ITCH (PRURITUS)
Pruritus is defined as a sensation that provokes the desire to scratch. It is a phenomenon attributed to both central and peripheral neural mechanisms. Nerve endings in the region of the dermo-epidermal junction transmit the sensation of itch via slow conducting C fibres and it is probably modulated centrally. Pruritus (Itch) is a common presenting symptom of both primary skin diseases and underlying medical disorders. 

    SUDDEN WIDESPREAD SCALY RASH (PAPULOSQUAMOUS ERUPTIONS)
A common presenting complaint in general practice is an eruptive scaly rash sometimes associated with itching. The main causes may be Eczema / Psoriasis / Pityriasis Rosea / Lichen Planus / Drug Eruption / Pityriasis versicolor.

    ERYTHRODERMA
Eczema, Psoriasis, Drug Eruptions and Lichen planus rarely progress to erythroderma, defines as erythema with or without scaling of almost all of the body surface. Such patients may be systemically unwell with shivering, due to loss of temperature control and pyrexia. The pulse rate may be elevated and the blood pressure low due to volume depletion.

    URTICARIA (NETTLE RASH, HIVES)
Urticaria is a common reaction pattern charaterized by the presence of itchy or 'burning' oedematous swellings (wheals) occuring anywhere on the body and lasting for less than 24 hours. The symptoms of urticaria and angioedema are due to mast cell degranulation with release of histamine.

    PHOTOSENSITIVITY
Sunlight is a causative or exacerbating factor in many skin diseases. Photosensitization is limited to exposure from ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and visible light. When a rash is related to sunshine then the sites affected tend to be light-exposed sites; the face, particularly the nose and the cheeks but excluding the eyelids, an area under the chin and an area in the shadow of the nose; the dorsae of the forearms and hands, with sparing of the finger webs and palms.

    BLISTERS
The skin can separate at any level in the skin and, together with the accumulation of fluid, this causes the formation of vesicles (<0.5 cm) or bullae (>0.5 cm).

    LEG ULCERS
Ulceration of the skin is the complete loss of the epidermis and part of the dermis. When present on the lower leg, it is usually due to vascular disease and the vast majority (75 %) of cases are due in part to venous hypertension.

    TOO LITTLE OR TOO MUCH HAIR
A patient who complains of too little or too much hair should be treated with sensitivity. The term Alopecia means nothing more than loss of hair. Hair Loss or Alopecia can be Tinea Capitis, Alopecia aerata, Androgenetic alopecia, Traumatic Alopecia, or due to some other metabolic illness.

    ECZEMA
The terms eczema and dermatitis are synonymous. They both refer to distinctive reaction patterns in the skin. Symptoms can be redness and swelling, usually with ill defined margin and Papules, vesicles, blisters, exudation, cracking and scaling.

    PSORIASIS
Psoriasis is a non-infectious, inflammatory disease of the skin, characterised by well defined erythematous plaques with large adherent silvery scales. The main abnormality in Psoriasis is increased epidermal proliferation due to excessive division of cells in the basal layers. This disease can be treated very well in Ayurveda with the help of karanjOil Therapy available with us. 

    LICHEN PLANUS
Lichen Planus is a condition characterised by intensely itchy papules invloving the flexor surfaces, genitalia and mucous membranes. Lichen planus tends to start on the distal limbs, most commonly the volar aspects of the wrists and the lower back. Intensely itchy, flat top , pink-purplish papules appear and some develop a characetristic fine white network on their surface.

    ACNE VULGARIS
This affects many teenagers. Its prevalence is similar in both sexes but the peak age of severity in females is 16-17 years and in males 17-19 years. Acne clears by the age of 23-25 years in 90% of patients but 5% of women and 1% of men still need the treatment. Lesions are limited to face, shoulders, upper chest and back. Greasy skin is also present. Open comedones (blackheads) due to plugging by keratin and sebum of the pilosebaceous orifice, or closed comedones (whiteheads) due to accretions of sebum and keratin deeper in the pilosebaceous ducts are always evident.

    PRESSURE SORES
Pressure sores are caused by ischaemia due to sustained or repeated pressure on skin overlying bony prominences. The sores starts as a localised area of erythema and progresses to a superficial blister or erosion. 

    VITILIGO (LEUCODERMA)
Little or no melanin is made in the skin and in the eyes in this disorder. Vitiligo is an acquired condition affecting 1% of all races, in which circumscribed depigmented patches develop. Generally vitiligo is often symmetical and frequently involves the wrists, knees and neck as well as the area around the body orifices. The hair of the scalp and beard may also depigment. 

Treatment and Remedies

Removing the root cause of the disease is the main line of treatment in Ayurveda. As stress and mental fatigue are major factors in development of skin disease, you should avoid them. So, simple things like maintaining a regular sleep pattern can work wonders in this regard. Yoga, meditation and other breathing exercises can keep the body steady and allow a sense of stillness and of being in-tune with nature.

Avoiding all foods and activities that increase pitta is a major treatment. Visiting an Ayurvedic physician can help you in this case, as the doctor can advise you a proper toxin elimination diet suitable for your constitution. Ayurveda believes that following a diet that is against the season or prakriti can cause imbalance in bodily energies, thereby contaminating body tissues resulting in skin disease.

Since skin diseases are primarily believed to be cause due to pitta aggravation, all foods or activities that increase the fire element in the body should be eliminated. These include all hot, spicy, oil, fried and greasy foods. Acidic foods like citrus fruits, tomatoes, yogurt and vinegar also should be avoided. Also avoid excess exposure to Sun, drinking too much coffee and tea, alcohol and use of tobacco, all of which can aggravate pitta.

Some ayurvedic home remedies suggested for skin problems are:

• > Mix equal quantities of Amla, turmeric, and neem leaves. A teaspoonful of this powder can be taken twice daily with water. If Amla and neem are not available, turmeric powder can be used in the dosage of half-a-teaspoon twice a day with water.
• > Boil neem leaves in water and wash the affected area with this water. Do not use normal soap if you are suffering from skin eruptions.
• > Add 5gms of powdered camphor to 100ml of coconut oil and store in a glass bottle. Place the bottle in sunlight for two hours, and apply this mixture on the affected area.
• > Take soft or mild laxatives to clear the bowels, as this is beneficial in treatment of skin diseases.  For this, take a teaspoonful of Triphala powder at bed time every night with warm water or milk. Else, have natural laxatives like raisins, figs and prunes.
• > Applying fresh juice of apricot leaves on affected parts of the body, gives relief in cases of eczema and scabies.
• > Wheat grass juice is an excellent skin tonic and is considered beneficial in treating skin diseases as it boosts immune system to fight the disease.
• > Aloevera is beneficial for skin diseases as it purifies blood.