Management of Chronic Eczema through Yoga, Unani, and Homoeopathic Systems of Medicine

Abstract

Eczema is an inflammatory responsive state of the skin, which is described by erythema, skin edema, vesiculation, itching, oozing or bleeding, flaking, blistering, cracking, crusting and lichenification. Various kinds of eczema include atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, nummular and stasis dermatitis. Eczema is prevalent among all age groups across the nations of the world. Psychological stress is known to play a significant role in exacerbation of skin diseases. The adverse cosmetic or symptomatic effect causes psychosocial distress further creating the stress disease cycle. A case series of three eczema patients were presented. An integrated approach was chosen by combining yoga, Unani and homoeopathic treatment with an aim to focus on the holistic method of treatment considering the physical, mental and behavioural patterns of the patient. Unani treatment included both oral and local applications while homeopathy constituted oral medications. Yoga was used as a noninvasive strategy for the restoration of the autonomic balance and enhancement of the anti-inflammatory effect thereby alleviating the stress-disease cycle. Findings showed complete recovery without residual pigmentation and relapse of symptoms. The study concludes that the integrated approach of Yoga, Unani, and Homoeopathic treatment has shown promising results in the management of eczema and improves the quality of life. Further studies with larger sample size are needed to confirm the combined effect of Yoga, Unani, and Homoeopathy.