Ayurvedic Treatment for Skin Allergy

Introduction

Are you embarrassed by red, bumpy, itchy skin? Such skin is irritating, and painful and may occur due to various causes like exposure to certain plants (poison ivy, for example), allergic reactions to a certain food, medication, chemicals, seasonal changes, insect bite, stress, etc., and is known as skin allergy.

The common dermatological problem occurs when harmless substances mistakenly act as a threat to the immune system and release histamines and other inflammatory chemicals resulting in skin allergy. Both external and internal triggers can result in skin allergies in which various symptoms like swelling of skin, redness, rashes, etc. occur.

The most common types of skin allergy are dermatitis, hives, angioedema, drug-induced skin allergy, etc. In Ayurveda, the main cause of various allergies is the toxin (Ama) produced by low digestive fire (Manda Agni) and results in Vitiated blood (Rakta), Pitta, Kapha, etc. The skin allergy can be co-related to toxin (Ama), Virudha Ahara (food incompatibility), Asatmyata, etc. in Ayurveda which results in various skin allergy symptoms.

Here, you will find the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and Ayurvedic treatment for skin allergies like Panchakarma Procedures (internal purification of the body), Yoga procedures, Single Herbs, Diet and Lifestyle modification, etc. The treatment helps in removing the toxins (Ama) and balancing the vitiated Dosha, which will certainly help to treat skin allergies.

What is Skin Allergy?

An abnormal response of the immune system to the internal or external stimulus which results in the release of various inflammatory chemicals, histamines, etc. in the body is known as skin allergy.

In skin allergy due to histamine release various symptoms are seen in the skin which are irritating, and painful like swelling, redness, itching, and other dermatological symptoms that depend upon the severity of the reaction and the cause may be acute or chronic.

Skin Allergy – As Per Ayurveda

Allergy has no known etiology, and it is difficult to compare or co-relate skin allergies to one single disease. In Ayurveda, the imbalance of Tridosha leads to the accumulation of toxins (Ama) in the body. The key factors in Ayurveda that result in skin allergy are weak digestive fire (Manda Agni), incompatible food (Viruddha Ahara), Asatmayata (Incompatibility), impure blood (Dushta Rakta), external exposure to certain conditions like dust (Raja), Chemicals, seasonal changes (Ritu Parivartan), etc. Along with this, skin allergies are linked to Kustha Roga (Skin disorders), Sheet Pitta, Udarda, Vicharkika, etc.

Who Gets Affected by Skin Allergy?

Skin allergies can affect anyone including infants, children, adults, and old people but the people who are at high risk of having skin allergies are the individuals having a family history of allergies. People with weakened immunity and those who frequently are exposed to pollen, allergens, climate change, chemicals, etc. are more affected by skin allergies.

Autoimmune disorders and digestive disorders are also key factors that make individuals more prone to skin allergies. Stress is also the leading cause of various kinds of skin allergies.

How Common is Skin Allergy?

A recent survey revealed that around 1 in 5 individuals have skin allergies and contact dermatitis is the most common type of skin allergy that affects the individual, i.e. approximately 20%.

Studies also revealed that among children the most prevalent skin allergy is eczema (atopic dermatitis) i.e. approximately 15%. 16.5 million United States individuals have eczema, and nearly 40% are affected with moderate to severe disease.

In one prevalence study, it was found that 20.2% of the participants reacted to at least one allergen which resulted in skin allergy. Urticaria i.e. hives occur in approximately 20% of people at some point in their lives.

The Common Type of Skin Allergy

• Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) – The common type of skin allergy that is chronic and causes itchy, red, and inflamed skin. This condition is most common among children.
• Contact Dermatitis – The most common condition that occurs when skin contact with allergens like nickel, latex, cosmetics, etc. is known as contact dermatitis.
• Urticaria (Hives) – The condition caused by insect bites, certain food, medication, etc. which results in raised, itchy welts on the skin are known as urticaria.
• Angioedema – The skin allergy usually occurring with hives which results in swelling beneath the skin, is known as angioedema.
• Drug-Induced Skin Allergies – Certain medications may result in hypersensitivity which results in rashes or hives, etc. is known as drug-induced skin allergies.
• Photodermatitis – An allergic reaction that occurs due to exposure to sunlight is known as photodermatitis.