Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes itchy, scaly, red patches over the skin. It is an inflammatory condition.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when T lymphocyte, which is the immune cells, affects the healthy skin cells.
CONCEPT OF PSORIASIS ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA
Psoriasis is a type of skin disease described in Ayurveda. The disease has characteristics like dryness; scaling and moistness caused due to the imbalance of vata and kapha bioenergies. Ayurveda quoted several skin diseases, among them Kitibha is one of the skin diseases to which Psoriasis is compared in Ayurvedic Classics. It is a condition in which the physiology of skin mainly the cells get destroyed due to toxin generated in the body, as an after effect of intake of improper food. During time lapse, the body looks unpleasant.
CAUSES OF PSORIASIS
- Any kind of infections
- Variation in weather conditions
- Stress and tension
- Injury happened to skin
- Smoking and alcohol intake
- Certain medications
- Any autoimmune conditions
- Genetics
FAQ/ARTICLE INCLUDED/POINTS COVERED
- What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
- What are the types of psoriasis?
- What are the important herbs available in ayurveda for psoriasis?
- Is psoriasis and eczema one at the same?
- What is the best line of treatment for psoriasis?
- Will psoriasis get subsided by own?
- What are the primary symptoms of psoriasis?
- How to differentiate psoriasis from other skin diseases?
- What are the detoxifying treatments for psoriasis in ayurveda?
- Will ayurveda cure psoriasis completely?
- What are the best ayurvedic herbs for psoriasis?
- What is the time duration for the treatment of psoriasis?
- What is the condition of psoriasis in the scalp?
- What are the different types of psoriasis?
- Is leech therapy done for psoriasis?
- Is psoriasis curable?
- What is the most common form of psoriasis?
- Is sunlight having any role regarding psoriasis?
- Is psoriasis contagious?
- Any Topical treatment for psoriasis?
- Phototherapy in psoriasis?
SYMPTOMS OF PSORIASIS
- Skin may be affected with rashes,flakiness,peeling,bumps,redness and sometimes dryness
- Pain and stiffness mainly at joints
- Scratched skin may cause bleeding
- Discolouration and pitting over nails
- scaly lesion over scalp
- Itching, burning sensation and soreness
CLASSIFICATION OF PSORIASIS
CLINICALLY CLASSIFIED INTO TWO:
Non pustular psoriasis
Include psoriasis vulgaris(thick red patches of skin),Guttate psoriasis(small red spot on skin),erythrodermic psoriasis(resemble severe burn),palmoplantar psoriasis(affects palms of hand and soles of feet),psoriatic arthritis(it attacks the joints along with skin),inverse psoriasis(appear in skin folds-breast,armpits,groin areas)
Pustular psoriasis(affect isolated area like hands and feet)
include generalised pustular psoriasis(covers the entire body with puss filled blisters) -impetigo herpetiformis(pustular psoriasis occurring at pregnancy period),localised pustular psoriasis(symptoms affect hands/sole-base of thumbs and heels) –palmoplantar pustular psoriasis(affect plantar surface of skin),acrodermatitis continua(pustular eruption starting from digits)
TYPE 1;
Onset before the age of 40, with family history
TYPE 2;
Onset before 40 years with no family history and no antigen association.
ACCORDING TO SEVERITY
Mild-less than 3% of body affected
Moderate-3-10% of body affected
Severe-more than 10% of body affected
COMPLICATION OF PSORIASIS
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- Inflammation of eye
- Psoriatic arthritis that which affect skin and joints
- Anxiety and depression
- Parkinson’s disease-neurodegenerative disease affecting the brain
- Affect the body metabolism
- Kidney disease an auto immune diseases
- Increased risk of lymphoma(cancer of lymphatic system)
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Bacterial or fungal infection
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Psychological and emotional conflicts
PSORIASIS IN AYURVEDA
Psoriasis is referred as Kitibha according to Ayurveda.Kitibha is also considered as one among eleven ksudra kushta(comparatively less harmful skin disorder).Clinical feature include –blackish brown discolouration of skin, affected area resemble scar and will be hard to touch.
Kitibha kushta is vata and kapha dominating bio energizing disease.
HOW AYURVEDA PREVENT PSORIASIS
Ayurveda believes that impurities in the blood along with emotional factors cause Psoriasis.
Ayurveda consider following a balanced diet as the main way to prevent psoriasis.Ayurveda also emphasis on detoxification therapy both internally and externally regarding the treatment modality. The goal of Ayurveda is to keep bio energies in balanced state. Depending upon the condition either single or in combination,Panchakarma is adapted. This cleanses the entire body. Strict food restrictions are to be followed for speedy recovery.
Ayurveda also focus on not to bring progress on the disease and avoid complications. After cleansing therapy rejuvenative procedures can be adapted. Certain blood purifiers are prescribed in ayurveda to reduce increased toxin inside the body. Herbal medicated oils and formulations with anti allergic,anti fungal and antibacterial properties are recommended in ayurveda.
PANCHAKARMA AND OTHER TREATMENTS FOR PSORIASIS
The main ayurvedic treatment for Psoriasis is Panchakarma.
Cleansing therapy is done through panchakarma
Palliative therapy through internal medication and application externally
Rejuvenative therapy through kayakalpa
Initially appetizers and Digestive medicaments are to be administered that include medicines like agnitundi vati,chitrakadi vati or panchakola phanta
Proceeded by Snehapana(intake of mahatiktaka gritha),Swedana(fomentation),Vamana(emesis)
For vata dominant kitibha ghee is highly recommended,For kapha , emetic therapy and for pitha purgation therapy is advised.
Bloodletting is administered in more acute stage.
INTERNAL MEDICATION
Intake of rasanjana(Solid extract from decoction of Berberis aristata)with urine,patolamuladi kashaya,khadira kwatha,panchathiktaka gritha,mahakhadiraka gritha,vajraka gritha,khadirarishta,manjishtadi kwatha,aragwadadi kwatha,brihat panchanimba choorna,amritha guggulu,talakesvara rasa,rasamanikya,kushtari rasa,
Arogya vardini+kaishora+chakramardakera thaila
EXTERNAL APPLICATION
Aswagandha lepa-with kanji(sour medicated drink)
Kasamarda lepa-grounded with sauveeraka(herbal wine)
Mulaka beejadi lepa-with gomutra
Chakramardadi lepa-with milk
Arkadi lepa-with cow’s urine
Pippalyadi lepa-pippali+haritaki+puti karanja+kushta+chitraka
Gomutradi lepa-paste with gomutra+realgar+ferrous sulphate+purified copper sulphate
DIET AND LIFE STYLE
VEGETARIAN DIET:
Leafy green vegetables,thyme,sage,cumin,ginger,olive oil,seeds ,nuts,broccoli,brussel sprout,carrots,grains,beans,cabbage,walnuts,almond,peanuts,peanut butter
FRUITS:
Cherries,grapes,dark fruits,berries like blueberries,strawberries,raspberry,apples,orange,pine apple,Avocado
NON VEGETARIAN FOOD:
Salmon,trout,herring,tuna,sardines
It is good to include anti inflammatory antioxidant diet(berries,leafy vegetables etc),Gluten free diet,Vegan diet,Paleo diet,Keto diet,Mediterranean diet,Auto immune protocol diet
FOOD TO BE AVOIDED STRICTLY
- Eggs,dairy,red meat-All these food containpolyunsaturated arachidonic acid,produces psoriatic scales
- Gluten-wheat,barley,beer,malt,noodles,pasta,sauces
- Processed foods-meats,canned fruits and vegetables
- Alcohol-react with immune system and cause flare ups
- Nightshades-tomatoes,eggplant,potatoes
HOME REMEDIES FOR PSORIASIS
Aloe vera gel application-reduce inflammation,flaking,redness and itching
Apple cider vinegar-reduce itchiness associated with psoriasis in the scalp
Sea salts-add sea salt to warm water bath, soak for about 20 minutes
Tea tree oil-antiseptic action
Turmeric-add to your daily diet
Involve in stress relieving Activities
Neem leaves-with butter milk / boil neem leaves in sesame oil
Expose to sunlight-improves appearance of skin
Include fish oil in your diet
Stay hydrated
Avoid perfumes and dyes
Garlic and onion intake to purify blood Guggulu to reduce inflammation
EFFECTIVE AYURVEDIC HERBS FOR PSORIASIS
- Mahonia aquifolium-helps to suppress inflammation
- Indigo naturalis-helps in treatment of psoriasis
- Aloe vera-antibacterial and anti inflammatory in properties
- Acarus calamus-aromatic,treats skin disorder
- Alhagi camelorum-leaves are used for treating skin disease
- Alpinia galangal-rhizomes as dusting powder
- Avena sativa-as skin tonic
- Azadiracta indica-antiseptic,anti bacterial
- Bauhinia racemosa-all skin disorders
- Calendula officinalis-anti inflammatory and antiseptic
- Centella asiatica-wound healing,reduce stretch marks
- Panax ginseng-stimulates blood flow to skin
YOGASANAS FOR PSORIASIS
Physical and mental practices provide relief to Psoriasis condition.
Stress is one among the important reason that triggers the condition hence known as Fuel inflammation. To keep these flare-ups under control yoga is the best choice. Mainly includes breathing exercises.
Postures include;
- Child’s pose
- Salutation seal-focus on relaxation and meditation
- Deep breathing
- Uttanasana
- Trikonasana
- Bhujangasana
- Janu shirsasana
- Viparitha karani
- Pawanamuktasana
- Shavasana
- Sarvangasana
- Makarasana
- Padmasana
29th October, is considered as World Psoriasis Day. The day mainly focus to raise awareness regarding psoriasis.
Aims
- Raise awareness
- Spread information
- Improve accessibility to treatment
- Give voice to psoriasis community
The theme of 2020 was Informed.IFPA organised activities to promote empowerment, action and awareness
“Psoriasis” is the disease of skin. Never let the p “sore” to enter inside you, never lose the “oasis” of hope and self confidence in yourself -Shaan
