Sidhma - #5178

For over a year now, I’ve been struggling with an extremely frustrating and embarrassing skin condition that seems to get worse no matter what I do. It started as a small patch of scaly, dry skin on my arms, which I ignored at first, thinking it would go away with some moisturizing creams. But over time, these patches started spreading—to my back, chest, and even my neck. They itch like crazy, especially at night, and it’s making it really hard to sleep or focus on anything during the day. I’ve also noticed that my skin feels tight and irritated in those areas. The condition seems worse during cold weather or when I’m stressed. I recently read about something called Sidhma in Ayurveda, and I’m wondering if this could be what I’m dealing with. From what I’ve read, Sidhma is a type of skin disorder in Ayurveda linked to imbalances in the Vata and Kapha doshas. Does that mean Sidhma occurs because of internal factors like poor digestion or lifestyle habits, or is it triggered by external factors like weather or allergies? I’ve also come across information that suggests Sidhma is chronic in nature and requires long-term treatment. Is that true? I’m curious about how Ayurveda approaches Sidhma. Are there specific herbs, oils, or treatments that work well for this condition? I’ve seen mentions of neem, turmeric, and manjistha being used for Sidhma, but I don’t know how to incorporate these into a routine. Is it better to apply them topically, or are they more effective as part of a diet or herbal formulation? And does Ayurveda recommend any specific lifestyle changes for managing Sidhma, like avoiding certain foods or following a daily regimen? Another concern I have is about scarring. The patches are not just itchy and uncomfortable—they’re leaving marks on my skin that make me feel even more self-conscious. Can Ayurvedic treatment for Sidhma help with the scars, or do I need a separate remedy for that? Lastly, I’ve read that Panchakarma treatments like Virechana and Rakta Mokshana are often suggested for skin conditions like Sidhma. Are these necessary, or can Sidhma be managed with home remedies and over-the-counter Ayurvedic products? If anyone has experienced Sidhma and found effective treatments through Ayurveda, I’d love to hear about what worked for you. How long did it take for you to see improvements, and were there any setbacks during treatment? I feel like I’ve tried everything—moisturizers, medicated creams, even dietary changes—but nothing has given me lasting relief. I’d really appreciate any advice on how to tackle this condition holistically.