Psoriasis is a skin disease that is long-lasting and characterized by raised areas of skin and scales. Patients with Psoriasis avoid social gatherings because of evident skin rashes and discolouration. Usually, patients develop inferior complexity because of Psoriasis, which affects patients’ mental health. Psoriasis is considered an inherited disease or idiopathic disease.

Signs and symptoms of Psoriasis

• Skin areas can be red, pink, or purple
• Dry, itchy, and scaly skin lesions
• Small and localized patches
• In Some cases, pain in the joints and joint stiffness 
• Fissures, flakiness, peeling, or small bump 
• Depression
• Severe Itching 
• Plaque formation
• Dents in nails
• Pinpoint bleeding when the scale is removed

Normally in the rainy and winter season, symptoms of Psoriasis will be aggravated because of environmental changes. Many people predisposed to Psoriasis may be free of symptoms for years until some environmental factor triggers the disease.

Common triggering factors of Psoriasis

• Infections, such as strep throat or skin infections
• Weather, especially cold, dry conditions
• Injuries to the skin, such as a cut or scrape, a bug bite, or a severe sunburn
• Smoking and exposure to smoke
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Certain medications — including lithium, high blood pressure drugs, and antimalarial drugs
• Rapid withdrawal of oral or injected corticosteroids
• Psychological stress 
• Sedentary lifestyle and food habits

5 Types of Psoriasis

1. Plaque psoriasis(Raised areas of inflamed skin covered with silvery-white, scaly skin)
2. Pustular psoriasis(Raised bumps filled with noninfectious pus)
3. Inverse psoriasis(Appears as smooth, inflamed patches of skin)
4. Guttate psoriasis(Numerous small, scaly, red or pink, droplet-like lesions)
5. Erythrodermic psoriasis(Widespread inflammation and scaling of the skin)

Psoriasis patches can be seen most commonly in the knees, elbows, trunk, behind the ear, thighs, nails, feet, and scalp. Based on the percentage of the affected area, one can decide the severity of the disease. Psoriasis is associated with an increased risk of psoriatic arthritis, lymphomas, cardiovascular disease, Crohn’s disease, and depression. Psoriatic arthritis affects up to 30% of individuals with Psoriasis.

There is no definite known cure for Psoriasis, but various treatments can help control the symptoms.

Treatment for Psoriasis in modern science

• Application of steroid cream and vitamin d3 cream
• Ultraviolet light therapy
• Prescribing immunosuppressive drugs and steroids
• Biologic therapies targeting specific immunologic pathways

The problem with psoriasis-affected patients is that once the treatment is discontinued, symptoms will reappear and medication should be started to control the skin rashes.

Psoriasis treatment with Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, skin diseases are grouped under Kustha roga. Psoriasis can be considered as Eka Kustha in Ayurveda. Eka Kustha is one among 18 types of Kustha roga. Psoriasis is caused by vitiation of Tridosha, mainly vata, and Kapha Dosha. Further vitiation of skin, blood, flesh, and serum due to causative factors.

Causative factors of Psoriasis according to Ayurveda

• Excess intake of alcohol and leafy vegetables
• Hot and spicy diet
• Excessive intake of millet and Barley
• Regular and excessive consumption of honey, fish, and radish
• Food poisoning
• Oily food intake 

Signs and symptoms of Psoriasis

• Reduced or increased sweating
• Roughness and discolouration of the skin
• Itching and pricking sensation
• Numbness and fatigue
• Scaling of skin similar to fish scale
• Blackening of skin lesions

Why is the Ayurveda treatment best for Psoriasis?

Ayurveda treatment always focuses on treating the disease from the root cause and improving immunity. By treating the root cause, the disease can be treated quickly and effectively. Recent research study state that Ayurvedic drugs help to cure Psoriasis by enhancing their permeation across the skin. It retards hyperkeratinization, silvery scales, and inflammatory responses and reduces exfoliation and discoloration of the skin. It also prevents Itching and the formation of scales and sores. It has anti-inflammatory activity and suppresses inflammatory markers like cytokines, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes and protects the skin by improving the barrier function of the skin. As Psoriasis is considered an Autoimmune disease, Rasayana therapy is the best way to improve our body’s immune system.

Treatment modalities in Ayurveda

Panchakarma

• Vamana karma(Therapeutic emesis)

Removing the toxins(Ama) deposited in our body through vomiting by giving medication after completion of Snehana(Oleation therapy) and Swedana karma(Sudation therapy).

• Virechana Karma(Therapeutic Purgation)

Removing toxins(Ama) deposited in our body by purposefully made to have loose motions by giving medication after completion of Snehana therapy(Oleation therapy) and Swedana karma(Sudation therapy).

• Asthapana Basti and Anuvasana Basti(Therapeutic enema using decoctions and oils)

Removing toxins(Ama) deposited in our gut by administering an enema using Ayurvedic herbs decoctions and medicated oil or ghee after completing Snehana and Swedana karma.

• Ghritapana (Oral administration of medicated ghee)

• Shamana Aushadhi (Internal medication)
• External Application of medicated Paste and oils.

In Praanavaidya, we provide the best Ayurvedic treatment for Psoriasis with the help of our experienced Doctors’ panel. We provide customized diet plans and stress management therapy for Psoriasis patients, as these two are the main triggering factors. Please make use of our platform and win the long-standing fear of Psoriasis. Book your appointment now!