How to handle skin diseases in summer

As summer hits soaring temperature a lot of people complain of skin diseases most often discomfort caused by itchy, burning and irritated skin.

Summer is the time when we experience all kinds of hard-to-reach itches in various parts of the body.

The main causes of skin diseases in Ayurveda are following wrong diet and lifestyle against the season or the body nature (prakriti) of an individual creates an imbalance contaminating the body tissues resulting in skin disease.

The reason according to ayurveda is pitta aggravation. The heat accumulates in the body causing skin diseases. Pitta  symbolizes heat or fire. The foods and activities that increase Pitta in the body should be eliminated.

Hot, spicy, fried, and greasy foods should be avoided. Pitta provoking foods including tomatoes, citrus fruits (lemon is an exception), yogurt and vinegar should not be consumed. Drinking too much tea and coffee should be avoided. Alcohol and smoking are a big NO.

Some Ayurvedic tips for avoiding skin problems caused by aggravated Pitta Dosha are:

1.  Mix equal quantities of turmeric, Amla, and Neem leaves powder. Five grams of this powder should be taken twice a day with water.

2.    Boil fresh Neem leaves water and wash the affected area. A daily bath with this water work wonders for itching skin.

3.    Mix 100 mls of organic Cononut oil and five grams of powdered camphor. Put this mixture in a glass bottle and after screwing the tightly put the bottle in sunlight for two hours. Applying this oil to infected areas provide immediate relief.

4.   Clearing bowels is a must. Soft or mild laxatives must be used regularly and are beneficial in the treatment of skin diseases. A teaspoonful of Triphala powder or Triphala syrup should be taken at bed time with warm water.

Consuming Wheat grass and Aloe Vera juice is also beneficial in skin diseases.-WTN