causes pathological changes of tissue such as twak (Skin), Mamsa (muscles), rakta ( blood), Lasika leading to specific symptoms. These toxins released according to the imbalance of dosha caus contamination of deeper tissues leading to a variety of symptoms of various skin allergies. The factors influencing the allergy are digestive fire (Weak agni), ama accumulation, individual basic body constitution (prakruthi), imbalance of doshas ( vata , pita , kapha), immune system etc.
Symptom may vary according to the dosha involved. If vata is the dosha involved, then the skin becomes dry, dehydrated with blackish discolouration. If pitta dosha is involved the skin becomes red with vesicles, pustules or blisters and show sign of inflammations. Itching along with oozing is the main symptom found if kapha dosha is aggravated.
Ayurveda skin allergy treatment focuses on pacifying the imbalanced dosha, by removing the ama (toxins) and correcting the digestion. For this detoxification procedures are required to remove the root cause. After detoxification or purifying therapies, external applications are used. In the final stage Rasayana or Rejuvenation therapies are followed to nourish the skin.
Skin allergy treatment in Ayurveda includes the following simple remedies:
- Aloe Vera: One of the most effective remedies for itching, this natural herb consists of antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal qualities that soothe and relieve the skin of itching and redness. You can easily select the gel from a few Aloe Vera leaves, apply it to the injured area and wash it off after half an hour. Repeat the process 3-4 times a day for the best effect.
- Clay: Considered the best Ayurvedic medicine for Acne, it cures itchy skin and helps soothe the marks caused by wasps, spiders or bee stings. Make a smooth paste by scoring clay and warm water to a bowl. Apply it to the troubled area and wash it under clean running water when dry. Repeat twice a day for quick results.
- Neem: Neem leaves make for the most powerful Ayurvedic treatment for pimples. Just make a fine paste of fresh Neem leaves and apply it double a day. You can also keep bottled leaves in fresh water for about ten minutes if you can’t get pure Neem leaves.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This is a powerful home remedy with antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties. It helps relieve skin difficulties caused by dry skin like itching, swelling, and rashes. Put a few bits of raw apple cider vinegar onto a cotton ball. Apply to the hurt areas and leave it for about 5 minutes. Repeat the process 2-3 times daily.
- Oatmeal: This works wonders for skin allergies like eczema, chickenpox, and acne by providing useful and immediate relief. Simply add a cup of oatmeal in your warm bath water and take this bath daily for about 20 minutes.
Ayurvedic Therapies for Allergy Conditions
Ayurvedic therapies can complement the management of allergy conditions. Therapies like Panchakarma, Nasya (nasal administration of medicated oils), and Abhyanga (oil massage) can help in eliminating toxins, improving respiratory health, and enhancing overall well-being.
Diet and Lifestyle in the Treatment of Allergy Conditions
Ayurveda emphasises the role of diet and lifestyle in managing allergies. Allergy treatment in Ayurveda, a balanced diet tailored to individual needs can help strengthen the immune system and reduce sensitivity to allergens. Specific lifestyle practices like daily exercise, yoga, meditation, and sufficient rest contribute to overall well-being and better management of allergies.
Conclusion
At Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala Madiwala, we believe in a holistic approach to manage allergies. Our Ayurvedic practitioners offer personalised treatments, combining diet, lifestyle modifications, herbal remedies, and therapies to address the root cause of allergies. However, it is essential to note that the content provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or a substitute for professional healthcare. Individual results may vary, and we strongly advise consulting qualified healthcare practitioners for personalised treatment