Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder, caused by a prolonged inflammation of the skin.

The most important characteristic of psoriasis is an accelerated proliferation of the keratinocytes, which results in the formation of raised plaques that are reddish and scaly, or papules, solid elevations covered with silvery-white scales, in areas of injury such as the knees, elbows, buttocks, and knuckles. Persons with the disease may also have a characteristic form of arthritis that affects joints in the fingers and spine. Psoriasis is neither infectious nor contagious, but it is disfiguring.

Psoriasis is quite common, affecting approximately 2 per cent of the population, although it is less common than atopic dermatitis, so people with very mild symptoms may not be aware of having it; in fact, those with psoriasis generally remain in good health. There is no permanent cure for psoriasis, but the skin symptoms can be treated, with treatments such as coal-tar ointment, or ultraviolet light (with varying degrees of success).

Psoriasis can begin at any age but usually appears around the age of 20 or between the ages of 50 and 60.

Causes of Psoriasis

The cause of psoriasis is not known, but the lesions are thought to result from abnormalities in both the non-vascular horny outer layer of the skin and its deeper vascular layer. The following may also be reasons for psoriasis: Heredity, throat infections, skin trauma (e.g. cuts, bruises or burns), certain medicines or skin irritants, smoking and alcohol, and mental stress or psychological trauma.

According to Ayurveda, psoriasis is caused by a vitiation of the vata and kapha doshas, which affect the watery elements of region of skin and blood tissues. Some of the causes are: Consumption of foods opposite to one's dosha or that which is too salty/sour/heavy, repressing one's natural urges (e.g. excretionary functions), severe climatic conditions, afternoon naps, immediate baths after intense physical exertions, and mental stress.

How Ayurvedic Principles Will Help You

Avoid factors that trigger (or worsen the effect of) psoriasis. Use things like gram flour (besan flour) as an alternative to soap (as the latter dries the skin), and control your food intake. Herbal balm, infused with vata and kapha balancing herbs, are an excellent addition to one's treatment. Meditation and yoga are good channels for relieving stress.

Among others, the vaidya may suggest for you treatments such as:

1. The consumption of medicated ghee, with regards to type of dosha of the person, for 5 to 7 days.
2. Detoxification, by inducing vomiting (Vamana) and purgation (Virechana). This is followed by Dhara treatments and/or Udwarthanam.
3. Medicated enemas (Basthi) for 8 days and internal medicines like herbal concoctions.