Erythema Nodosum is a skin inflammatory condition. Skin is the delicate organ of the body. It protects us from various infections and also protects us from a too hot and too cold environment. It covers the entire external part of the body. Skin is the largest organ of the body and it consists of hair, sweat, and oil glands. It together makes up the integumentary system. But due to some infections or foreign bodies, the skin gets damaged and causes various diseases. It is very important to take care of the skin for normal functioning as well as for cosmetic purposes. So in this article, we are going to discuss a skin disease called erythema nodosum and its Ayurvedic management.
INTRODUCTION
Erythema nodosum is an inflammatory condition of the skin. It is characterized by the inflammation of the fat cells of the skin. These fat cells are under the skin. There is a tender red nodule over the skin and also there are lumps that are usually seen over the shin bone (Tibia). This condition is a common acute nodular panniculitis that is characterized by the sudden onset of the firm, solid, deep nodules under the skin. These are painful on palpation and mainly present on extensor surfaces of the legs. This is a recurrent hypersensitivity reaction to a variety of antigens.
ETIOLOGY / CAUSES
This condition is generally idiopathic, meaning the cause of this disease is not known. Instead of this, researchers found that the most common identifiable cause of this disease is streptococcal pharyngitis. Some of the other known causes are:
Infection
Some of the infections associated with this disease are:
- Primary infection of tuberculosis
- Histoplasma capsulatum
- Yersinia
- Epstein-Barr virus
- Cat scratch disease
Autoimmune Disorders
This includes:
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Behcet’s disease
- Sarcoidosis
CLINICAL FEATURES / SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of this disease come in two phases i.e. Pre-eruptive phase and the Eruptive stage:
- Pre-eruptive Phase: The first sign of this disease is flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, malaise, aching joints.
- Eruptive Phase: There is an appearance of 1-2 inch nodules under the skin surface. It is present usually on the shins. It can also appear on the arms and thighs. These nodules are hot and firm to touch. There is pain on these nodules on palpation.
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
- Dermo hypodermitis
- Nodular hypodermitis
- Lobular hypodermitis
DIAGNOSIS
This disease is diagnosed clinically. A biopsy should be done to confirm this diagnosis. In this test, tissue is taken to examine under a microscope. Also, a sample of throat swab is taken to check for streptococcus infection.
TREATMENT
This is a self-limiting disease and usually resolves itself in around 3-5 weeks. But there is a recurrence of this disease and is attributed to repeated infections. In this disease, symptomatic relief is the only treatment of choice and symptoms can be treated through bed rest, leg elevation, compressive bandages, wet dressing, and NSAIDs.
But we have a better choice of treatment for this disease and that is Ayurveda. This is a holistic science used for centuries. This science heals the patient from the root cause. If you avoid the recurrence of this disease then use Ayurvedic remedies for better results.
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR THE TREATMENT OF ERYTHEMA NODOSUM
- Kanchnaar Guggul
- Gandhak Rasayan
- Neem Capsules
- Dermo Plan Syrup
- Navkarshik Churna
Herbal Remedies for Erythema Nodosum
PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION
1. Kanchnaar Guggul
This is a classical Ayurvedic formulation used for centuries in Cancerous growths. It is a wonderful and natural supplement for cancers. This formulation contains effective herbs such as Kanchnaar (Bauhinia variegata), Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), Pippali (Piper longum), Triphala (Three myrobalans), etc. This formulation is called Yogvahi which means it carries the other substances into the deep tissue of the body. It helps in eliminating the toxins and wastes out from the body. It has antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, analgesic properties.
Dosage: 2 tablets twice a day after meals with the plain water.
2. Gandhak Rasayan
This classical Ayurvedic remedy is helpful in treating skin ailments. It purifies the blood and also eliminates impurities from the body. This is a versatile Ayurvedic medicine and has anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and anti-viral properties. It contains wonderful digestive stimulant ingredients such as Gandhak (Purified sulphur), Ela (Elettaria cardamomum), Twak (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), Tamla (Cinnamomum tamala), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), etc. It is made by the mixing process that is repeated many times over a six month period in order to make the Rasayan. It improves the immune system and eliminates the harmful effects of toxins.
Dosage: 2 tablets twice a day after meals with the plain water.
3. Neem Capsules
This is a single herbal formulation that is an effective herbal supplement for skin problems. It is made by the standardized extracts of Neem (Azadirachta indica). It is helpful for urticaria, eczema, eruptions, and other skin problems. It relieves the skin itching and pain and also redness of the skin. It has antibacterial, antiparasitic, and antifungal properties. It is also beneficial in blood-related problems.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day after meals with the plain water.
4. Dermo Plan Syrup
This is an Ayurvedic formulation in syrup form. It is made of wonderful herbs such as Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Khadir (Acacia catechu), etc. These herbs help in clears the impurities from the blood and get rid of infections. It kills the inflammation in the skin. It makes the skin absolutely flawless and restores elasticity.
Dosage: 2 teaspoonfuls twice a day after meals.
5. Navkarshik Churna
This is the best herbal supplement for skin ailments. It is also helpful in gout and inflamed joints. It contains herbs such as Amla (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), etc. It clears away the toxins from the blood and is also helpful in breaking the uric acid crystals. It corrects the metabolism of Pitta and heat regulation in the body.
Dosage: 1 teaspoonful twice a day with plain water after meals.
CONCLUSION
At last, we concluded that all idiopathic diseases are better managed by Ayurvedic remedies. These herbal products of Planet Ayurveda show good results in treating this disease. These products are effective and 100% natural and free from additives. These products have wonderful ingredients which have very effective digestive properties. As all the skin diseases are mostly due to poor digestive health.
