Natural Remedies for Dermatitis

As we know dermatitis or twak vikaar is a deep-rooted and constitutional disease for which allopathy or conventional medicine do not have a specific answer. According to Ayurveda dermatitis is a result of an unhealthy lifestyle or poor diet which hampers digestion and causes vitiation of Pitta dosha, i.e. one of the three doshas in the body which governs the body functions. Due to the aggravation of Pitta, there occurs the formation of ama, i.e. a toxin. This ama results in contamination of the internal tissues internal heating, showing up as inflamed skin.

Reference- Charak samhita-1, 5^th chapter, nidansthanam, shloka no.2

Meaning- No skin diseases is caused due to any of the dosha. Dosha Prakriti of the body tissues and underlying disease is the same but the treatment is different in different skin condition.

As dermatitis is a broad term for different types of skin conditions hence there can be involvement of other doshas too. If Vata dosha is involved then there is dryness of the skin, extreme itching (Kandu), scaling (Raji) and (Ruja)pain. Similarly, if Kapha dosha is lying behind then there is thickening of the skin and eruptions that oozes and itches. In Pitta- dosha the eruptions are in blisters form and there is a burning sensation. If the case is left untreated and turns out to be chronic, there is involvement of all the three doshas.

There are Many Natural Remedies which can be Used to Relieve this Distressing Condition.

So let’s learn about some of them

1. Neem

It’s Latin name is Azadirachta indica which is an astringent and bitter herb which has cooling and antibacterial property. Neem has been used for ages to treat various skin conditions. It clears the toxins present in the blood, liver or anywhere else in the body. You can use its oil to massage over the affected area of skin. It soothes the skin and vanishes the burning also helps in the regeneration of the skin. Owing to its antibacterial property neem also prevent the infections. Other than applying it on the skin you can also take internally the leaves of the herb.

2. Honey

Shehad or madhuka is another amazing natural remedy which can be used to treat and relieve dermatitis. It retains moisture and prevents the dryness and itching. Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which prevents infection and treats redness, pain, and swelling of the affected area. Healing of the broken skin is facilitated by honey. Other than this it also slow down the aging process and boosts the skin complexion. Honey is soothing hence relieves the itching and burning.

3. Manjishtha

Rubia cordifolia or Manjistha is a Pitta pacifying herb hence treats dermatitis effectively. It purifies blood and soothes burning and itching. Manjistha can be used with neem for deep skin cleansing effect. It is a natural toxin clearing herb which prevents skin discoloration and hyperpigmentation. Due to its ability to spread vastly in the circulatory system and treats chronic lingering wastes and impurities from the body clearing skin and relieving its diseases.

4. Turmeric

Curcuma longa is boon for mankind in terms of herbs as it helps to treat various ailments. Using it internally or externally helps to sooth the skin in both of the ways. Turmeric is full of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which helps to soothe redness and swelling, reduces the pain and eliminates the free radicals from the body which are responsible for the oxidative damage to the body. You can use it externally by making a paste of it and applying on the affected area. This will relieve itching and burning also treat scares and eruptions.

5. Shatavari

It is also termed as Asparagus racemosus in Latin. Shatavari has cooling properties, pacifies Pitta and treats dermatitis. It soothes the skin and relieves the burning sensation and pain. This herb contains vitamin A, B1, and B2 which maintains healthy skin.

6. Aloe Vera

This herb has been used since centuries for treating the skin ailments and maintaining healthy skin. It is full of antimicrobial, antibacterial and wound healing properties which prevent the infections and promotes healthy skin. Aloe-vera is also known for boosting up the immunity. You can take it as a drink or apply it directly on the skin (gel). This will relieve the itching and burning and soothes the skin.

7. Coconut Oil

It moisturizes the skin and prevent dryness, hydrate the skin and decreases water loss in the skin. It is anti-inflammatory in action and hence prevents inflammation and treats its signs and symptoms like redness, pain, and swelling. After learning about some of the amazing natural remedies to treat dermatitis let’s move on to some important tips which can help you to decrease the severity of the suffering.

• Use natural or herbal moisturizers frequently to moisturize the skin and preventing dryness and itching.
• Avoid using perfumes or strong smelling substances, especially those containing alcohol as it may irritate the skin.
• Do not use too warm clothes as sweating can aggravate the symptoms of dermatitis like itching and burning of the skin.
• Avoid being near to the fireplaces or some other heat source as it can make the dermatitis symptoms worse.
• Use herbal soaps or detergents as those synthetic ones contain chemicals and other skin-irritating substances, aggravates the symptoms of dermatitis. You can use herbal tea tree oil soap as it is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial also heals wounds and eruptions present in this condition.

According to Ayurvedic literature one suffering from dermatitis should avoid milk and milk products, meat, sours foods, fat, things containing corn flour. Also, avoid overeating, not properly cooked food, and all other foodstuffs which cause indigestion and increases the production of ama, the cause of dermatitis. Sushruta said that ghee intake is the best choice for anyone suffering from any type of skin disease.