By Skin Cancer, we mean – the abnormal growth of skin cells, which is most often developed on the skin, with maximum exposure to the sun. However, skin cancer is not particularly limited to skins exposed to sunlight. It can also occur on a fully covered area that is untouched by the sunrays.
Basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma are the three most common kinds of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma is easier to treat and can be cured with proper treatment, while it is difficult to treat melanoma. Like all other cancer, skin cancer is fairly treatable, if detected at early stages.
Causes of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is caused by mutations in the DNA of skin cells. The mutations lead the cells to expand out of control, resulting in a tumor or skin cancer. Skin cancer develops on the topmost layer of your skin – The epidermis. The epidermis is a thin layer that protects your skin by shedding skin cells regularly. The epidermis is made up of three types of cells:
- Squamous cells
- Basal cells
- Melanocytes
The area or the section where the skin cancer develops, determine its type and your treatment options.
Potential causes of Skin Cancer
Ultraviolet Rays (UV Rays) causes the main damage to DNA in skin cells
Skin exposure to harmful chemicals or toxic substances
Fair skin has less pigmentation (melanin) to protect from UV Rays.
Skin cancer is more likely in people who have a lot of moles or atypical moles
Weakened Immune system.
Symptoms of Skin cancer
Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma most commonly affects sun-exposed parts of the body, such as the neck and face.
- a flat, firm area of skin, similar to a scar
- pale, reddish, yellow, or pink or white skin
- Formation of tiny, pearly, or waxy bumps
- Itching patch of skin
- Bleeding or scabbing sore that heals and returns
Squamous cell carcinoma signs and symptoms
Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin most often occurs on skin that is exposed directly to the sun, such as your scalp, the backs of your hands, your ears, or your lips. But it can develop on any part of your body, including the mouth, feet, and genitals
- A red nodule
- Flat sore on the body
- A rough, scaly patch on your lip that may evolve to an open sore
- A red sore or a rough path inside the mouth
- A red, raised patch or wartlike sore on or in the anus or on your genitals
Ayurvedic Treatment for Skin Cancer
In Ayurveda, several herbs are used for treating skin cancer. Some particular herbs have anti-cancer qualities and assist in the treatment of skin cancer quickly. However, one should not rely just on herbal remedies; instead, one should seek medical advice and receive necessary therapy in addition to herbal remedies. Also, before consuming anything, consult your doctor, as these herbal remedies should not conflict with your medical treatment, instead alleviate the curing process.
The number of herbs namely, Ashwagandha, Kanchar, Turmeric, Ginger, Amla, Tulsi is easily available in the consumption market. These herbs play an important role in the treatment of cancer. These herbs have anti-oxidant and inflammatory properties which help in reducing cell damage in the skin.
Prevention of Skin Cancer Using Ayurvedic Herb
Ayurvedic herbs work as natural therapies and are readily available. Try incorporating these herbs into your diet and see the results. These herbs are highly beneficial as it does not cause any side effects on your body. A daily intake or application of these medicinal herbs along with the prescribed treatments can cure skin cancer quickly. Here is a list of major Ayurvedic Herbs that can aid in the fight against skin cancer.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is high in antioxidants and vitamins, which may benefit your skin. Aloe vera’s key ingredients help in neutralizing the impacts of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, repairing existing UV damage, and repair the effects of UV radiation. Hence, it is also considered a natural skin protector. It inhibits the generation of carcinogens and helps in the faster recovery of the body from cancer.
Turmeric
Turmeric is considered to be the oldest ayurvedic herb and a fine remedy for almost all diseases. This herb helps in combating almost all diseases and especially skin problems. Curcumin is an important component of turmeric. It is a potent antioxidant that can prevent malignant cells from growing.
A pinch of Haldi diluted with water when applied to bumps or pimples on the skin, can help in reducing the itching, pain, and swelling. Keep the paste on the skin for some hours for better results.
Saffron
Saffron as an ayurvedic herb is very effective and efficient in treating cancer, as it prevents malignant cell growth. It has the unique ability to inhibit the progression of skin cancer. To achieve the optimum results, saffron extracts in tiny quantities can be used.
Green Tea
Green tea is popularly used as a beverage, but very less people know its uses and benefits. Being an Ayurvedic herb, green tea is rich in antioxidants. It accelerates the process of DNA repairing and prevents harmful cell growth in the body. A daily intake of green tea can improve your health and aid in healing skin cancer.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed powder and flaxseed oil is a popular ingredient in many cuisines. It is very rich in dietary fibre and also contains fatty acid micronutrients and lignans. Besides, it can prevent cancerous cells from dispersing through the body. Daily consumption of flaxseed in a daily diet, can help in the treatment of skin cancer.
Conclusion
Ayurveda follows the principles of natural healing systems; hence the treatment prescribed has zero or no side effects. The age-old treatments of Ayurveda are very effective in treating skin cancer. Always consult your physician or other health care professional before taking any medication or nutritional, herbal, or homoeopathic supplement, beginning any diet, nutrition, or fitness plan, or adopting any treatment for a health problem.