Eczema
Eczema (dermatitis) causes dry, itchy, inflamed skin that may crack, ooze or thicken. It often comes and goes, and can be triggered by irritants, allergens, stress and climate. In Ayurveda it is described as Vicharchika, a skin disorder (Kushtha, a broad group of skin conditions) involving Kapha and Pitta, two of the three body-energy patterns (doshas) in Ayurveda, with impurity of the blood. It helps to know which skin condition this is: dry skin without redness or inflammation is covered on the Dry Skin page, itchy raised welts that come and go suggest hives, and thick, scaly patches on the elbows, knees or scalp may be psoriasis. Ayurvedic care may suit people with dry, itchy or recurring eczema who want a personal plan alongside their doctor’s or dermatologist’s care.
Visit us in Sector 75, Noida
C8, 5th Floor (Medical Floor), C-Tower, Spectrum Mall, Phase 1, Sector 75, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301Assessment & Treatment
- Consultation on triggers, skin care, diet, stress and medicines.
- Gentle skin care and moisturising.
- Herbal medicines and topical applications chosen for you.
- For persistent eczema, Virechana (therapeutic purgation) or, in selected cases, Raktamokshana (leech therapy).
Precautions & When to See a Doctor
See a doctor for infected eczema (yellow crusts, pus, fever), clusters of blisters, especially with fever, eczema near the eyes, rapidly spreading rash, eczema that keeps you awake or does not improve with treatment, or eczema in babies. Get urgent help for swelling of the face or lips or difficulty breathing after using any product. Some plant products can cause allergic reactions, so patch-test new applications. Herbal medicines can interact with other medicines and are not suitable for everyone, including in pregnancy, so tell us about every medicine and supplement you take. Virechana and leech therapy are supervised procedures with their own risks, such as dehydration (Virechana) or bleeding and infection (leech therapy), and they are not suitable for everyone, including during pregnancy. Blood tests such as haemoglobin and clotting are essential before bloodletting. Ayurvedic care here is complementary to medical care, not a replacement for it. Do not stop prescribed medicines without advice from your doctor.
Learn More
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What the Evidence Shows
- In a clinical study, performing Virechana before herbal treatment was associated with fewer eczema recurrences [1].
- Clinical studies reported relief of eczema symptoms with leech therapy [2] and compared leech therapy with venesection [3].
These studies are small, and larger, well-controlled trials are needed.
Prepared by the AyurSoul Healthcare team from the published research listed below. Medical review by Dr. Hemlata Soni, BAMS is in progress. This page is for education and does not replace individual medical advice. Medical disclaimer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is eczema contagious?
No. Eczema is not infectious, although it can become infected.
Can diet trigger eczema?
In some people. We look for your personal triggers rather than banning many foods.
Is Panchakarma needed for eczema?
Not always. It is considered for persistent or recurring eczema after assessment.
Clinical Research
3 studies: 1 clinical study, 2 narrative articles.
Show the 3 studies
Numbers in the text refer to this list. Each study is labelled by type: systematic reviews and randomised trials are stronger evidence than pilot studies or single case reports.
- Kaur M, Chandola H. Role of Virechana Karma in cure and prevention of recurrence of Vicharchika (Eczema). Ayu, 2012. Perspective / narrative article PubMed
- Shankar KM, Rao SD, Umar SN, et al.. A clinical trial for evaluation of leech application in the management of Vicarcikā (Eczema). Ancient science of life, 2014. Clinical study PubMed
- Raval HN, Thakar AB. Role of Raktamokshana by Jalaukavacharana and Siravedhana in the management of Vicharchika (Eczema). Ayu, 2012. Perspective / narrative article PubMed