Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune, non communicable skin disease characterised by large red /pink  patches   symmetrically , associated with severe itching sensation and silvery white scales formation on rash. Every year 29^th October is recognised as world’s Psoriasis day.

How Psoriasis is caused ?

• There is no specific reason for developing the disease.
• Since it is an auto immune disease the defective immune system stands as a main causative factor.
• Genetic predisposition may also play a key role in the manifestation of the disease.
• Other factors like drugs ,sunlight, skin infections, stress/anxiety, trauma can also precipitate the disease.

Psoriasis got 4 different presentations – Plaque Psoriasis which is the most common type, Guttate Psoriasis, Erythrodermic Psoriasis, Pustular Psoriasis.

As it is an auto immune disease ones own immune system starts attacking each other and disturbs the entire immune mechanism in the body. In psoriasis the adverse effect is exposed on the skin making the epidermal cells to proliferate in excess. According to the current researches stress factors, insomnia, improper diet and lifestyle are the main triggering factors for psoriasis which even flares up the existing condition.

Features of Psoriasis :

Skin with red or pink thickened multiple patches associated with dryness, itching, dandruff kind of silvery white scales or plaques on the patch and tend to bleed when tried to pull the plaque out. In rare and chronic  cases the patch can even be in grey or black in colour. Psoriasis can also be seen on scalp region and referred as scalp Psoriasis. It may mimic with other scalp conditions like dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis. In chronic conditions pitting of nails called ‘oil spots ’and joint pains called ‘Psoriatic arthritis’ are also observed.

What Ayurveda speaks about Psoriasis…..

Ayurveda deals with all the skin diseases under the nomenclature KUSTA. Kusta are divided into 2 major categories according to the classic text of Ayurveda called Charaka samhitha, as Maha kusta and kshudra kusta which are total 18 in number. Eka kusta and Kitibha kusta are one among kshudra kustas which resemble to the features to Psoriasis in modern era. Imbalance among all the three humours and  vata, pitta and kapha vitiate other tissue components of the body like twak (skin), Rakta (blood), Mamsa (muscle tissue), ambu (lymph/plasma) are the pathogenic factors for 18 types of kusta. Among these Eka kusta and Kitiba kusta are caused when vata (air element) and kapha (mucous element) become morbid.

The Characters of Eka kusta  will be absence of sweating or dryness or patch, plaques resembling the skin of fish and extensive localisation. Where as blackish brown colour rash which is rough and touch like a scar tissue describe the feautres of kitiba kusta in classical texts of Ayurveda.

Management of  Psoriasis through Ayurveda…

• Proper dietary and lifestyle management is advised throughout the lifespan.
• Excessive intake of Seafoods, eggs, chicken, red meat, yoghurt, sour and salty food items, alcohol may trigger the pathogenesis of Psoriasis.
• Since Psoriasis is a psychosomatic disease Stress management can be done through therapies like Takradhara(continuous pouring of buttermilk on fore head),Shirodhara(continuous pouring of oil on forehead).
• The dryness and itching sensation can be controlled through Abhyanga (hot oil massage)and steam which softens the skin and also improve the blood circulation.
• All the accumulated toxins are eliminated through detox plans which are done by the expert hand at Ayur Healthcare with all care and concern.
• Herbs which have immunomodulatory properties like guduchi (Tinosporacordifolia) , haridhra (curcuma longa), triphala etc. and herbs effective in dermatological problems are advised depending on age and chronicity of the condition by our well trained Ayurvedic medical practitioners at Ayur Healthcare.

With all the confidence Ayur Healthcare can say Psoriasis is well managed through Ayurveda only and the world even accepted this.