Ayurvedic treatment for skin rashes and itching

The first line of defence of your body is your skin. That is the reason why it is affected by infections and other problems. They may seem superficial but are the manifestations of underlying illnesses. Skin is the reflection of blood quality.

What is Skin Rash and Itching?

Rash is a very broad medical term. It is the abnormal change in the colour or texture of the skin or a widespread eruption of damaged tissue. Rashes are usually due to skin inflammation, which can have many causes. Rashes can be localized or spread over a wide area. Rashes may be dry, smooth, moist, bumpy, cracked or blistered in appearance. They can be painful, itchy and can change colour too. Because of the variety, there is a wide range of treatments, though some may need no treatment at all.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will perform:

Physical Exam:

Your rash will be examined by your doctor. You may be asked about the rash, medical history, diet, hygiene, recent use of new medications, recent contact with chemicals, plants, cosmetics etc. Your doctor may inspect the density, colour, size, shape, tenderness and even temperature of your rash. You may al be asked about your recent activities to rule out causes such as heat or contact dermatitis.

Your doctor may also:

take your temperature

order complete blood count or an allergy test

perform a skin biopsy

order lab tests if your rash is symmetrical and has spread throughout the body

refer you to a dermatologist

Symptoms

Depending on the cause and the body part affected, the appearance of a rash may vary greatly.

Some of the signs and symptoms of skin rash include:

Red, itchy patches of raised bumps mostly found on the cheeks, neck, wrists, ankles, elbows and back of the knees. Such rashes are found in eczema.

Small patches of fine, itchy, scaly skin. The first patch appears on the chest, abdomen or back. Pityriasis rosea causes such rashes.

The scalp, elbows and knees exhibit bumpy, scaly flakes of silvery skin that fall off. These symptoms indicate the chronic skin condition, Psoriasis.

Sudden rashes, with itchy red bumps typically a symptom of hives, an allergic reaction. They subside within 8 hours of onset.

Ring-shaped rash due to the fungal infection of ringworm.

Itchy, crusty rash in Impetigo disease.

Red, flat rash on the cheeks, upper arms and legs indicate Fifth disease.

Red lesions on the mouth, rashes on the hands and feet are symptoms of Hand, foot and mouth disease.

Causes

The common causes of skin rashes are:

Contact Dermatitis:

The rash occurs after the skin comes into direct contact with a foreign substance. It may be itchy, red, inflamed and oozing. The substance may be beauty products, dyes in clothes, chemicals, poisonous plants etc.

Medications:

Rashes can appear due to an allergic reaction to medications, as a side effect or because of photosensitivity to some antibiotics.

Infections:

Infections by bacteria, viruses or fungi can also cause a rash. The rashes vary based on the type of infection. For eg, Candidiasis, a fungal infection causes an itchy rash in skin folds. Impetigo, a bacterial infection causes an itchy, crusty rash on the face, neck and hands. Measles, a viral infection causes a widespread rash with itchy red bumps.

Autoimmune Conditions:

An autoimmune condition occurs when your immune system starts to attack healthy tissue. Many such conditions cause rashes. For eg, Lupus produces a butterfly- shaped rash on the face.

Warm Weather:

Prickly heat effect produces a rash.

Insect bites and Stings:

Flea bites, tick bites, mosquito and spider bites produce rashes.

Parasitic Infections:

Infestation by tiny mites causes a bumpy, itchy rash.

Food induced:

Peanuts or eggs when consumed also cause skin rashes.

Risk Factors

Factors that may increase the likelihood of developing a rash include:

Prolonged exposure to heat or irritation

Allergic reactions (drug reaction, food or animal allergy)

Insect bites

Reaction to certain medications

Several medical conditions like Lupus, Acne, Psoriasis, Lyme disease, Scabies, Ringworm, Cellulitis, Scarlet fever etc.

Treatment of Skin Rashes and Itching in Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, skin disorders are caused due to the imbalance of three doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Dietary problems and lifestyle issues are responsible for this imbalance. All rashes are due to the aggravation of Pitta.

Pitta rashes are intense and spread quickly. Redness, burning, formation of pus and ulceration are characteristic of Pitta rashes. Vata rashes are generally dry with rough appearance, cracks and fissures and kapha rashes are moist, itchy, show white discoloration and swelling.

Ayurveda aims at balancing the doshas, removing the toxins and strengthening the immune system.

For this detox treatment, Panchakarma treatment is the best. The body is cleansed of all the toxins and irritants. Specific herbs and oils are administered for this purging process. The sinuses are cleared by the Nasya therapy. Virechana helps in the removal of toxins accumulated inside the body. The immune system is strengthened.

Various natural herbs are beneficial in treating skin rashes and itching. Some of them are neem, turmeric, aloe vera gel, oatmeal bath, essential oils etc.

Dietary changes are also essential. A plant-based diet rich in whole and unprocessed foods is recommended.

Stress which acts as a cause for skin disorders, can be managed through deep breathing techniques, medication etc.

Treatment at Jeevess

At Jeevess, a tailored approach is practised according to individual requirement. Treatment is planned systematically according to the body constitution. Following Ayurvedic principles, it is necessary to know the root cause and resolve it. The removal of toxins and balance of doshas are helpful for treating skin rashes and itching. Panchakarma therapy detoxifies the body completely and rejuvenates the system.

Ayurvedic herbs prove to be great remedies to alleviate the effects of rashes.

Strict diet, lifestyle changes, yoga and meditation sessions are also incorporated in the treatment plan for the best results. Since mind is a key element in exaggerating allergic response it is important to keep the mind calm.