Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Introductory Summary
Skin allergy correlates with the Ayurvedic conditions Shitapitta Udarda and Kotha characterized by raised red rashes resembling wasp stings. These arise when Vata and Kapha doshas aggravated by cold exposure or incompatible foods known as Viruddha Ahara vitiate Pitta and obstruct the skin and blood channels. Symptoms include intense itching redness and pricking pain. Shitapitta is Vata dominant while Udarda is Kapha dominant with more swelling. Management focuses on bio purification through Vamana and Virechana to expel toxins called Ama. Internal remedies include blood purifiers like Neem and Haridrakhanda while external application of mustard oil is prescribed in Chakradatta to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation caused by the doshic imbalance.
Skin Allergy
Skin Allergy in Ayurveda is primarily understood through the conditions known as Shitapitta (Urticaria/Hives), Udarda, and Kotha. These conditions are characterized by the sudden appearance of raised, red, and itchy rashes on the skin, often compared to the swelling caused by a wasp sting. The pathology involves the vitiation of the and doshas (bio-energies) due to exposure to cold or improper diet, which then aggravates and affects the and blood.
Shitapitta: A condition characterized by rashes resembling the sting of a wasp (Varati dashtra), accompanied by itching, burning sensation, and fever.
Udarda: A variation of the above dominated by the Kapha dosha, featuring thick, heavy, and reddish swelling.
Kotha: A condition marked by the appearance of numerous red, circular patches (Mandala) with itching, often occurring due to suppressed vomiting or improper purification.
2. Etymology & Conceptual Meaning
Shitapitta: The term is a compound of Shita (Cold) and Pitta (Heat/Bile). It implies a condition where the "cold" qualities of Vata and Kapha obstruct the heat of Pitta, or where the disease is triggered by cold contact but manifests with heating symptoms (burning/redness).
Udarda: Derived from roots suggesting "rising up" or "elevation," referring to the raised welts or wheals on the skin.
Kotha: Literally refers to putrefaction or eruption, indicating the outbreak of rashes.
Conceptual Interpretation:Ayurveda views these allergies not just as surface reactions but as systemic imbalances where the internal fire (Agni) is disturbed, leading to the formation of toxins (Ama) which then lodge in the skin (Twak) and blood (Rakta).
3. Causes (Nidana)
The causes are multifactorial, involving environmental triggers, diet, and suppression of natural urges.
Vamana(Emesis): Indicated if there is heavy Kapha congestion or if the allergy is due to suppressed vomiting.
Raktamokshana: Bloodletting is used in severe cases where the blood is heavily vitiated.
Diet (Ahara)
Pathya (Beneficial): Light foods, bitter vegetables like pointed gourd (Patola) and Neem, pomegranate, and old rice.
Apathya (Avoid): Sour and salty foods, milk with fish, heavy sweets, cold water, and alcohol.
9. Prognosis
Sadhya (Curable):Acute cases (Navina) appearing in strong individuals are easily treated.
Krichra (Difficult):Chronic cases (Kotha with Sanubandha) or those involving complications like high fever and vomiting are difficult to treat.
Yapya (Manageable): If the patient continues exposure to allergens (cold wind/improper food), the condition may persist and require lifelong management.
Mechanism: The Ayurvedic concept of Ama (toxins) acting as antigens aligns with the modern understanding of allergen-antibody reactions causing inflammation.
Q: Can Ayurvedic oil massage help with skin allergies?
A: Yes. Specifically, massage (Abhyanga) with Mustard Oil (Sarsapa Taila) is recommended in classical texts like Chakradatta to relieve the symptoms of Shitapitta (hives) and Udarda.
Q: What foods should be avoided during a skin allergy?
A: One should avoid "incompatible foods" (Viruddha Ahara) such as milk combined with fish or fruit. Also, avoid excessive sour, salty, and heavy foods, as well as cold water, which can aggravate the condition.
A: Yes. Turmeric (Haridra) is a primary herb for skin conditions. Formulations like Haridrakhanda are specifically prescribed for allergic rashes and itching.
Q: What is the difference between Shitapitta and Udarda?
A: Shitapitta is generally Vata-dominant with more pricking pain, while Udarda is Kapha-dominant with more redness, heavy swelling, and itching. Both are types of allergic skin reactions.
