Psoriasis Treatment in Ayurveda

The scales or patches may typically appear on joints such as knees or elbows while other body parts are also affected, including:

• hands
• feet
• neck
• scalp
• face

Less commonly, your nails and mouth and the areas around the genitals are also affected.

Psoriasis may also come up in response to other conditions such as:

• type 2 diabetes
• inflammatory bowel disease
• heart disease
• psoriatic arthritis
• anxiety
• Depression

Types

There are several types of psoriasis, including:

• Erythrodermic psoriasis. It is one of the most intense types of psoriasis. The symptoms usually include rash across the entire body, causing burn and itchy sensation. It spreads quickly and is referred to as an inflammatory form of psoriasis.
• Plaque psoriasis. This is the most common type of psoriasis that results in red and dry patches on the skin covered with silvery scales. These plaques may appear on elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back and can be itchy or tender when touched.
• Nail psoriasis. This affects the finger and toenails. Abnormal nail growth and discolouration are the two prominent signs of nail psoriasis. If they become intense, they may loosen and separate from the nail bed- a condition called onycholysis.
• Guttate psoriasis. It is triggered by a bacterial infection such as strep throat. Children and young adults are mostly affected by small, scaling lesions on the arms, trunk, or legs.
• Pustular psoriasis. This is marked by white bumps filled with pus that develop in patches or a smaller area on the hands or the feet.
• Inverse psoriasis. This may affect the skin folds of the breasts, groin, and buttocks. It is also called hidden psoriasis or intertriginous psoriasis, which affects the area that rubs skin against the skin. With friction and sweating, they may cause smooth patches of red skin. Fungal infections mostly trigger inverse psoriasis.
• Psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis causes swollen and painful joints like arthritis. Sometimes the pain and swelling in the joints are the only sign that can tell about psoriatic arthritis. The symptoms may be mild to severe as the condition progresses. In the more severe cases, one can witness permanent joint damage.

Signs

The symptoms of psoriasis may differ from person to person and depend on the type of psoriasis. Area of psoriasis can be small initially but may cover the entire body within the span.

The most common symptoms of plaque psoriasis include:

• red, raised, inflamed patches on the body
• whitish-silver scales or plaques on the red patches
• dry skin that may bleed
• soreness around patches
• itching and burning sensations around patches
• thick, pitted nails
• painful and swollen joints

Causes

Scientists do not know what exactly causes psoriasis, but it is believed that the immune system and genes play a great role in their development. Even if you don’t have a family history of psoriasis, you still can develop it due to the presence of abnormal genes.

For those with genetic predisposition, an onset of triggers may result in the occurrence of signs and symptoms. Common triggers may include:

Stress

Stress and psoriasis often go hand in hand. Stress may cause psoriasis while its flare may also cause stress.

Weather

Changes in weather may also trigger the signs of psoriasis.

Injury to Skin

Psoriasis may appear on the skin which is damaged or injured.

Illness

Conditions that affect the immune system can trigger psoriasis such as bronchitis, respiratory infections, tonsillitis, etc.

Other possible triggers include

• Environmental factors
• Allergies
• Certain foods
• Alcohol

Ayurvedic Treatment for Psoriasis

According to Ayurveda, Psoriasis or Kitibh Kust is a result of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha aggravation. The intake of an unhealthy diet leads to toxins accumulation which affects the basic doshas and the equilibrium state of the body. It is Vata that causes pain, dry and scaly skin when it gets aggravated. Pitta vitiation results in feeling, redness, and inflammation, etc., on the skin. From the onset of signs, it is concluded which dosha is predominant in the body, and customized medications are curated for an individual.

Along with medications, patients are also suggested therapies and procedures to detoxify the body of its roots.

Panchakarma therapies are employed in the process, followed by Shodhana Chikitsa and other therapies. Shamana Chikitsa refers to internal and external applications of medications. All the procedures are done on a regular basis to help the body get rid of wastes and other substances and boost immunity.

Ayurvedic treatment for psoriasis also relates to a healthy diet and yoga to slow down the progression of signs and symptoms.

Altogether, the treatment focuses on the management of psoriasis using natural elements only.

At AyuKarma, we are dedicated to helping you in your disease recovery using procedures offered by Ayurveda. Our treatment is highly authentic and natural to be endured by the patients.