Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic, non-infectious, inflammatory, autoimmune disease of the skin. It is characterized by well-defined erythematous (reddish) plaques with large adherent silvery scales. The main abnormality in psoriasis is an increased proliferation of the skin layers due to excessive division of the cell in the basal layers of the skin. Severe itching may associate with the plaques. Dryness of the skin and silvery scaling are characteristics of this condition. Psoriasis can have psychological and social impact on patient’s life. Psoriasis affects health-related Quality of Life to an extent similar to the effects of other chronic diseases such as depression, myocardial infarction, hypertension, etc. The modern treatment options not only provide temporary relief but also have serious side effects. Thus, the chronic and recurring nature of the disease hampers the Quality of Life to a great extent.
Ayurvedic view:
Ayurvedic texts have explained skin diseases, which resembles Psoriasis. According to these references, Psoriasis can be considered as the vitiation of Vata and Kapha Dosha (Two of the basic Doshas/humors). Accumulation of Dooshi / Gara vishas (low potency poisons) are the basic causes for pathological changes taking place in this disease.
Causes
- Frequently a genetic predisposition. (Heredity)
- The immune system overreacts (causing inflammation and flaking of skin)
- Streptococcal infection of the upper respiratory tract
- Mental stress
- Certain drugs like chloroquine, chlorpropamide, lithium and practaol etc.
- Environmental factors such as trauma, sunlight, infection, climatic changes
Symptoms
- Raised, red patches of skin topped with loose scales
- Thick, red patches known as plaques, and dry, silvery scales appearing on the scalp, face, elbows, knees, palms, and soles of the feet.
- Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
- Joint swelling, tenderness, and pain (inflammatory arthritis / psoriatic arthritis)
- Thickened, pitted or ridged nails
- Lesions Size may vary from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter.
Types of psoriasis
- Plaque psoriasis – Patches of raised, reddish skin covered by silvery-white scale
- Psoriatic arthritis – Which causes inflammation of the joints.
- Guttate psoriasis – Small, red spots on the skin
- Pustular psoriasis – White pustules surrounded by red skin
- Inverse psoriasis – Smooth, red lesions form in skin folds
- Erythrodermic psoriasis – widespread redness, severe itching, and pain
Types based on the effect of psoriasis on life quality: (Disease that alter Quality of Life) –
- Mild Psoriasis
- Moderate Psoriasis
- Severe Psoriasis
Causes by Ayurveda:
- Irregular food habits
- Viruddha ahar (consumption of foodstuffs that cannot be eaten together e.g. dairy products with fish)
- excessive intake of yogurt, black gram, seafood
- excessive intake of sour and salted items
- excessive intake of Alcohol and tobacco consumption
- stress
Do’s
- Strictly Vegetarian Diet.
- Keep mental calmness
Don’ts
- Yogurt, black gram, chilies and salted thing have to be restricted.
- Avoid refrigerated/chilled foods.
Ayurveda Treatment:
(It aims at the detoxification of the body or elimination of toxins from the body. )
- Panchkarma –Vaman, Virechan, Basti , Snehan Swedan, Nasya etc ( as per Amruta Ayurved’s Expert Doctor)
- Internal and external medications ( as per Amruta Ayurved’s Expert Doctor)
- Yogasana
- Pranayama
- Pathyapathya
All Type of Ayurveda Panchkarma treatments and medicines for Psoriasis and all Skin diseases are available at Amruta Ayurved Panchkarma Center, Thane, Mumbai, India. Mob – 9869105594
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