Your skin is beautiful the way it is. What matters the most is the health of your skin. As the skin is the largest organ of the body, thus requires proper care. Along with being the largest organ, it is also one of the most important parts of the human body.
Reading this article will make users able to differentiate between 3 primary skin disorders.
Table of Contents
Skin diseases
Skin is important as it protects the internal organs from bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances. It maintains moisture, regulates the temperature of the body, and is responsible for touching sensation. Several skin disorders that primarily include Eczema, Psoriasis, or fungal infection are taking birth to some habits like applying a lot of chemical-based products, not eating healthy, and not maintaining hygiene.
In Ayurveda, these skin disorders are known as Kushtha. The imbalance of Tri-Doshas is considered for the birth of these skin ailments.
Learn why people suffer from skin diseases.
Doubtlessly, the number of skin patients is rising day by day. There are numerous factors that could result in skin diseases. However, the primary reasons that highlight the risk to get skin disorders among people are:
- Aggravated Pitta Dosha.
- Unhealthy or poor diet.
- Use of chemical-based skin products.
- Allergic to certain fumes, dust, dander, fumes, and pets.
- Poor immune system.
- Not maintaining hygiene.
- Heavy alcohol consumption.
- Genes.
- Any skin injury.
- Stress and hypertension.
Types of Skin Disorders
This article contains significant information regarding three intolerable skin disorders, namely- Eczema, Psoriasis, and Fungal infection. Acne, rashes, itchiness, redness, and pain are some common symptoms that the patient might face in these skin disorders.
In-depth information regarding these disorders is mentioned in the next section of the article.
The first in the line is Eczema.
1) Eczema (Vicharchika)
It is also called dermatitis. As per Ayurveda, the Dosha of fire and water- Pitta Dosha is responsible for this skin disorder. It makes the skin inflamed and itchy. Scaly patches start to occur on the skin, which looks very discomforting. In such a condition, the skin barrier will start losing its ability to protect the body from foreign substances because of low immunity.
Types of Eczema/ Vicharchika
1. ATOPIC DERMATITIS
This type of dermatitis is the most common. This type of eczema could be genetic. The symptoms of atopic eczema can come and go for years throughout the years and can imbricate with other types of Eczema also.
However, it can occur to anyone but it is witnessed more in children. It primarily affects flexes of elbows, the back region of the knees, and the front area of the neck.
2. CONTACT DERMATITIS
This type of eczema occurs due to coming in contact with certain triggers or allergens. It is further of two subtypes- Irritant and Allergic.
People might get this type of eczema from soaps, makeup, beauty creams, medicines, woolen, nylon, rubber slippers, gold, copper, brass, silver or other types of metal. It is necessary to know that coming in contact or touching with what material triggers your eczema.
3. DYSHIDROTIC ECZEMA
Dyshidrotic Eczema usually affects the palms & fingers of the hands and the soles of the feet. Bumps or blisters start developing on your skin. Such type of dermatitis can arise due to seasonal allergies or external factors like humid weather. Dyshidrotic eczema is found more in women as compared to men.
4. NEURODERMATITIS
Unlike Atopic dermatitis, the patches of neurodermatitis are confined, say two to three. But these few patches are very rigid and generally do not disappear without medical treatment.
To deal with this condition, Ayurvedic treatment for Eczema has been proven the most effective.
5. NUMMULAR ECZEMA
This type of dermatitis results in itchy and sometimes oozing coined-shaped patches. It is very discomforting to look at them and at the same time, they are very painful. The main cause of this type of eczema is already having some kind of eczema or allergic reaction, insect bite, dry skin etc. This is mainly differentiated from other types on the basis of its look.
6. SEBORRHEIC DERMATITIS
As per Ayurveda, the increase in Kapha Dosha and Vayu Dosha inside the body is the main cause of this disorder. In such a condition, yellow, grey and white patches and scales start appearing mainly behind your ears, nose corners, chest, beard area, on the back and the head. Such patches cause intolerable itchiness to the patient.
7. STASIS DERMATITIS
Utthana Vatarakha is the name used for depicting this type of Eczema under Ayurveda. People with poor circulation are more prone to get this type. In this situation, the fluids start leaking out of weakened veins into the skin. It primarily affects the lower legs.
2) Psoriasis (Kitibha)
Kitibha is the name used for depicting the disorder of psoriasis under Ayurveda. The unbalanced Kapha Dosha and Vata Dosha result in this type of skin ailment. It is an auto-immune skin disorder.
Under this condition, skin cells build up multiple times quicker than their ordinary course of action. It leads to the formation of patchy, itchy and scaly skin. The disorder of Psoriasis can occur on any part of your body but it majorly affects knees, elbows, trunk and scalp.
Types of Psoriasis/ Kitibha
1. Plaque Psoriasis
It is also called Psoriasis Vulgaris. This type of psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis that might affect 7 out of 10 patients with psoriasis. The indications of plague psoriasis are inflamed and itchy red patches that are covered with white or silvered-colored dead skin.
2. Guttate Psoriasis
This type of psoriasis comes on the second that is commonly witnessed after plaque psoriasis. It primarily affects children and young adults. In this, small dots-like lesions starts appearing on your upper arms, trunks, scalp, or thighs because of bacterial infections. However, these tiny lesions go away within a few weeks on their own. But in some cases, they could be chronic.
3. Inverse Psoriasis
The skin fold regions of your body get this type of psoriasis. Red lesions start developing in areas of your buttocks, breast, armpits and groin which can pain extremely with friction and sweat. It is different from other types of psoriasis because unlike others it does not necessarily have scales.
4. Erythrodermic Psoriasis
It is a rare type of psoriasis in which intolerable pain and itching make the skin come off in sheets. The symptoms of Erythrodermic psoriasis can vary from person to person. Psoriasis Ayurvedic treatment is widely used for getting rid of this skin disorder.
5. Pustular Psoriasis
Shiny and white pustules or blisters of non-contagious pus covered by the red skin start occurring on the skin. They could occur anywhere on the body but it mainly affects small areas of your soles or palms. Stress, anxiety, sudden withdrawal from the usage of steroids or skin infections can result in this type of psoriasis.
3) Fungal Infection (Dadru)
A fungal infection is called Dadru under Ayurveda. The reason for the occurrence of this disorder is Kapha Dosha and Pitta Dosha. It is a serious skin disorder that is caused by the growth and spread of certain fungi on body tissues. A fungus requires a humid temperature or unhygienic elements to develop that’s the reason it mainly affects the eyes, ears, gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, toe & finger-nails, mouth, or skin.
Ayurvedic treatment for Fungal infection becomes necessary to handle this disorder effectively because if not treated properly it can spread also.
Types of Fungal Infections/ Dadru
1. Athlete’s foot
This type is also called Tinea Pedis. It is the most common type of fungal infection and is more common in males as compared to females. The patient with Athlete’s foot face peeling, cracking, itchy feet and blisters. The main reason for such a type of fungal infection is the warm and humid environment that could arise due to using clothes, shoes, and socks for a long time or excessive sweating. It mainly affects the feet that’s why it is called Athlete’s foot.
2. Jock Itch
A person who is already suffering from any type of skin like eczema is more prone to get such type of fungal infection. Persistent itching, redness, burning sensation, and cracked skin are some signs of this Jock itch fungal infection. It mainly affects the groin areas like the buttocks, genitals, and inner thighs.
3. Ringworm
The type of fungal infection is more seen in children but can occur in adults also. The circle-shaped lesions start appearing on the surface mainly on your arms, legs, buttocks or trunk. There is pain and a burning sensation in these ring-shaped lesions. If proper precautions are not followed these can spread very fast.
4. Scalp Fungal Infection
It is also called Tinea Capitis. This type of fungal infection is a further sub-type of ringworm. The basic difference is that it mainly affects the scalp thus resulting in hair loss. Scalp ringworms are generally witnessed in children.
5. Yeast Infections
Yeast is a type of fungus. This type of infection mainly affects the vagina, nails and mouth. Although it is not contagious but it is extremely painful. The patient can experience intolerable pain, swelling, and rashes under this condition.
6. Thrush Fungal infection
This is an infection of the mouth. When the growth of Candida exceeds a certain limit then such type of infection can develop. Your tongue tends to have white or light yellow raised lesions. You are more prone to get this type of infection if you are pregnant, are on antibiotics, or have a poor immune system.
What’s The Difference Between Eczema, Psoriasis, and Fungal Infection?
Although most of the symptoms of these skin disorders are similar to each other. But one can use the following heads in order to differentiate between Eczema, Psoriasis, and Fungal infection.
1. Dosha Imbalance
Kushtha (skin disorders) are caused by the imbalance of three primary Doshas namely- Pitta Dosha, Kapha Dosha, and Vata Dosha.
Psoriasis/Kitibha is caused due to aggravated Vata Dosha and Kapha Dosha. An unbalanced Pitta Dosha can lead to Vicharchika/Eczema.
Whereas Fungal infections or Dadru arises due to an imbalance of Kapha Dosha and Pitta Dosha.
2. Contagious
Contagious diseases are those that can spread from one person to another. The diseases of Eczema and Psoriasis are not contagious but a fungal infection can spread from one person to another by physical contact and sharing of clothes or shoes etc.
3. Auto-immune disorder
As per Ayurveda, a disorder that occurs due to aggravated Ama which usually results from low Agni and Ojasis an auto-immune disorder. It is a condition where the immune system starts attacking its own healthy cells instead of harmful external substances.
Out of these 3 skin disorders, Psoriasis is auto-immune. However, Eczema and fungal infection are not auto-immune disorders.
Treatment & Prevention
Neglecting the symptoms of these disorders will act like an open invitation to other serious health complications. Thus, proper medical action is necessary for these skin disorders.
Following are some general tips shared by the Ayurvedic experts of Dr. Sharda Ayurveda that can be used to diagnose these skin related disorders:
1. Adopt Ayurveda
Choose Ayurveda which is a holistic branch of healing. It provides several home-based herbal remedies that can be used to get rid of skin-related issues naturally.
Herbs like Haridra, Triphala, Neema, Shatavari, and Tulsi are some powerful herbs that are easy to find and can be used as an Ayurvedic treatment for skin diseases.
2. Modify your diet
The diet has a direct connection with your skin. If you often eat stale, uncooked food or junk food you are more prone to get these skin ailments.
Therefore it is suggested to eat fruits and vegetables that help to keep the skin clean and disease-free. Oranges, apples, watermelons, pomegranates, berries, grapes, lemons, cucumber, broccoli, cauliflower, Kale, Spinach, and Sprouts are some wonderful foods for keeping skin healthy.
3. Maintain Hygiene
“Prevention is better than cure”- Rightly said. One should maintain a proper hygiene in order to prevent skin disorders. Taking a bath daily, changing clothes every day, and not sharing towels or sweaty/ dirty clothes are some simple measures through which these skin issues can be prevented.
4. Yoga and meditation
One of the best things that one can go for is doing Yoga and Meditation. It blesses the person with inner peace and reduces stress and anxiety as these skin disorders always come along with psychological discomfort & hypertension.
5. Avoid chemical-based products
Stop using chemical-based soaps, shampoos, beauty creams, moisturizers, or any other product. These products put a bad effect on your skin and if you are already facing any skin issues, then using these products will worsen the condition.
Instead of these harmful products, use natural moisturizers like virgin coconut oil, and sesame oil, lavender oil, neem paste, aloe vera gel, and choose those products in which natural elements and herbs are used as the primary ingredient.
The Takeaway
At the end of the day, it has been concluded that skin disorders could prove really painful and discomforting. Effective treatment for skin disease is mandatory to prevent consequential health complications.
Ayurveda has been proven the most reliable way that can be used in both- the prevention as well as the treatment of skin disorders. Therefore, do not neglect minor skin issues and treat them naturally.