Phytophotodermatitis Symptoms, Causes & Treatment with Ayurveda

Abstract

In today’s world skin diseases are being diagnosed like a spreading virus; one after another. Almost every day a dermatologist comes across a new skin condition which can be allergic or can be the result of an autoimmune process. Such skin conditions come with no expiry date, with long expiry date or with short existence. Generally, skin patients are being prescribed with steroids which can be orally taken or topically applied. That’s how things work mostly in skin conditions. But what if the skin condition is not subsiding, You are just switching places but not finding an appropriate cause of the condition and definitely not getting the exact treatment. In this article we are discussing one of such dermal conditions and it is called phytophotodermatitis. Also, we will discuss about phytophotodermatitis symptoms causes and treatment with ayurveda.

Introduction

The phytophotodermatitis is defined as the cutaneous phototoxic inflammatory eruptions which are resulting from the contact with the light sensitising botanical substances. These botanical substances on skin, when exposed to ultraviolet or Uv rays, cause reaction and hence occurrence of symptoms take place. The phytophotodermatitis is also known as berloque dermatitis or margarita photodermatitis. The symptoms in this condition generally involved formation of blisters, edema, erythema along with hyperpigmentation which can be seen later on. The photosensitizing agent should be in adequate amounts to cause this condition immediately after being exposed to ultraviolet rays. So, moving further let’s understand this condition in detail.  

Key Points of Phytophotodermatitis

• The phytophotodermatitis is a phototoxic condition
• It involves appearance of inflammatory eruptions
• The condition occurs on ultraviolet rays exposure
• It is not a immunologic response of body
• The photosensitive substance found in phototoxic plants belong to chemical compounds called the furanocoumarins
• These are activated by long wavelength ultraviolet rays
• The most toxic furanocoumarins are the linear ones as they exhibit a linear chemical structure. 
• Its diagnosis requires history of exposure to a psoralen containing substance and sunlight
• Persistent hyperpigmentation is then noticed (aforementioned) which can last for weeks to months

Causes of Phytophotodermatitis

The cause of phytophotodermatitis is the reaction that takes place in the presence of sunlight after being exposed to the phototoxic substance.

Symptoms of Phytophotodermatitis

• The reaction begins exactly within 24 hours of exposure and peaks after 48-72 hours after exposure.
• Initially the affected skin becomes red and starts to itch as well as burn.
• Large blisters called a bullae form within 48 hours.
• These blisters generally leave bleck, brown and purplish scars.
• These scars can be there for several days, months or even years.
• This hyperpigmentation of skin is actually caused by the production of  melanin which is triggered by furanocoumarins.
• Some reports also show that if there is eye exposure to the furanocoumarins then the risk of temporary or permanent blindness can be observed.
• The condition can affect people at any age. Sometimes, in children this is being confused with child abuse. 

Phototoxic Species

The plants which are associated with phytophotodermatitis mainly come from four plant families. The planet families are carrots(apiaceae), citrus family(rutaceae), the mulberry family(moraceae) and the legume family(Fabaceae).

Out of these four Apiaceae is the main family of plants which is mostly associated with phytophotodermatitis. The main plant of this family causing this condition is a false bishop. After Apiaceae, Rutaceae is the second most widely distributed family of plants which are responsible for causing phytophotodermatitis. This follows the Moraceae and the last one is Fabaceae. 

Diagnosing Phytophotodermatitis

The condition is diagnosed when a patient presents with an irregular shaped rash after exposure to sunlight. The physician should rule out whether the rash is due to sunburn or is a reaction after the consecutive exposure to phytotoxin and then to sunlight.

Treatment of Phytophotodermatitis

• The treatment includes removal of the offending agent. After the removal of the offending agent, managing pain and itching is the second step.
• The benefit of treatment is that it can reduce the duration of symptoms effectively.
• Some tropical steroids might be given so that the symptoms can be maintained easily.
• Cold compresses along with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• Reducing sun exposure is must

Now your doctor might guide you with some preventive tips as well. These tips are as following

• Washing hands after one to two hours of cooking is must
• Avoiding going into places where there is an abundance of phototoxic plants.
• Covering up your skin whenever going hiking or exploring a forest area
• Wearing gloves when gardening, cooking, slicing vegetables and fruits
• Using sunscreen before exposing the skin to the sun 
• Identify the phytotoxic plants and avoid coming in contact with them
• Even if someone catches the toxin and gets exposed to sunlight then scratching must be the first thing that is to be avoided as it will intensify the symptoms

Ayurvedic Perspective of Phytophotodermatitis

In Ayurveda, phytophotodermatitis is considered as a dushti of ranjak pitta. Ranjak pitta is present in the entire skin and is responsible for skin colour as well. When there is aggravation of this ranjak pitta various symptoms occur like inflammation, pain, redness, discoloration and others.

The ranjak pitta is aggravated when phytotoxic substances come in contact with the sunlight. That’s how this condition can be understood.

The herbs like manjistha, sariva, aloe vera, giloy, chopchini etc can be used in this condition either as a combination or individually. Individually they can be used as a paste, a decoction for washing the affected area and many others.

Herbal Remedies For Phytophotodermatitis By Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a leading Ayurvedic herbal product manufacturing company. The company has stepped its foot in many parts of the world. The manufacturing and production of supplements is done in a pure classical way so that the standard of the purity can be maintained. The products are totally herbal and do not cause any kind of harm or don’t have any known side effects. All the products by Planet Ayurveda are certified and hence are delivered across the globe. Planet Ayurveda has its exclusive outlets in various parts of India along different countries across the world as well. It is a trusted brand for various herbal health products and keeps purity above money. Phytophotodermatitis is a condition which is not easily manageable and results in a lot of pain and discomfort. But with Planet Ayurveda formulations the condition becomes less painful. Planet Ayurveda offers following products for the management of phytophotodermatitis:

1. Gleaming Skin, Hair, Nails Formula
2. Gandhak Rasayan
3. Dermo Plan Syrup
4. Royal Honey Shower Gel
5. Kushta Rakshas Tel

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. GLEAMING SKIN, HAIR, NAILS FORMULA

Gleaming skin, hair nails formula is a polyherbal capsule formulation prepared with standardised extract of herbs. The formulation has ingredients like manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Pit papda (Fumaria officinalis), sariva (Hemidesmus indicus) and ghrit kumari (Aloe barbadensis). All these ingredients make it a very impressive formulation to be used in this condition. The condition is due to the aggravated localised pitta dosha and all of these help in pacification of pitta dosha successfully. The formulation is 100% natural and is free from any type of synthetic chemical agents. These capsules can be given in different age groups in varying doses. 

Dosage: One capsule twice a day after meals with lukewarm water

2. GANDHAK RASAYAN

Gandhak rasayan is a classical formulation which is prepared with shuddha gandhak or purified sulphur. It’s a mineral preparation. The purified form of gandhak can show amazing results in various types of skin conditions and so has its impressive effect on this condition as well. It is a herbal supplement specifically prepared for the rejuvenation of skin. It is responsible for eliminating toxins from the body and in this case helps in cleansing the affected site internally. The sulphur is when used in purified form is known to enhance the aura of the skin and also has its effect on inflammation.

Dosage: Two tablets twice a day after meals with lukewarm water

3. DERMO PLAN SYRUP

Dermo plan syrup is a liquid preparation. As its name suggests the formulation is especially manufactured for derma that is skin. The formulation has a very good combination of impressive herbs like manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Chopchini (Smilax china), Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus) etc. All of the ingredients works very well in pacification of  localised aggravation of pitta dosha and hence gives satisfactory results in this condition by lowering down the inflammatory process and also protects skin from discoloration. It is having a really good effect on blisters and hyperpigmentation as well.

Dosage: Two Tsp twice a day after meals with lukewarm water

4. ROYAL HONEY SHOWER GEL

Royal honey shower gel is the very best cosmetic product of Planet Ayurveda. The product differs from the shower gels which are available in the market due to its ingredients. The shower gel has ingredients like Aloe Vera Extract (Aloe barbadensis), Tea Tree Extract (Melaleuca alternifolia), honey, vitamin E and many others. Due to its impressive ingredients it helps in the detoxification of the body and also helps in soothing the affected area. It reduces inflammation, has an impact on itching and reduces hyperpigmentation as well.

How to use: Washing of affected part is to be done with Royal Honey Shower gel at least twice a day

5. KUSHTA RAKSHAS TEL

Kushta rakshas tel is a herbal formulation which is being used in treatment of a variety of skin ailments and is also beneficial when applied in this case. The oil has ingredients like kushta (Saussurea lappa), Saptaparna (Alstonia scholaris), Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), Rasona (Allium sativum), Bakuchi (Psoralea corylifolia) and Aragwadha (Cassia fistula). There are certain minerals as well which are included in this formulation. These are Sutaka (Purified mercury), Gandhaka (Purified sulphur), Rasa sindhura (a combination of mercury and sulphur), tamra bhasma (Calcined copper) and Manashila (Arsenic sulphide). Due to presence of these herbs and minerals the kushta rakshas tel gives relief in various symptoms which are related to phytophotodermatitis. It helps in inflammation, redness, blisters and many other symptoms.

How to use: Apply on the affected area after washing from royal honey shower gel

Conclusion

Phytophotodermatitis is a very common condition in various parts of the world but still remains painful along with discomfort as well. The phytophotodermatitis can be managed very well using above mentioned Ayurvedic herbs and these products give very impressive results in tackling the ongoing condition. All of the above mentioned products are totally herbal and do not have any side effects. In case of any query kindly visit www.PlanetAyurveda.com