As a mum to three children with sensitive skin, eczema has always been a regular part of our lives. From red, itchy patches to those sleepless nights scratching and soothing, I know first-hand how distressing this skin condition can be — both for children and parents. Over the years, I’ve explored countless creams, medications, and lifestyle changes, but one approach that truly stood out was the ayurvedic treatment for eczema.
Drawing on the ancient ayurvedic wisdom of natural healing, this approach focuses on balancing the body from within to relieve eczema symptoms and prevent flare-ups. If you’re a parent like me, seeking a gentle yet effective way to treat eczema, ayurveda might just be the holistic answer you’ve been searching for.
Understanding Eczema Through the Lens of Ayurveda
Eczema is a chronic skin condition marked by itching, inflammation, dryness, and sometimes oozing patches. It’s also referred to as atopic dermatitis, particularly when it starts in early childhood. In our home, childhood eczema first appeared in nappies and creases, later evolving into rough, inflamed skin on the arms and legs.
According to Ayurveda, eczema is known as “Vicharchika,” a type of skin disorder that results from an imbalance in the three doshas: vata, pitta, and kapha. These are the vital energies that govern our body’s physiological functions.
When these doshas are disturbed — often due to diet, stress, seasonal changes, or environmental toxins — they can manifest as conditions like eczema.
Root Cause of Eczema in Ayurveda
Rather than just treating surface symptoms, ayurvedic treatments aim to uncover and correct the root cause of eczema. For my children, this approach meant looking deeper into digestion, emotional wellbeing, and lifestyle habits.
Imbalances in pitta dosha are commonly linked to inflammation, redness, and burning sensations, which are classic eczema symptoms. Kapha dosha can contribute to thickening of the skin and oozing, while vata brings dryness and flakiness.
Understanding the root cause helped us choose the right treatment plan and avoid factors that aggravate eczema symptoms.
The Ayurvedic Approach to Eczema
The ayurvedic approach is holistic. It combines herbal remedies, diet, lifestyle changes, detoxification, and stress management to heal the body from within.
1. Herbal Remedies and Ayurvedic Formulations
We found great relief using ayurvedic herbs like neem, manjistha, turmeric, and guduchi — all known to reduce inflammation and support healthy skin. A soothing cream made from ghee, turmeric, and sandalwood was our go-to for flare-ups.
These natural remedies not only calmed irritated skin but also helped detoxify and rejuvenate the system.
2. Diet for Eczema: Healing from Within
Ayurveda offers personalised dietary guidelines based on your child’s dosha. For eczema patients, avoiding spicy, oily, and processed foods was key. We introduced cooling foods like cucumber, leafy greens, and coconut water to pacify aggravated pitta.
Minimising dairy and sugar also helped prevent eczema flare-ups in our household.
3. Panchakarma: Detoxifying the Body
Some ayurvedic clinics recommend panchakarma, a series of detox therapies designed to cleanse toxins from the body. Though we didn’t go down this route, many eczema cases have responded well to panchakarma under the care of a qualified ayurvedic doctor.
4. Managing Triggers and Stress
Since stress can trigger eczema, I’ve introduced gentle breathing exercises and yoga for my older children. Incorporating stress management into our routine has made a noticeable difference, especially during exam season when eczema tends to aggravate.
Working with Your Ayurvedic Practitioner
If you’re considering this route, it’s essential to consult an ayurvedic practitioner. A trained ayurvedic expert can help identify your child’s dosha imbalance, suggest personalised ayurvedic medicine, and monitor their progress safely.
We worked with a local ayurvedic clinic, and their guidance made all the difference. They adjusted our plan regularly depending on seasonal shifts and symptom intensity.
Eczema Treatment That Empowers Parents
As a parent, it’s empowering to understand how the power of Ayurveda can address skin disorders such as eczema without relying solely on steroid creams or synthetic medication. We’ve seen not just fewer eczema flare-ups, but an overall improvement in mood, digestion, and energy levels.
And while there’s no one-size-fits-all cure, incorporating ayurvedic eczema treatment into your family’s routine may offer long-term relief and a more harmonious way to manage eczema.
Final Thoughts: Ayurvedic Treatment for Eczema as a Holistic Solution
If your child is suffering from eczema, don’t lose hope. Ayurvedic treatments offer more than a quick fix — they deliver a holistic approach that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit. Whether you’re dealing with chronic eczema, dermatitis, or seasonal flare-ups, exploring traditional ayurvedic remedies could bring the comfort and healing your family deserves.
With the right support, natural remedies and lifestyle changes can transform your child’s experience — and your own peace of mind — one gentle step at a time.