What Are Ayurvedic Treatments for Eczema? Causes, Treatment & Healing

Eczema, also known as Vicharchika in Ayurveda, is a chronic skin disorder that causes itching, redness, dryness, inflammation, and sometimes oozing of the skin. This skin condition can be highly uncomfortable and may impact the quality of life for many. While modern medicine offers various ointments and steroid-based treatments to manage eczema symptoms, Ayurveda goes a step further by addressing the root cause using natural remedies, herbs, diet, and lifestyle changes.

In this blog, we will explore:

What is Eczema in Ayurveda?

In Ayurveda, eczema is known as “Vicharchika”, and it is considered a type of Kushtha (skin disorder). Ayurveda believes that the body functions with a balance of three doshas – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. When this balance is disturbed due to poor diet, lifestyle, or mental health, it leads to diseases.

Eczema is mainly caused by the imbalance of all three doshas, especially Pitta and Kapha.

According to Ayurvedic texts:

• Vata causes dryness and itching.

• Pitta causes redness, inflammation, and a burning sensation.

• Kapha leads to oozing and thickening of the skin.
  

Ayurvedic treatment focuses on restoring doshic balance using internal and external therapies.

Causes of Eczema in Ayurveda

Ayurveda identifies several factors that may lead to eczema or Vicharchika. These include:

1. Poor Digestion (Agnimandya)

Weak digestive fire causes the accumulation of Ama (toxins) in the body, which gets deposited in the skin and causes eczema.

2. Imbalanced Diet

Consuming incompatible foods such as fish with milk, too much spicy or oily food, or processed items may aggravate doshas.

3. Stress and Mental Factors

Long-term stress and suppressed emotions disturb Vata and Pitta, which can result in skin disorders.

4. Environmental Triggers

Exposure to allergens, pollution, and harsh chemicals may worsen eczema symptoms.

5. Improper Daily Routine

Irregular sleeping habits, lack of exercise, and poor hygiene can trigger skin issues.

Common Symptoms of Eczema (Vicharchika)

The Ayurvedic symptoms of eczema include:

• Itching (Kandu)

• Redness (Raga)

• Oozing or fluid discharge (Srava)

• Dryness and flakiness (Rukshta)

• Skin discoloration (Vaivarnyata)

• Burning sensation (Daha)

• Thickened or scaly skin
  

These symptoms can appear on hands, legs, face, or any part of the body and may flare up periodically.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Eczema: Holistic & Natural

Ayurvedic eczema treatment is a three-fold approach:

1. Shodhana (Cleansing) – Eliminates toxins from the body.

2. Shamana (Palliative Care) – Balances the aggravated doshas.

3. Nidana Parivarjana – Avoiding the root causes and triggers.
   

Let’s understand these treatments in detail.

1. Panchakarma Therapy – Detoxification Treatment

Panchakarma is a set of 5 therapies used to cleanse the body from within. It’s considered the first step in chronic eczema management.

• Virechana (Purgation Therapy) – Used when Pitta dosha is dominant. It cleanses the liver and gut.

• Raktamokshana (Bloodletting) – Removes impure blood using leech therapy or syringes.

• Abhyanga (Oil Massage) – Balances Vata dosha and improves skin moisture.

• Swedana (Steam Therapy) – Opens skin pores and helps remove toxins.

• Basti (Medicated Enema) – Used to calm aggravated Vata dosha.
  

⚠️ Note: Panchakarma must be done under expert supervision.

2. Herbal Ayurvedic Medicines for Eczema

Ayurvedic herbs are used in the form of oils, powders, decoctions, and tablets. Here are the most effective ones:

A. Neem (Azadirachta indica)

• Powerful blood purifier

• Reduces itching and inflammation

• Used as paste, oil, or capsules
  

B. Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia)

• Improves lymphatic system

• Clears toxins from blood

• Used in decoction or churna form
  

C. Haridra (Turmeric)

• Strong anti-inflammatory properties

• Calms Pitta dosha

• Used internally and externally
  

D. Khadira (Acacia catechu)

• Effective in all skin disorders

• Purifies blood and dries oozing wounds
  

E. Aloe Vera (Kumari)

• Soothes burning and itching

• Used as a natural moisturizer
  

F. Triphala

• Promotes digestion and bowel movements

• Reduces toxin load in the body

3. Ayurvedic Oils for Eczema

External application of oils helps reduce dryness and scaling:

• Nalpamaradi Thailam – Best for oozing and inflamed eczema

• Karanja Oil – Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory

• Jatyadi Oil – Helps in healing eczema wounds

• Mahamarichyadi Oil – Works for fungal or chronic skin conditions

Massage affected areas gently with these oils twice a day for relief.

Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Eczema

Here are some safe and effective home remedies based on Ayurvedic principles:

1. Neem Leaves Bath

Boil neem leaves in water and use that water for bathing. It reduces itching and infection.

2. Turmeric and Milk Paste

Mix 1 tsp turmeric with warm milk and apply to eczema patches to reduce inflammation.

3. Aloe Vera Gel Application

Fresh aloe vera gel soothes burning and hydrates dry skin.

4. Sandalwood Paste

Has cooling and antiseptic properties. Apply for Pitta-dominant eczema.

5. Oatmeal Soak (Ayurvedic Style)

Mix oats with rose water and use as a scrub to soothe irritated skin.

Ayurvedic Diet for Eczema

Ayurveda emphasizes Ahara (diet) as medicine. Following a dosha-specific diet can significantly help.

Avoid:

• Spicy, fried, and oily foods

• Sour curd, vinegar, fermented foods

• Seafood and red meat

• Excess salt and sugar

• Cold drinks and alcohol
  

Include:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables

• Whole grains like rice, barley, and wheat

• Amla (Indian gooseberry)

• Cumin, coriander, and fennel in meals

• Buttermilk (thin, diluted)

• Cow’s ghee – acts as a natural moisturizer
  

💡 Drink lukewarm water throughout the day to flush toxins.

Lifestyle Changes for Long-Term Relief

To manage eczema successfully, lifestyle changes are equally important.

• Practice regular yoga and meditation to manage stress.

• Follow a daily routine (Dinacharya) and sleep cycle.

• Avoid scratching or using chemical-based soaps.

• Wear cotton and breathable clothes.

• Keep skin moisturized with herbal oils.

• Avoid excessive sun exposure.
  

Modern Medicine vs Ayurveda: Which is Better?

Ayurveda may take longer but offers natural and sustainable healing for eczema without harsh chemicals.

FAQs on Ayurvedic Treatment for Eczema

1. Is Ayurveda effective in curing eczema permanently?
Ayurveda aims to treat the root cause of eczema by balancing the doshas and purifying the body. While results vary, many patients experience long-term relief with consistent treatment, lifestyle changes, and diet control.

2. Can I apply coconut oil on eczema as per Ayurveda?
Yes, coconut oil is recommended in Ayurveda for its cooling and moisturizing properties. It helps reduce dryness and itching. For better results, you can mix it with turmeric or neem oil.

3. Are there any side effects of Ayurvedic medicines for eczema?
Most Ayurvedic medicines are made from natural herbs and are safe when taken under professional guidance. However, self-medication can lead to side effects, so always consult an Ayurvedic practitioner.

4. How long does Ayurvedic treatment take to show results in eczema?
Results depend on the severity of eczema and your body constitution. Some people see improvement in 2–4 weeks, while others may take 2–3 months. Consistency with herbs, diet, and lifestyle is essential.

5. What foods should I avoid during Ayurvedic treatment for eczema?
Avoid spicy, sour, fermented, and processed foods. Stay away from dairy like curd and cheese, fried snacks, sugar, and junk food. These aggravate Pitta and Kapha dosha and worsen eczema symptoms.

Final Thoughts: Healing Eczema Naturally Through Ayurveda

Eczema can be emotionally and physically draining, but Ayurveda provides a natural, safe, and effective solution by treating the root cause instead of just suppressing symptoms. Whether through detox therapies like Panchakarma, herbal formulations, or changes in diet and lifestyle, Ayurvedic treatment restores balance to the body and supports healthy skin from within.

If you’re dealing with eczema, consider consulting an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner and adopting this ancient wisdom for long-term skin health.