Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes a rash with itchy, scaly patches, most commonly on the knees, elbows, trunk and scalp. Psoriasis is a common, long-term (chronic) disease with no cure in modern medicine. It can be painful, interfere with sleep and make it hard to concentrate. The condition tends to go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months, then subsiding for a while.
A QUALIFIED AYURVEDA PRACTITIONER SHOULD BE CONSULTED TO ENSURE APPROPRIATE PROCEDURES AND MONITOR PROGRESS
Psoriasis is a long-lasting disease characterized by patches of scaly, itchy, and red skin. It can be restricted to a small area or can even spread to the whole of your body. When the underlying infection reaches the surface of your skin, the healthy cells die. This causes red and itchy plaque covered with white scales.
Itchiness is the most communal complaint in people with psoriasis. People feel itchy especially when psoriasis affects their scalp, palms of the hands or soles of their feet. Inflammation and redness around the scales is common. Generally, psoriatic scales are whitish-silver and develop in thick, red patches. Sometimes, these patches will crack and bleed. Here we discussed some best ayurvedic remedies and medicines for Psoriasis skin problem.
TYPES OF PSORIASIS
- Guttate Psoriasis- It is characterized by small red spots that occur on the torso and limbs. It usually starts in young childhood or adulthood. It triggers respiratory infection, tonsillitis, and strep throat.
- Plaque Psoriasis Plaque Psoriasis is the most communal type of Psoriasis. It occurs to red and inflamed patches that cover over the area of the skin. These patches are covered with whitish-silver scales or plaques which are found on elbows, knees and scalp.
- Inverse Psoriasis- In this condition bright red and shiny abrasion occurs in the groin area, in the armpits, and under your breasts.
- Erythrodermic Psoriasis- It is characterized by periodic redness of the skin and shedding of the skin. It also causes severe sunburn and infection.
- Pustular Psoriasis: Pustular psoriasis is more common in adults. It causes white, pus-filled blisters and broad areas of red, inflamed skin.
- Palm Planter Psoriasis: Psoriasis confined to certain areas (localized), usually the palms and soles. This is known as "palm planter psoriasis." skin red, swollen, and dotted with pus-filled lesions. Pus-filled lesions dry, leaving behind brown dots and/or scale. Affected areas tender and sore. Using hands or walking often painful.
- Psoriatic Arthritis: Psoriasis can be accompanied by a form of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis which causes inflammation and swelling in the small joints of hands and feet. Knees and elbows can also be involved. About 10 % of the people with psoriasis may suffer with psoriatic arthritis.
- Nail Psoriasis: This form of psoriasis affects the toenails and fingernails. Nail become thickened, pitted and often yellowish or bluish in colour. They crumbles easily, and often surrounded by inflammation and may also be detached.
If you are suffering from one of these kinds of Psoriasis then you can go for natural ayurvedic remedies to treat it. Ayurveda gives prevention as well as treatment.
- Scalp Psoriasis: About half of the psoriasis patients have scalp psoriasis. Psoriasis occurring on the scalp is usually starts in dandruff form and can be a plaque psoriasis.
CAUSE OF PSORIASIS
Many factors can cause psoriasis. Factors such as trauma, infection, or emotional stress can trigger this condition. Some abnormalities in the system also cause psoriasis. People who have a flare-up of psoriasis are usually affected by emotional stress or some trauma like the death of a loved one or the loss of a new job. These tensions may intensify because of problems in your internal system.
SYMPTOMS/CONDITIONS OF PSORIASIS
Symptoms of Psoriasis differ from person to person which depends on the type of Psoriasis. The most common symptoms of Psoriasis include:
- Inflamed patches of skin
- Scales and crust start to develop on the scalp.
- Plaques on the red patches
- Dry skin that may crack and bleed
- Soreness around patches
- Itching/burning sensations around patches
- Thick/pitted nails, Fingernails get discolored and pitting is noticed
- Swollen joints
- Stress – Unusual high stress may trigger a flare-up.
- zxHeavy alcohol also triggers flare-up.xz
PSORIASIS TRIGGERS
Many people who are predisposed to psoriasis may be free of symptoms for years until the disease is triggered by some environmental factor. Common psoriasis triggers include:
- Infections, such as strep throat or skin infections
- Weather, especially cold, dry conditions
- Injury to the skin, such as a cut or scrape, a bug bite, or a severe sunburn
- Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Certain medications — including lithium, high blood pressure drugs and antimalarial drugs
- Rapid withdrawal of oral or injected corticosteroids
DIAGNOSIS
Your health care provider will ask questions about your health and examine your skin, scalp and nails. Your health care provider then might take a small sample of skin (biopsy) for examination under a microscope. This helps determine the type of psoriasis and rule out other disorders.
COMPLICATION OF PSORIASIS
If you have psoriasis, you're at greater risk of developing other conditions, including:
- Psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in and around the joints
- Temporary skin color changes (post-inflammatory hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation) where plaques have healed
- Eye conditions, such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis and uveitis
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease
- Other autoimmune diseases, such as celiac disease, sclerosis and the inflammatory bowel disease called Crohn's disease
- Mental health conditions, such as low self-esteem and depression
AYURVEDA MANAGEMENT & TREATMENT FOR PSORIASIS
Ayurveda believes that impurities in the blood related to emotional aspects are the cause of the disease. Psoriasis is believed to occur due to reduction in all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) in varying degree, but mainly Vata and Kapha according to the Ayurvedic treatments.
The Vata mainly causes pain, dryness and scaling of skin. Pitha vitiation leads to burning feeling, redness, inflammation etc. and that of Kapha causes rashes, itching, discharge, thickening of skin etc. From these symptoms, the involvement of Dosha is analysed carefully in each patient, which is most important in the management of the disease.
The irregular lifestyle, consumption of foodstuffs such as dairy products with fish, yogurt, paneer, black gram, seafood sour and salted items that are advised not to be eaten together which activates the pathogenesis. The consumption of alcohol and tobacco will act as a catalyst here. Ayurveda also looks on to the effect of stress in the pathogenesis of Psoriasis.
(I) PANCHKARMA TREATMENT FOR PSORIASIS
With the aim of better control on Psoriasis, Ayurveda also has a specific schedule comprised of various Panchkarma treatment aspects that includes purely herbal originated internal and external medications. A Rough idea of this complete Panchkarma treatment is as follows:
- Consumption of medicated ghee, considering the Dosha type of the Psoriasis and the person, for 7 to 10 days.
- Vamana & Virechana – It is done by inducing vomiting (Vamana) and purgation (Virechana)
- Shirodhara – The above detoxification is followed by medicated Oil or Buttermilk dripping overhead (Shirodhara) and pasting the entire body with a paste of medicines and mud.
- Vasties (medicated enemas) – these are being done for 8-10 days and internal medicines like herbal formulations, herbal concoctions, and medicated ghee need to be consumed for at least 120 to 180 days.
- Shamana Chikitsa through proper management of internal medication and external applications
- Rasayana Chikitsa (immunomodulation) to arrest recurring and boost immunity
- Changes in diet and lifestyle
- Herbal medicines or herbal concoctions can also be consumed.
Basthies are medical and herbal enemas which should be taken for 8 days.
- You can also remove impurities from your body by means of vomiting and purging.
- You can also cure psoriasis by covering your entire body in a paste of mud.
- Jasmine flower paste to get rid of itching and reduce inflammation
- In order to reduce inflammation Guggul can be used.
- Neem to boost the immunity levels and to purify the blood in the body.
- To reduce inflammation, redness, and swelling turmeric can be used.
- Boswellia (Indian frankincense) to reduce inflammation and increase the immunity levels of the body.
(II) EFFECTIVE AYURVEDIC MEDICINE FOR PSORIASIS
Some ayurvedic medicine can be used for psoriasis treatment like arogya vardhini vati, kutaki, ras manikya, Giloy ghan vati and some special developed medicines must be taken after consulting an Ayurvedic expert. In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!
(III) HERBS USED FOR PSORIASIS
- Manjistha (Rubia Cordifolia)
- Aloe vera - Use as a topical cream.
- Neem (Azadirachta Indica)
- Haritaki (Terminalis Chebula)
- Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis)
- Daruharidra (Berberis Aristata)
- Giloy (Tinospora Cordifolia)
- Tea tree oil
- Turmeric - Use as a topical cream.
- Capsaicin- Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chili peppers- Use it as a topical cream.
Medicinal plants were used by 81 (54.4%) patients with psoriasis. Patients used 33 medicinal plants belonging to 26 families. Plants belonging to Lamiaceae and Leguminosae were the most commonly used by the study patients were the most frequently used medicinal plants to treat psoriasis. Leaves and fruits were the most commonly used parts by the study patients. Paste was the most commonly used form of preparation. The use of medicinal plants was significantly associated with age and monthly household income of the patients. Enhancement of immunity, improving conventional therapy and reduction of side effects were the most commonly self-reported reasons for using medicinal plants.
Potential risks
It's important to be careful when using herbal remedies. Botanical products can interact with your other medications. It's also important to be vigilant about allergies. Always test a new topical ointment or cream on a small part of your skin that isn't affected by your psoriasis before you use it on a psoriasis flare. If you have any sort of redness, hives, or itching from a topical cream, don't use that product as a psoriasis treatment. Don't apply it to a flare that has an open wound.
DIET FOR PSORIASIS
- Consuming medicated ghee.
- Only consume vegetarian dishes to reduce psoriasis. Legumes (beans and lentils)
- Consume turmeric (To reduce inflammation, redness, and swelling) and Neem (to boost the immunity levels and to purify the blood in the body.) daily to treat psoriasis.
- Jasmine flower paste to get rid of itching and reduce inflammation
- In order to reduce inflammation Guggul can be used, Nuts and seeds
- Boswellia (Indian Frankincense) to reduce inflammation and increase the immunity levels of the body.
- Olive oil, Whole grains omega-3 fatty acids:
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Alpha-linolenic acid, Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
FOODS TO AVOID/STOP
- Avoid Fish, Meat, Eggs, Tamarind, Frozen & Non Fresh foods must be avoided.
- Liquor (Alcohol)
- Stop smoking
- Avoid dairy products, Curd in any form, Yogurt, Black Gram, Salty (minimize salt) food products, Chilies and Completely avoid spicy food stuff
- Avoid yogurt, black gram, salty food products, and chilies.
- Foods containing refined carbohydrates- (think white bread, white rice, pasta, pastries and some breakfast cereals).
- Foods with saturated fats and trans fats - Fats in red meat, cheese, fried food, margarine, fast food and many processed snacks are known to trigger inflammation in the body.
- Added sugars in soda, fruit juices, candy, baked goods and other sweets are different from natural sugars in food such as fruit
- Eliminate gluten from your diet
