Ayurvedic treatment for skin allergy

Ayurveda describes allergic itching skin disease under several names such as kotha, sheetapitta (hives), udarda, kandu (itching) and vicharchika (eczema-like). In the traditional view these arise from aggravated Pitta and Kapha, impure blood (rakta), weak digestion and incompatible food combinations or exposure to cold or allergens. This is an interpretive framework. Evidence for Ayurvedic treatment of skin allergy is limited, so it should be used only as an adjunct, and not instead of medical assessment for severe or persistent reactions.

Traditional approach

• Avoiding the suspected trigger and incompatible food.
• Blood-purifying herbs such as neem, manjistha, haridra (turmeric), guduchi, khadira and amla.
• Cooling external applications such as coconut oil, sandalwood paste or aloe vera for itch and burning, for people who tolerate them.
• Light, easily digested food with bitter and astringent tastes.