Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a Skin Disease that takes a toll on the confidence of a person. Silvery Scales or Fish Scale like Plaques on Skin characterizes it. Skin cells are easily 
lost. Skin will also be dry with Itching, which is so severe that in certain patients oozing of the blood is seen commonly along with Pus and Secondary Infections. Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease characterized by eruptions of superficial papules and larger patches with phenomena of chronic inflammation. The Lesions usually occur at First on the Elbows, Knees Scalp and Lower Limbs and later spread all over the body.
Psoriasis results in the form of a complication known as Psoriatic Arthritis, which gives Joint Discomfort, Swelling, Stiffness or Throbbing. Psoriasis usually goes through cycles of relapses and remissions.
Western Medical Research concludes that there is no known cause for Psoriasis and hence no cure “when it comes to Psoriasis, Modern Medicine in absolutely inadequate”. Latest Modern Treatment for Psoriasis includes Immune Suppressing Drugs, Injection of Steroids etc to suppress the skin conditions.
The long term use of such drugs however has their own resultant complications, In conclusion we would like to assure Psoriasis-affected persons that a Controlled, Balanced, Nutritious Diet, Stress Free Living and a well thought out Ayurvedic Treatments supported by Yoga and Pranayama will be the path to Freedom from Psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a non-infectious, inflammatory 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.
1% to 3% of the most population has Psoriasis. It is very common among Europeans and North Americans. It is often seen between 15 to 40 yrs of age.
The exact reason behind Psoriasis is unknown. There is frequently a genetic predisposition. A child with one affected parent has a 15% chance of developing the disease and this rises to 50% if both the parents are affected. Streptococcal infection of the upper respiratory tract may exacerbate the condition. Deprivation of sunlight influences this condition and mental stress plays an important role in aggravating the condition. Certain drugs like chloroquine, chlorpropamide, lithium and practaol may aggravate this condition.
The peculiar lesions will be raised and red with dry, silvery-white scaling. Size may vary from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. Common sites are scalp elbows knees and lower back. Pitting of the nails is very common. Involvements of palm is not uncommon. Many may develop sero-negative inflammatory arthritis, which is characterized by multiple involvements of joints and pitting on nails.
Ayurvedic view :
Psoriasis Causes:
Many basic Ayurvedic texts have explained skin diseases, which resembles Psoriasis. According these references, Psoriasis can be considered as the vitiation of Vata and Kapha. (Two of the basic energies/humors, which maintains our body equilibrium) Accumulation of low potency poisons (Dooshi vishas), are the basic pathological changes taking place in the system. Irregular food habits, consumption of foodstuffs that cannot be eaten together (Eg: diary products with fish), excessive intake of yogurt, black gram, seafood, sour and salted items etc can activate the pathogenesis. Alcohol and tobacco consumption will act as a catalyst here. Ayurveda do emphasize on the effect of stress in the pathogenesis of Psoriasis.
Psoriasis Treatment:
Coming to the treatment aspects of Psoriasis according to Ayurveda, it aims at the detoxification of the body or elimination of toxins from the body fluids. It is achieved by "Panchakarma" treatments.
Current schedule, comprising various treatment aspects of Ayurveda is aiming at a better control of Psoriasis. This includes internal and external medications purely of plant origin. Rough outline of this schedule is as follows.
- Consumption of medicated ghee, considering the Dosha type of the Psoriasis and the person, for 5 to 7 days.
- Detoxifying, by inducing vomiting (Vamana) and purgation (Virechana). This is followed by medicated buttermilk dripping overhead (Dahara) and pasting the entire body with a paste of medicines and mud.
- Basthies (medicated enemas) are being done for 8 days and internal medicines like herbal concoctions; medicated ghee has to be consumed for at least 90 days.
Psoriasis Diet:
A strict diet regime has to be followed during the entire treatment period and it is better to continue as vegetarian. Yogurt, black gram, chilies and salted thing have to be restricted. It is better to avoid refrigerated/chilled foods. Psoriatic must keep a state of mental calmness.