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Ayurveda Treatment for Eczema

Overview

Eczema, or “Vicharchika” in Ayurveda, is an umbrella term for a group of skin conditions marked by inflammation, itching, dryness, and recurrent flare-ups. It affects people of all ages and tends to appear on hands, elbows, the face, and the scalp. The symptoms frequently fluctuate and have a significant impact on sleep, mental health, and overall quality of life.
In modern medicine, eczema includes a spectrum of skin conditions—like atopic dermatitis and contact eczema—and is usually managed with steroids or antihistamines. However, these treatments often offer only temporary relief, accompanied by a risk of side effects and a higher likelihood of recurrence.
Ayurveda recognises Vicharchika as a Tridoshaja Kushtha, predominantly involving Kapha and Pitta doshas, with Vata playing a role in dryness and cracking. Aggravated doshas, caused by factors like improper diet, poor digestion, stress, and environmental triggers, lead to the manifestation of skin lesions and intense itching. All skin disorders result from the involvement of three doshas, along with twak (skin), rakta (blood), mamsa (muscle tissues), and lasika (lymphatic system).
In Apollo AyurVAID, eczema management is a comprehensive, widely individualised, and protocol-driven approach (Precision Ayurveda). The approach aims to tackle the root causes of the disease rather than manage its symptoms.
The whole-person health assessment identifies the condition’s root cause. Following such an assessment, a trained team of Ayurveda physicians designs a personalised protocol combining classical Ayurveda medications and therapies, detoxification of a specific nature, and changes in diet and lifestyle.
Our treatment aims to reduce inflammation, restore skin barrier function, and prevent flare-ups, offering long-term relief and improved quality of life without steroid dependence.

Who Can Benefit and Who May Not: Ayurveda Treatment Scope in Eczema

Who May Benefit from Ayurveda Treatment?

  • Individuals with chronic, recurrent, mild to moderate eczema seeking non-steroidal alternatives to treat the root cause of the disease
  • Individuals experiencing flare-ups despite conventional treatments or experiencing side effects with conventional treatments
  • Individuals with Treatment-Resistant or Steroid-Dependent Eczema
  • Individuals with co-morbidities like asthma, allergic rhinitis, or autoimmune issues.
  • Children with eczema and people suffering from the condition who have fragile skin
  • Holistic and Integrative Care Seekers
  • Individuals Searching for Whole-Person Healing

Who May Not Benefit from Ayurveda Treatment?

  • Whereas Ayurveda tries to reverse the root cause in eczema patients, the treatment may be limited to controlling symptoms in certain situations, as follows:
  • Severe, widespread, or infected eczema patients who need urgent medical care
  • Patients with rapidly progressing symptoms or secondary infections
  • Very weak patients who cannot tolerate Panchakarma therapies
  • Patients with secondary infections or fever
  • Pregnant women (some treatments are contraindicated)

What Eczema Patients Can Expect from AyurVAID's Approach

Modern medicine describes eczema as a chronic inflammatory skin condition with deeper systemic imbalances involving immunity, skin barrier dysfunction, environmental triggers, and genetic susceptibility.

The treatments are aimed at symptom control and inflammation management. These are 

  • Topical therapies such as corticosteroids, calcineurin, and moisturisation
  • Antihistamines for itching 
  • Systemic medicines in severe conditions
  • Avoidance of triggers, skin care procedures

Ayurveda treatment for eczema is comprehensive. The patient can expect the following services along with conventional treatment:

  • Address Root Causes: Underlying causes are identified and treated, such as digestive abnormalities (imbalance of Agni), toxin accumulation (Ama), and immune dysregulation.
  • Decreased Inflammation and Itching: Ayurveda treatments decrease inflammation and itching and restore good skin texture through a combination of external therapies and internal medicines that soothe the aggravated doshas.
  • Improve Skin Barrier Function: Therapies restore the skin’s natural barrier function, lowering sensitivity to irritants and allergens.
  • Prevent Recurrence and Flare-ups: Individualised diet, lifestyle changes, and seasonal routines prevent triggers and ensure remission.
  • Minimise Steroid Dependence: Ayurveda therapies enhance skin condition naturally, thus minimising steroid dependency.
  • Control Comorbid Allergic Disorders: A holistic strategy covers comorbid disorders such as allergic rhinitis and food intolerance.
  • Enhance Quality of Life: In addition to skin clearance, Ayurveda treatments provide physical ease, mental peace, and overall wellness improvement.

Causative Factors (Nidanas) for Eczema

The disease originates from complicated interactions between the physiological imbalances of Kapha, Pitta, and Vata doshas. Different dietary, lifestyle, and environmental factors cause these imbalances in different individuals. The following list includes some of these contributing factors: 

Dietary Factors (Aharaja):

  • Too much cold, sweet, and heavy food promotes Kapha
  • Consumption of spicy, sour, and fermented foods enhances Pitta
  • Food allergies and intolerances (most commonly to dairy, wheat, eggs, nuts)
  • Irregular food habits and inappropriate timing of meals
  • Ingestion of processed foods containing artificial additives and preservatives
  • Ingestion of incompatible food items (e.g., milk with fish, milk with sour fruits) regularly

Lifestyle Factors (Viharaja):

  • Exposure to environmental irritants (soaps, detergents, fabrics)
  • Climate extremes (Cold and dry weather worsening Vata)
  • Poor personal hygiene or excessive cleansing deprives the natural oils
  • Contact with allergens in consumer products
  • Vegadharana (suppression of natural urges)

Psychological Factors (Manasika):

  • Chronic stress and anxiety initiate immune reactions
  • Emotional trauma or unresolved bereavement
  • Sleep disturbances in wound repair mechanisms
  • Anger and irritability (Pitta imbalance)

Physiological Changes:

  • Genetic predisposition (family history of atopic diseases)
  • Immunocompromised state (Ojas depletion)
  • Endocrine imbalances (especially during pregnancy and menstruation)
  • Past skin trauma or infections
  • Gut dysfunction impacts general immunity

Symptoms (Rupa) of Eczema

Eczema appears with several signs and symptoms, such as

  • Severe Itching (Kandu): Worse at night, resulting in scratch-itch cycle
  • Dry, Sensitive Skin (Rukshata): Excessive dryness and sensitivity to irritants
  • Redness and Inflammation (Raga): Inflamed areas that may be darker in darker skin types
  • Swelling (Shotha): Edema of affected areas
  • Cracking and Fissures (Sphutana): Particularly in chronic cases with Vata predominance
  • Oozing (Srava): Clear fluid discharge in acute stages with Pitta predominance
  • Thickening (Kharatva): Lichenification due to chronic scratching and inflammation
  • Scaling and Flaking: Small scales of dead skin are peeling from the involved areas
  • Hyperpigmentation: Dark spots persisting after active inflammation has subsided

Common types are:

  • Atopic dermatitis: Most prevalent type, commonly starting in childhood with dry, itchy patches in flexural regions
  • Contact dermatitis: Localised contact reactions to irritants or allergens
  • Seborrheic dermatitis: Scalp and face with redness and greasy scales
  • Dyshidrotic eczema: Small, intensely itchy vesicles on hands and feet
  • Nummular eczema: Coin-shaped lesions, typically on arms and legs
  • Stasis dermatitis: Associated with poor circulation, usually on the lower legs

Samprapti (Pathogenesis) of Eczema

Tridosha Imbalance (Dosha Prakopa)
The evolution of eczema starts with the vitiation or derangement of the three basic doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Each dosha produces the condition differently: Vata causes dryness, roughness, and cracking of the skin; Pitta produces inflammation, redness, and burning; and Kapha causes oozing, swelling, and pruritus. Depending on the leading dosha, the clinical picture of eczema differs, thus rendering the condition multifaceted in its presentation.

Compromised Digestion and Toxin Production (Agni Mandya and Ama Utpatti)
When Agni (digestive fire) is low, it causes improper digestion of food, which in turn creates metabolic toxins called Ama. These toxins get absorbed in the system and flow through the Rasa (lymph system) and Rakta (blood), resulting in skin deposition. This deposition irritates the tissues, causes inflammation and an immune response, and contributes to long-term conditions such as eczema.


Blockage of Channels of Nutrition (Srotorodha)
The Ama collection clogs the Rasavaha and Raktavaha Srotas, i.e., the highways for transporting nutrition to the skin. The clog disturbs normal nourishment and cleansing of the tissues, resulting in the engorgement of waste and a dosha imbalance. The skin is deprived of the necessary nutrients, which leads to the development of lesions, discoloration, and other pathological alterations.

Skin Barrier Dysfunction
As doshas build up and channels get clogged, the body’s natural defence barrier in the skin gets disrupted. In healthy skin, the skin keeps moisture inside and prevents environmental irritants and allergens from reaching the skin. In eczema, the defence barrier weakens, leading to enhanced loss of moisture and entry of external irritants into the skin, which, in turn, further exacerbates the skin and continues the inflammatory process.

Immune Dysregulation and Disturbance of Ojas
With chronic doshic imbalance and toxin buildup, the immune resilience of the body, as symbolised by Ojas, gets disrupted. Ojas is the one that keeps immunity, tissue resilience, and resistance to illness intact. When compromised, it leads to dysregulation of the immune system, manifesting as an excess of skin hypersensitivity, allergic dermatitis, and persistent inflammation—characteristics of eczema from an Ayurveda point of view.

Pathogenesis into Chronicity
When not treated or if poorly treated, eczema becomes chronic. Vata dosha gains prominence, and the skin becomes drier; the thickness of the skin (lichenification) increases, cracks become deep, and chronic flaking occurs. Chronic conditions are more difficult to treat and need deeper systemic purgation and long-term rejuvenation treatments in Ayurveda.


Dosha-Specific Clinical PresentationsEczema may occur in various clinical patterns depending on the dominant dosha. In Pitta-Kapha predominant types, the condition is marked by redness, heat, oozing, and inflammation and is amenable to cooling and drying therapy. In contrast, eczema that is mainly Vata-Kapha shows dryness, flaking, and cracks, and is treated with therapies that nourish, lubricate, and moisturise to fix the imbalance and promote healing.

AyurVAID's 4-Step Approach to Determine Root Cause and Create Individualised Treatment Plan

  1. Whole-Person Health Assessment

Our specially trained doctors carry out this assessment, which looks closely at your current health issues, medical history, possible causes (Nidana Panchaka), and how the disease develops using clinical methods like Ashta Sthana Pariksha (an 8-part exam), Dasha Vidha Pariksha (10 factors), and Srota Pariksha. Relevant blood tests (complete blood count with eosinophil count and IgE levels) and dermatological assessments (EASI score and SCORAD index) are used for complete evaluation. Relevant blood tests (complete blood count with eosinophil count and IgE levels) and dermatological assessments (EASI score and SCORAD index) are used for complete evaluation.

  1. Disease Tree

A comprehensive disease tree, from root cause to all signs and symptoms, is derived from causative factors, imbalance in doshas, involved subsystems, and progression. This traces the individual course of disease for each person.

  1. Personalised Protocol-Based Care Plan

Based on the disease tree and assessment, we create a customised treatment plan that aims to improve skin health, reduce inflammation, and effectively reverse the disease process.

The plan includes classical Ayurveda medication, therapies, and targeted detoxification procedures, complemented by personal diet and lifestyle adjustments, which fall under the natural eczema treatment protocol. It tracks all dermatological and health parameters to focus on skin healing and reducing inflammation.

  1. Disease Monitoring and Outcomes Tracking

Standardized scales, such as the Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), help monitor skin lesions, disease progression, and impact on quality of life. 

AyurVAID's Protocol-Driven Treatment for Eczema (Precision Ayurveda)

The Apollo AyurVAID’s protocol-driven approach (Precision Ayurveda) focuses on controlling symptoms and aims to prevent disease progression, minimise discomfort, and enhance the quality of life.

Ayurveda treatment for eczema takes a holistic approach. It aims to balance the doshas, eliminate toxins, restore healthy skin function, and improve overall vitality. The type of atopic eczema – Ayurveda treatment, and its duration are tailored to the severity of the disease.

Reducing Inflammation/Itching (Poorvakarma Stage):

Objective: The Poorvakarma stage prepares the body for treatment by establishing digestive balance and beginning the detoxification process. It treats acute symptoms such as itching and inflammation, decreases metabolic toxins (Ama), and enhances digestive fire (Agni).

Duration: ~ 7-10 days

Internal Medications: These are administered according to the dosha imbalance to enhance the Agni, support digestion, and eliminate Ama, resulting in quick relief from itching and inflammation.

External Therapies: Lepa (herbal paste application), Parisheka (pouring of medicated decoctions), and Abhyanga (oil therapy) are applied to reduce local inflammation, lubricate dry skin, and soothe itching.

Reversing the pathogenesis: Panchakarma Therapies

Objective:Panchakarma aims to cleanse the body, remove toxin accumulation in channels and tissues, and balance doshas.
Duration: ~ 14-21 days

For Predominant Pitta-Kapha Imbalance:

  • Virechana (purgation): To throw out excess Pitta and toxins from the blood and liver. This procedure is followed by Snehapana (internal oleation) to soften the toxins.
  • Vamana (emesis): For patients admitted with a Kapha-predominant manifestation of weeping eczema.
  • Shirodhara (pouring medicated oil on the forehead): To calm the nervous system and put a stop to flare-ups caused by stress.

For Predominant Vata-Kapha Imbalance:

  • Snehapana: To pacify Vata and nourish tissues.
  • Anuvasana Vasti (oil enema): To balance Vata and give systemic oleation.
  • Nasya (nasal administration of medicines): Particularly for facial eczema or scalp involvement.

External Therapies: Therapies such as Abhyanga (oil therapy), Kashaya Dhara (herbal decoction bath), and Lepana (application of medicated pastes) are performed for both patient types to improve skin health and reduce symptoms.

Diet: Cool, anti-inflammatory foods for Pitta-type; light, warming, and moisturising foods for Vata-type.

Nourishing and External Therapies

Duration: 3-6 months

Rasayana Therapy: Rejuvenative medicines and blood purifiers to enhance immunity, improve skin health, and prevent recurrence are prescribed.

External Applications: Regular application of medicated oils (taila) and medicated ghee preparations for continuous skin nourishment and barrier repair.

Lifestyle Modifications: This includes dietary changes such as avoiding trigger foods, practicing stress management techniques, engaging in yoga and mild exercise, and following seasonal regimens (Ritucharya) to maintain skin health and prevent flare-ups. These practices can be performed at home or on an OP basis.

For severe or chronic eczema, the above strategy is adapted for maintenance and retarding the exacerbation, with more aggressive treatment during flare-ups.
NOTE: The length of the treatment can vary based on the disease’s chronicity, severity, involved body surface area, and comorbidities.

Outcomes Delivered

AyurVAID follows a structured, protocol-driven approach to ensure effective treatment and sustainable recovery.

To ensure effective treatment and track progress, baseline values are taken using:

  • Disease Standard Scales: International scales like EASI (Eczema Area and Severity Index), SCORAD (SCORing Atopic Dermatitis), and DLQI (Dermatology Life Quality Index) to evaluate severity and impact on quality of life.
  • Biomarkers and Imaging Techniques: To assess inflammation levels and skin changes.
  • Patient-Reported Outcomes: To track improvement in symptoms and quality of life while maintaining transparency and avoiding bias.

Case Studies

Scientific Publications

  1. Clinical evaluation of the efficacy of Vajraka ghrita in management of Vicharchika (atopic dermatitis/eczema) – A single-arm clinical study; 2025, Research Article: This open-label, single-arm clinical trial assessed the use of Vajraka Ghrita in patients with chronic eczema (Vicharchika). Over the treatment duration, patients showed marked reductions in symptoms such as itching, scaling, and discolouration, alongside improvements in EASI scores and quality-of-life measures—suggesting that this classical ghee-based formulation offers a promising, well-tolerated Ayurvedic approach for atopic dermatitis.
  2. Ayurvedic Management of Eczema (Vicharchika) – A Review; 2016, Review Article: This comprehensive review surveys various Ayurvedic interventions—including internal medications (Ghritas, Lepa), external therapies (oil applications, lepas), and shodhana procedures (Virechana, Raktamokshana)—for treating eczema. The authors highlight consistent evidence of efficacy in reducing pruritus, lesions, and recurrences, supporting a holistic, multi-modality treatment framework grounded in traditional Ayurvedic principles.
  3. Role of Raktamokshana by Jalaukavacharana and Siravedhana in the management of Vicharchika (Eczema); 2012, Research Article: In this clinical study, patients were treated via Raktamokshana—both leech therapy (Jalaukavacharana) and vein puncture (Siravedhana)—combined with topical applications. Results demonstrated statistically significant relief in itching and lesion severity, decreased lesion spread, and reduced recurrence over follow-up, supporting bloodletting techniques as valuable adjunct therapies in chronic eczema.
  4. Clinical evaluation of Trivṛta powder (Operculina turpethum Linn.) and Aragvadha Patra Lepa (Cassia fistula Linn.) in the management of Vicharchika (eczema); 2018, Research Article: This trial explored combined internal (Trivṛta powder) and external (Aragvadha leaf paste) treatments in eczema patients. Significant reductions were noted in pruritus, scaling, lesion size, and EASI scores—alongside improved skin texture. The study supports the synergistic effect of systemic and topical herbal therapies in managing Vicharchika.
  5. Role of Virechana Karma in cure and prevention of recurrence of Vicharchika (Eczema); 2012, Research Article: This clinical research assessed Virechana Karma (therapeutic purgation) in managing eczema, both for symptom remission and relapse prevention. Patients achieved significant improvements in erythema, pruritus, and scaling. Notably, the recurrence rate during follow-up was substantially lower, suggesting virechana as an important preventive intervention in chronic eczema management.
  6. Clinical study of somaraj curna (Vernonia anthelmintica) and nimbadi oil on Vicharchika eczema; 1982, Research Article: This early clinical study evaluated Somaraj Curna (oral powder) and Nimbadi oil (topical) in eczema treatment. Over the course of therapy, patients showed reduced pruritus, decreased lesion erythema, improved scaling, and skin hydration—highlighting the long-standing traditional use and effectiveness of this plant-based combination in alleviating Vicharchika symptoms.   

Hear from our patient!

“I had been struggling with eczema that kept recurring despite allopathic treatment, but after 21 days of therapy at AyurVAID, my condition significantly improved and I feel much better. The treatment, care, and support from the doctors, nurses, and entire staff were exceptional—everything from the systematic diet to timely attention made the healing experience truly remarkable.”

Ms RR, 27 years

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there a permanent cure for eczema in Ayurveda?
Ayurveda does not guarantee a cure for eczema but offers control of symptoms, arrests progression by detoxifying the body, and uses herbal treatments and lifestyle changes to decrease flare-ups and enhance skin health.
How did I naturally cure my eczema?
Curing eczema naturally isn’t possible. But managing it naturally can be done by finding and avoiding causes, keeping the skin moisturised with natural emollients such as coconut oil, and taking anti-inflammatory herbs and spices as part of a daily routine.
Which herb is best for eczema?
Herbs possessing anti-inflammatory as well as antimicrobial properties are very effective in controlling the symptoms of eczema. The herbal selection varies based on the patient and the phase of the disease.
What is the miracle herb for eczema?
Turmeric is frequently called a "miracle herb" for eczema because of its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities that reduce skin inflammation and enhance healing. Always consult a qualified Ayurveda physician before consuming any of the herbs.
Which Indian food is good for eczema?
For managing Vicharchika (eczema), Ayurveda recommends a diet including wheat, barley, green gram, masur dal, bitter vegetables like bitter gourd and ridge gourd, and fruits such as Indian gooseberry and pomegranate. Supportive items like ghee, neem, turmeric, and honey help detoxify and soothe inflamed skin.
What is the best treatment for eczema?
Ayurveda suggests an integrated approach with detoxification (e.g., Panchakarma), herbal treatments, and lifestyle changes to balance the doshas and reduce the symptoms of eczema.
What is the main cause of eczema?
In Ayurveda, eczema (Vicharchika) is essentially caused by the imbalance of the Pitta and Kapha doshas, which results in the buildup of toxins (Ama) in the skin.
What is the 3-minute rule for eczema?
The 3-minute rule advises the use of moisturiser within three minutes of bathing to seal in moisture and avoid dryness of skin.
How to reduce eczema itching?
Using calming oils such as coconut oil or neem oil can reduce itching and inflammation. Furthermore, using cooling herbs such as turmeric and sandalwood may act to ease eczema symptoms.

References

Mucherla, S and Mohan, G. (2016). Management of vicharchika (eczema): An ayurvedic clinical study. International Journal of Ayurvedic Medicine, 7(2). external link
Kaur, M and Chandola, H M. (2010). Role of Rasayana in cure and prevention of recurrence of Vicharchika (eczema). Ayu, 31(1). external link
Farhan, M et al. (2025). A Case Report on Ayurvedic Management of Vicharchika (Eczema): A Sustainable Alternative to Corticosteroid Treatment. Journal of Neonatal Surgery. external link
Kapatkar, S et al. (2024). Management of Vicharchika (Eczema) by Multi-model Ayurveda Intervention: A Case Report. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. external link
Pardhi, D M, Aadhao, D M. (2024). Effect of Arkataila in Vicharchika W.S.R. Eczema: A Review Article. Sanjeevani Darshan – National Journal of Ayurveda & Yoga. external link
Yadav, U et al. (2021). A case study on management of Shushka Vicharchika (Eczema) through Shamana Chikitsa (palliative ayurveda treatment). Journal of Indian System of Medicine, 9, 145–149. external link
Mane, S S, Wagh, S. (2024). Clinical Assessment of Chandrashakaladi Vati and Arka Taila in Management of Vicharchika with Special Reference to Dry Eczema: A Case Report. International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy. external link
Bhaskar, A, Sharma, I. (2024). Ayurvedic Management of Contact Dermatitis – A Case Report. International Ayurvedic Medical Journal. external link
Gaikwad, I S, Deshmukh, S. (2025). Management of Vicharchika (Atopic Dermatitis): A Case Study. Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases. external link
Saxena, N, Patel, A. (2021). Ayurveda Management of Varicose Eczema (Vicharchika): A Case Report. Journal of Medicinal Plants Studies. external link
Mugali, C S, G, S K D. (2024). Management of Vicharchika Kushta through Ayurveda. Ayushdhara. external link

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Disclaimer

The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, Ayurvedic practitioner, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

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Medically reviewed by
Dr. Shashidhara G
Written by
Dr Shobitha Madhur

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