Bindi Allergy: Causes, Remedies, Ayurvedic Treatment

Skin allergic reaction to Bindi stickers are very frequent nowadays. This usually occurs with using of stickers. In ancient times, Vermilion or Kumkuma was used as Bindi. But with changing times, we get different styled, shaped and coloured stickers to replace traditional Bindi. 

Causes

Causes of Bindi allergy:
The technical term used to explain this condition is – Bindi dermatitis. It occurs to sensitive skin reaction towards the chemicals used in preparing Bindi.  One main chemical is – Para Tertiary Butyl Phenol (PTBP). Only a few people develop allergic reaction towards this chemical compound.

Even with traditional vermilion as well, some may show allergic skin reaction, but the chances are less. Vermilion or Kumkum is prepared by Turmeric and Lime. If these ingredients are of spurious quality, then it also may lead to allergy.

Features

Common features of Bindi allergy:
Irritation, itching, burning sensation
Black or white discolouration
In some cases, it may lead to bleeding.

Precautions

Precautions to take to avoid Bindi allergy:
Any vermilion or Bindi sticker, if you apply and if you get itching sensation or red, black or white rashes, stop using it then and there.
Avoid cheap quality vermilion or Bindi stickers.
If you cannot avoid applying Bindi sticker, even with allergic reaction, then apply Sikta Taila and over it, apply Bindi. Sikta taila is prepared by mixing and heating 1 part of bee wax with 5 parts of sesame oil and filtered.

Treatment measures

The vermilion or sticker Bindi application should be stopped immediately.
Wash the area thoroughly with water.
Avoid any type of chemical face washing gels or face creams.
Use only gram flour to wash the face, in place of soap.

Turmeric – Neem decoction:
Add a teaspoon of each of neem and turmeric powder to 2 mugs of water. Boil and reduce to 1 mug. Filter. Use this to wash your face, 4 – 5 times a day.
If you do not like the yellow tinge on your skin, then use only half a teaspoon of turmeric in the above decoction formula.

Rakta Chandan – Red sandalwood – is widely used in skin disorders. It is made into fine paste. It can also be applied over the affected dermatitis area.

If the allergic dermatitis causes white patch, then vitiligo treatment and remedies should be adopted.

Ayurvedic home remedies

Home remedies for Bindi dermatitis:
Make a paste of half a teaspoon of Tankana Bhasma with a teaspoon of turmeric powder, with milk. Apply this 2 – 3 times a day.

Tender leaf buds of teak wood along with Tulsi juice extract and Durva (Cynodon dactylon) is applied over the affected skin area, 2 – 3 times a day.

Bael leaves are crushed to make a fine paste. To this, turmeric powder and Tulsi leaves are added. It is mixed with equal amount of sesame oil and water are added. This combination is heated till the total water content is evaporated.
This oil is filtered and used for external application.

Oils useful for Bindi allergy:
Durvadi Taila
Jatyadi Taila
Malatyadi Taila
Karanja Taila
Nimba Taila – Neem Oil
Yashadamruta Malahara

If the skin patch has turned white,
Then, Bakuchi taila, Somaraji taila or Avalgujadi lepam can be applied over the affected area, twice a day.
Ayurvedic medicines like Chitrakasavam, Ayaskriti etc may be administered.

Ayurvedic medicines

Oral Ayurvedic medicines for long persisting Bindi dermatitis:
Sarivadyasava
Mahamanjishtadi kada
Mahatitkaka Kashayam
Kadhirarishta 
Chandanasav,
Kaishore Guggulu etc. 
Article by Prof. MS Krishnamurthy and Dr Hebbar