A Complete Overview: The Fight Against Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a long-term, non-infectious condition that affects the immune system and causes inflamed patches of skin, often with raised plaques and scales. These signs of psoriasis can vary in appearance depending on an individual’s skin type. The patches of skin affected by psoriasis may be red, pink, or purple and may be dry, itchy, and scaly. The severity of psoriasis can range from small, localised patches to complete body coverage.

The signs and symptoms of psoriasis may vary depending on the type of the disease. There are five main types of psoriasis: plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular, and erythrodermic.

According to Ayurveda, the term for skin disease in general is Kushta. The skin condition known as psoriasis can be correlated with three different skin diseases: Sidhma, Eka, and Kitibha Kushta.

The four signs you suffer from Psoriasis

1. The most common type of psoriasis is typically characterised by red patches with white scales on top. These patches can appear on the back of the forearms, shins, navel area, and scalp. These areas are the most commonly affected by this condition.
2. Red patches of skin that initially appear in skin folds and eventually spread over the body.
3. Pus-filled blisters may also be present in rare cases.
4. Changes in the appearance of the fingernails, such as pits or changes in nail colour, may also occur.

Psoriasis is often thought of as a genetic disease that is triggered by environmental factors.The symptoms of psoriasis may worsen during the winter months and with the use of certain medications, including beta blockers and NSAIDs.Infections and psychological stress can also be major contributing factors to the development or worsening of psoriasis.The underlying mechanism of psoriasis involves the immune system reacting to skin cells.The diagnosis of psoriasis is typically based on the observation of signs and symptoms. In addition to the appearance and distribution of the rash, medical practitioners may use specific medical signs to help with the diagnosis of psoriasis. These signs may include certain characteristics of the rash, such as its size, shape, and location on the body.

Get rid of Psoriasis with Ayurveda

According to Ayurvedic classics, the primary treatment for psoriasis is Shodhana therapy (bio-detoxification), which can be roughly correlated with three skin complaints: Eka, Sidhma, and Kitibha Kushta Roga. This treatment is designed to cleanse and detoxify the body.Vaidya Charaka, a renowned Ayurvedic physician, stated that diseases treated with Shodhana therapy will not return or become chronic. This highlights the necessity of using Panchakarma therapies (five types of bio-detoxification processes) to effectively treat psoriasis.

How treatment works in Ayurveda?

Vamana (medicine-induced vomiting) is a treatment in Ayurveda that involves the use of medications to induce vomiting. This treatment is used to remove toxins and excess Kapha Dosha from the body.

Virechana (medicine-induced purgation) is a treatment in Ayurveda that involves the use of medications to stimulate bowel movements and eliminate toxins and excess Pitta Dosha from the body. This treatment is often used in conjunction with other therapies to address imbalances in the body and promote overall health and well-being.

Vasthi (medicated enema) is a treatment in Ayurveda that involves the use of medicated oils or decoctions to cleanse the colon and correct metabolism. It is also effective in relieving imbalances in Vata dosha.

If skin lesions persist after undergoing Vamana, Virechana, and Vasthi treatments, Rakthamoksha (bloodletting) may be recommended to purify the blood and promote the flow of healthy blood to the affected area. This can help to rejuvenate the muscles and skin layers and support the healing process.

In addition to these procedures, other external therapies are used to alleviate the severity of patches and promote healthy skin restoration.