Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune, noncommunicable skin disease characterized by large red /pink patches symmetrically, associated with severe itching sensation and silvery white scales formation on the rash. Every year 29th of October is recognized as World Psoriasis Day.

What causes Psoriasis?

• There is no specific reason for developing the disease.
• Since it is an autoimmune disease the defective immune system stands as the 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, and trauma can also precipitate the disease.

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

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

Signs and symptoms 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 grey or black. Psoriasis can also be seen in the scalp region and is referred to as scalp Psoriasis. It may mimic 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.

Ayurveda view on Psoriasis

Ayurveda deals with all the skin diseases under the nomenclature KUSHTHA. Kushtha is divided into 2 major categories according to the classic text of Ayurveda called Charaka Samhita, Maha Kushtha, and Kshudra Kushtha which total 18 in number. Eka Kushtha and Kitibha Kushtha are one among kshudra Kushthas that resemble the features of Psoriasis in the modern era. Imbalance among all the three humors and Vata, pitta, and Kapha vitiate other tissue components of the body like twak (skin), Rakta (blood), and Mamsa (muscle tissue), Ambu (lymph/plasma) are the pathogenic factors for 18 types of Kushtha. Among these Eka Kushtha and Kitiba Kushtha are caused when Vata (air element) and Kapha (mucous element) become morbid.

The characteristics of Eka Kushtha will be the absence of sweating or dryness or patch, plaques resembling the skin of fish, and extensive localization. Whereas blackish brown color rash which is rough and touch like scar tissue describes the features of Kitibha Kushtha in classical texts of Ayurveda.

Management of  Psoriasis through Ayurveda

• Proper dietary and lifestyle management is advised throughout the lifespan.
• Excessive intake of seafood, eggs, chicken, red meat, yogurt, sour and salty food items, and 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 the forehead), and Shirodhara (continuous pouring of oil on the forehead).
• The dryness and itching sensation can be controlled through Abhyanga (hot oil massage)and steam which softens the skin and also improve blood circulation.
• All the accumulated toxins are eliminated through Panchakarma (detox) plans which are done by the experts at Pranava Kerala Ayurveda Clinic with all care and concern.
• Herbs that have immunomodulatory properties like Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Triphala, etc., and herbs effective in dermatological problems are advised depending on the age and chronicity of the condition by our well-trained Ayurvedic medical practitioners at Pranava Kerala Ayurveda Clinic.