What Is Eczema in Ayurveda? Understanding Vicharchika, Causes & Natural Healing

Introduction :

Eczema is a persistent skin condition that brings along itching, rough patches, and dryness. Many individuals also notice red spots and a burning sensation during flare-ups. While conventional medicine often zeroes in on managing symptoms, Ayurveda takes a different approach by addressing the root causes of eczema through detoxification, herbal remedies, dietary changes, and lifestyle adjustments.

In the Ayurvedic tradition, eczema is referred to as Vicharchika, a form of skin disorder. Both modern dermatology and Ayurveda recognize that eczema stems from internal imbalances, environmental factors, and a compromised skin barrier.

This blog will walk you through the ins and outs of eczema and its connection to Ayurveda, step by step.

🌱 What Is Eczema?

Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that disrupts the skin’s protective barrier, leading to:

• Dry skin
• Itchy rashes all over the body
• Red spots
• Flaky, rough patches
• Burning or irritation
• Itchy bumps
• Cracks from severe dryness.

These symptoms can flare up with cold weather, stress, certain soaps and detergents, dust, and specific foods.

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🌿 Eczema in Ayurveda: Vicharchika

In Ayurveda, eczema is known as Vicharchika, which arises from an imbalance among the Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas.

• Vata imbalance → extreme skin dryness and cracks
• Pitta imbalance → heat, burning sensations, and red spots
• Kapha imbalance → oozing, heaviness, and thick lesions

This means that the modern understanding of eczema aligns perfectly with the Ayurvedic concept of Vicharchika.

Ayurveda also highlights that the buildup of toxins (Ama) plays a significant role. When digestion falters, these toxins can mix with the blood (Rakta dhatu) and make their way to the skin, resulting in rashes, bumps, dryness, and irritation.

🔥 What Causes Eczema? (Modern Causes)

• Harsh soaps and chemicals
• Dust and allergens
• Low humidity levels
• Stress and lack of sleep
• Hormonal fluctuations
• Genetic factors
• Certain food triggers

🌿 What Causes Vicharchika? (Ayurvedic Causes)

According to Ayurvedic texts, Vicharchika starts with:

1.Weak Agni (Digestion)

When digestion is weak, it leads to the creation of Ama (toxins). These toxins can circulate in the bloodstream, irritating the skin and causing itching, dryness, and red spots.

2.Improper Food Combinations

• Milk paired with sour foods
• Milk with Fish
• Curd and seafood

3.Stress, Worry, and Anger

These emotions can disturb Vata and Pitta, leading to flare-ups.

4.Irregular Lifestyle

Staying up late, indulging in junk food, and overeating.

5.Chemical Exposure

From soaps, detergents, and perfumes.

🔎 Symptoms of Eczema

Eczema can show up in various ways, including:

• Dry skin
• Red spots
• Dry patches on the face
• Itchy rashes all over the body
• Itchy bumps
• Skin irritation
• Burning or tingling sensations
• Dry, itchy skin

Ayurveda recognizes all these symptoms as part of Vicharchika.

🌿 How Ayurveda Links These Symptoms to Doshas

• Vata → dryness, cracking, rough patches
• Pitta → redness, heat, burning sensations
• Kapha → oozing, swelling, stickiness

This is why it’s essential to balance all three doshas in treatment, rather than just slapping on some cream.

🟢 Ayurvedic Treatment for Eczema (Holistic & Step-by-Step)

Ayurveda tackles eczema at its source with a comprehensive holistic approach.

1.Panchakarma (Detoxification / Cleansing)

A vital step for chronic eczema:

✔ Snehana – Medicated oil massage

This helps hydrate dry skin.

✔ Swedana – Herbal steam

It opens pores and flushes out toxins.

✔ Virechana – Pitta cleansing

Perfect for those pesky red spots and burning sensations.

✔ Raktamokshana – Blood cleansing

2.Shamana (Internal Medicines)

Ayurvedic herbs that purify the blood and ease inflammation:

• Neem
• Manjistha
• Turmeric
• Guduchi
• Khadirarishta
• Mahamanjishtadi Kwath
• Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu

These herbs and herbal preparations work to alleviate itching, burning, and swelling while healing the skin from within.

3.Local Applications (External Relief)

These remedies provide relief from itching and redness:

🌿 Coconut Oil –

1. Warm a small amount of cold-pressed coconut oil.
2. Gently massage it over the affected area after your bath.

👉 For best results, apply it twice daily to combat dry skin.

🌱 Aloe Vera –

1. Use fresh aloe gel or a high-quality aloe vera product.
2. Apply a thin layer to the red spots and let it soak in naturally.

👉 Don’t rinse it off; reapply 2–3 times a day for optimal results.

🍃 Neem Oil –

1.Dilute neem oil with coconut oil (1:1 ratio).

2.Apply on itchy, inflamed areas at night.

👉 Leave it overnight for best results.

✨ Turmeric Paste –

1. Mix turmeric powder with a few drops of water or coconut oil.
2. Apply a thin layer on affected skin and leave for 15–20 minutes.

👉 Rinse gently; use once daily.

🧈 Herbal Ghees –

1. Take a small amount of medicated ghee (like neem ghee or turmeric ghee).
2. Apply smoothly over dry, cracked, or irritated patches.

👉 Best applied after bath and before bed.

🥣 Oatmeal Wash –

1. Add 2 tablespoons of oats to warm water; let it soak.
2. Use this water to wash affected areas or use as a 10-minute soak.

👉 Helps reduce itching and is great for itchy skin treatment at home.

Helpful for itchy skin treatment at home and dry skin remedies.

4.Diet for Eczema (Ayurvedic Skin Diet Plan)

Foods to Eat (Healing Foods)

• Ghee
• Warm meals
• Nuts & seeds
• Seasonal fruits
• Vegetables
• Coconut water

Foods to Avoid (Trigger Foods)

• Spicy food
• Sour food
• Fermented foods
• Pickles
• Junk food
• Foods to avoid for itchy skin like seafood & citrus

5.Lifestyle Correction (Daily Routine for Eczema Relief)

• Moisturize 2–3 times daily
• Avoid hot showers
• Use gentle cleansers
• Reduce stress
• Meditation & yoga
• Stop scratching
• Sleep 7–8 hours
• Wear cotton clothes

🧾 Conclusion

Eczema is not just a skin issue—it is an internal imbalance. Ayurveda provides a complete approach through detoxification, herbal medicines, diet correction, lifestyle balancing, and gentle local care. When the root cause is treated, the skin starts healing naturally, and symptoms like dryness of skin, itching, and red spots on skin reduce significantly.