Ayurvedic Medicines for Discoid Lupus Treatment

Abstract

Discoid lupus is an autoimmune condition affecting skin resulting in formation of red rashes, scales with the raised border. This occurs in the area of the body which is exposed to sunlight. Discoid lupus can affect any part of the body and is a chronic ailment, hence symptoms go on appearing on and off repeatedly or last for a longer duration of time. In this article we will be discussing all about discoid Lupus and its herbal treatment through the remedies offered by Planet Ayurveda.

Introduction

Coin shaped appearance of the lesions appearing in discoid lupus gives it the name. It is a chronic autoimmune condition of the skin which means due to abnormal reaction of the immune system of the body to certain body components results in targeting and damaging them resulting in formation of lesions. A person suffering from discoid lupus’s condition is known to get worse on an exposure to the sunlight and lesions usually appear on the hands, scalp, neck, and feet. In worse condition there can even occur permanent hyperpigmentation, scarring, and hair loss. However, the internal organs are not affected in discoid lupus.

Normally in the healthy condition the immune system prevents various infectious or obnoxious substances from invading the body and killing them but in an autoimmune condition this immune system targets the healthy cells of the body and damages them. Same occurs in Discoid lupus where the immune system targets healthy skin cells and damages them causing severe rashes, scales and scarring of the skin.

Signs and Symptoms

In discoid lupus the skin lesion can either be a mild and pinkish patch on skin or it can be a severe red and raw looking area. These lesions can affect any part of the body, specifically neck, hands, feet and scalp. Sometimes the ear canal and area under elbows can be affected by it. Some of the other signs and symptoms include:

• Red round patches
• Scalp or other part of skin covered with thick scales
• Peeling of skin
• Blisters around fingers and elbows especially
• Skin thinning
• Appearance of ulcer inside lips
• Gradual development of permanent pigmentation
• Permanent patches of hair loss
• Permanent scarring of skin
• Itching and soreness in the skin

Causes

The exact cause underlying the Discoid lupus is not known; however the role of abnormal response of the immune system, certain environmental factors and genetics are considered. This is not a contagious disease and hence cannot be passed to incoming contact with the affected person. Due to unknown causes, the immune system targets the healthy cells of the skin as invaders or foreign substances and attacks them resulting in formation of lesions and sores. However there are certain groups of people who are at more risk of developing it like who have exposure to ultraviolet light, chronic stress, aging between 20-50 years old, family history of lupus or other autoimmune condition and women (more prone than men).

Diagnosis

Physical examination done carefully and thoroughly will be enough for your doctor to diagnose the condition. Further skin biopsy is done to confirm the diagnosis. In skin biopsy certain characteristic features of discoid lupus are visible like follicular plugging, periadnexal and interface dermatitis, scarring and atrophy.

Treatment of Discoid Lupus

It is very necessary to diagnose discoid lupus as early as possible to prevent scarring. In conventional treatment steroids are the main medicine used to treat it, topically as well as internally. Steroids and some non-steroidal medicines are given to reduce the inflammation. While immunosuppressive medicines are given to block the action of the immune system and prevent inflammation and damage. However both of them have marked side effects when used in the long term. Ayurveda offers a very effective natural treatment for autoimmune and skin ailments. As per Ayurveda the autoimmune diseases are caused due to ama- the endotoxin and imbalance of the tridosha. There are several herbs given by nature and used in Ayurveda to prevent the formation of  ‘ama’ and balance the tridoshas, i.e. Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Herbal Remedies for Discoid Lupus By Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda offers various combinations of herbal remedies to treat different chronic and acute ailments naturally. Combinations are made by the expert and experienced MD Ayurveda doctors and consist of all the necessary herbs required for that particular disease. All the medicines and products produced at Planet Ayurveda are purely vegetarian, organic and herbal and devoid of chemicals, preservatives, fillers, additives, dye, color or yeast. For Discoid lupus also, Planet Ayurveda offers a combination of potent herbal medicines which work synergistically to treat and manage the condition naturally.

Product List

1. Nirgundi oil
2. Jatyadi oil
3. Gandhak rasayan
4. Gleaming skin hair nails formula
5. Manjishtha capsule
6. Neem capsule
7. Gotukola capsule
   
   

Product Description

1. Nirgundi oil- Vitex negundo

(Nirgundi) is used majorly to prepare this herbal oil which is used in various skin ailments topically to relieve the inflammation, itching and also helps in healing the wounds. This amazing medicinal oil also possesses pain relieving action.

2. Jatyadi oil

This herbal oil possesses potent medicinal properties which helps in healing wounds, relieves itching, burning and irritation in the lesion. Jatyadi oil is used to treat eczema, burns, wounds, abscess and blisters as well. Neem (Azadirachta indica), Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Patola patra (Stereospermum chelonoides), Haldi (Curcuma longa) etc.

Direction

Mix few drops of both the oils together and apply on the lesion daily

3. Gandhak Rasayan

Shuddh gandhak (Purified sulphur) is used to prepare these herbal tablets. Gandhak rasayan promotes healthy skin, relieves inflammation and irritation, and clears the impurities from the blood. It is used to treat various other skin ailments like ringworm and eczema.

Dosage- Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water

4. Gleaming skin hair nails formula

These are the multi herbal capsules which help in maintaining a healthy skin, as the name suggests. It is prepared from Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Chirata (Swertia chirata), Pit papda (Fumaria officinalis) and Ghrit kumari (Aloe barbadensis). Gleaming skin hair nails formula helps in healing the lesions and prevents scarring.

Dosage- Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water

5. Manjishtha capsule

It is prepared from the standardized extract of Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia) herb. Manjishtha capsules help in treating hyperpigmentation and maintain a healthy skin. It purifies the blood and removes toxins from it, treating underlying infections.

Dosage- Take 1 capsule twice daily after meal with plain water

6. Neem capsule

Neem (Azadirachta indica) herb is used in standardized form to prepare these medicinal capsules. Neem capsules possess anti inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which help in cleansing the blood, preventing infection and maintaining a healthy skin. It also enhances the immunity and modifies its action so as to prevent autoimmune action.

Dosage- Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water

7. Gotukola capsule

These are also single herb capsules prepared from standardized extract of Gotukola (Centella asiatica) herb. It helps in maintaining a healthy blood circulation to the skin which eventually is necessary for healthy skin. Gotukola capsules help in healing the lesions and prevent scarring.

Dosage- Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water

CONCLUSION

Discoid lupus is an autoimmune disease of the skin which can lead to serious results like permanent scarring and pigmentation. However the remedies suggested above can help in treating it naturally and bringing back healthy skin.