Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Eczema correlates with the Ayurvedic condition Vicharchika which is classified under Kushtha or skin diseases. It arises from the vitiation of the Tridosha primarily Kapha and Pitta along with the corruption of blood and skin tissues. Key symptoms include intense itching known as Kandu dark discoloration and the formation of pustules with profuse discharge or weeping. The root causes often involve dietary errors such as consuming incompatible foods like fish with milk or excessive salt and sour items. Management emphasizes systemic purification through Panchakarma specifically Virechana or purgation to expel toxins. External treatments using pastes of herbs like Neem Khadira and Triphala are essential for reducing inflammation and cleansing the skin while bloodletting may be used for severe cases.
Eczema is a general term for a group of conditions that cause the skin to become inflamed or irritated. In Ayurveda, skin diseases are collectively classified under the broad category of Kushtha. Among the various types of Kushtha, the condition known as Vicharchika correlates most closely with Eczema, particularly the wet type. It is characterized by intense itching, eruption of pustules, dark discoloration, and profuse discharge. Ayurveda views this condition not merely as a surface irritation but as a systemic disorder resulting from the vitiation of the body's humors (Doshas) and tissues (Dhatus).
Modern Definition: Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) is a condition that makes the skin red and itchy. It is common in children but can occur at any age. It is a long-lasting (chronic) disease that tends to flare periodically.
Ayurvedic Definition: Vicharchika is defined as a skin affection characterized by Kandu (itching), Pidaka (eruptions/pustules), Shyava (dark or blackish discoloration), and Bahusrava (profuse discharge or weeping). It is classified as one of the Kshudra Kushtha (Minor Skin Diseases).
Literal Meaning:
Kushtha: Derived from the root word meaning "that which destroys or disfigures the skin".
Vicharchika: Refers to a condition that covers or spreads over the skin with eruptions.
Conceptual Interpretation: Ayurveda explains that skin diseases arise from the corruption of seven essential components (Sapta Dravya): the three Doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and four Dushyas — Twak (Skin), Rakta (Blood), Mamsa (Flesh), and Lasika (Lymph/Plasma). When these seven interact pathologically, skin diseases like eczema manifest.
Viruddha Ahara (Incompatible Foods)
Excessive consumption of Navanna, Dadhi, Matsya, Lavana, and Amla
Excessive intake of Drava and Snigdha foods
Excessive use of Guda and Tila
Vega Dharana, particularly Chhardi
Sudden exposure to cold after heat
Divaswapna
Improper Panchakarma procedures like faulty Snehana
Samprapti Ghataka:
Ama: Ama blocks channels causing inflammation.
Kandu
Pidaka
Shyava Varna
Bahusrava
Other Conditions:
Pama
Charmadala
Kitibha
Ayurveda classifies Kushtha (Skin diseases) into two main categories:
Maha Kushtha (Major Skin Diseases): There are 7 types, which are deep-seated and difficult to cure (e.g., Kapala, Udumbara, Mandala).
Kshudra Kushtha (Minor Skin Diseases): There are 11 types, which include Vicharchika (Eczema), Pama (Scabies), Dadru (Ringworm), Kitibha (Psoriasis/Lichen Planus), and Vipadika (Fissures).
• Ayurvedic Diagnosis:
◦ Darshana (Observation): Checking for the color (Shyava - dark), nature of discharge (Bahusrava - weeping), and texture (Parusha - rough).
◦ Prashna (Interrogation): Asking about itching (Kandu) and dietary habits (e.g., sour/salty foods, milk with fish).
◦ Sparshana (Touch): Assessing roughness, heat (if Pitta is involved), or wetness.
• Differential Diagnosis:
◦ Distinguished from Dadru (Ringworm), which presents as elevated circular patches with pustules.
◦ Distinguished from Visarpa (Erysipelas), which spreads rapidly like a snake with inflammation.
Avoid Viruddha Ahara
Use Tikta Shak like Patola and Karvellaka
Kushthavaleha
Bakuchi
Chakramarda, Kapittha, Karanja, Haridra, Aragvadha
Guggulutikthaka Ghrita
Virechana
Vamana
Raktamokshana
Snehana
• Curable (Sadhya): Vicharchika and other Kshudra Kushtha are generally curable or manageable, especially if they involve only one Dosha and are of recent origin.
• Incurable (Asadhya): If the disease involves all three Doshas (Tridoshaja), affects deep tissues like bone or marrow, or if the patient is very weak with poor digestion (Mandagni), it becomes difficult to treat or incurable.
• Similarities:
◦ Vicharchika correlates directly with Wet Eczema due to the shared symptoms of itching, vesicles, and oozing.
◦ Pama correlates with Scabies or papular eczema.
◦ Kitibha correlates with Lichen Planus or Dry Eczema.
• Differences: Modern medicine often treats dermatitis with corticosteroids to suppress inflammation. Ayurveda aims to treat the root metabolic cause (Agni) and purify the blood (Rakta Shodhana) to prevent recurrence.
Q: What is the main cause of Eczema in Ayurveda?
A: The primary causes are incompatible foods (Viruddha Ahara), such as eating milk with fish, excessive intake of sour and salty foods, suppressing natural urges like vomiting, and sudden temperature changes (like cold water after heat).
Q: Is Eczema contagious according to Ayurveda?
A: Yes, Ayurveda considers skin diseases (Kushtha) to be contagious (Aupasargika). They can spread through physical contact (Gatrasamsparsha), sharing clothes, or towels.
Q: Which Panchakarma treatment is best for Eczema?
A: Virechana (therapeutic purgation) is highly recommended for skin disorders like Eczema and Allergic Dermatitis because it expels Pitta and purifies the blood.
Q: What foods should be avoided?
A: One should avoid incompatible foods (milk + fish), new grains, curd (yogurt), sour foods, salt, jaggery, and sesame products.
Q: What herbs are applied externally?
A: Pastes made from Chakramarda, Karanja, Turmeric (Haridra), and Aragvadha mixed with cow's urine or mustard oil are commonly used.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
Oct 22, 2026 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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