Ayurvedic Treatment For Psoriasis
This is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the skin, causing red, scaly patches that can be itchy and painful. It is estimated to affect around 2-3% of the global population, with a higher prevalence in developed countries.
In addition to the skin, psoriasis can be associated with an inflammatory arthritic condition known as psoriatic arthritis, a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects the joints and tendons. Psoriatic arthritis is estimated to develop in around 30% of psoriasis individuals.
Ayurvedic treatment for psoriasis employs ingredients used in other medical disciplines, such as aloe vera and turmeric. According to Ayurveda, psoriasis is caused by an imbalance of the three doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha) in the body. The goal of Ayurvedic treatment for psoriasis is to restore balance to the doshas and reduce inflammation in the skin by reducing the skin patches and pigmentation.
Complications of Psoriasis
Is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects up to 30% of people with psoriasis. It can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, and can lead to permanent joint damage if left untreated.
In one meta analysis, researchers has found an association between psoriasis and an increased risk of developing cancers.
Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can affect the eyes, causing inflammation and dryness.These may include conjunctivitis (commonly known as pink eye), uveitis( an inflammatory disease of the eye), and blepharitis ( inflammation of the eyelid).
According to a review of various research studies, individuals with psoriasis are more likely to develop heart disease and experience risk factors linked to heart disease such as hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes.
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Types of Psoriasis
Plaque Psoriasis
It is the most common psoriasis, accounting for about 80% of all cases. It is characterized by raised, red, and scaly patches on the skin, typically on the scalp, knees, elbows, and lower back. The patches vary in colour, depending on skin colour.
Guttate Psoriasis
Primarily affects young adults and children. It often develops after a streptococcal infection, and is characterized by small, pink or red spots on the skin that appear mainly on the trunk, arms, and legs.
Flexural or Inverse Psoriasis
Affects the skin folds, such as under the arms, in the groin area, under the breasts and around the genitals. It causes smooth, red, and inflamed patches that may be painful and itchy. Fungal infections may trigger it.
Nail Psoriasis
Is estimated to affect up to 50% of people with psoriasis and can cause changes in the appearance and texture of the nails, including pitting, discoloration, thickening, and separation from the nail bed. It is also possible to have isolated nail involvement without skin symptoms.
Pustular Psoriasis
Is a rare form of psoriasis which is characterized by small, pus-filled blisters (pustules) surrounded by red skin. It can affect large areas of the body or be found in small localized areas of the palms or soles.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis
Is a rare but severe form of psoriasis that can be life-threatening. It affects most of the body and causes a fiery redness and shedding of the skin.
Scalp Psoriasis
Is a common type of psoriasis that affects the scalp, causing red, scaly patches and plaques. It can occur on any part of the scalp, including the hairline, forehead, and neck, and can be itchy and uncomfortable.
Common Triggers Of Psoriasis
Stress
Can trigger a psoriasis flare-up or make existing symptoms worse. Stress can cause the immune system to become overactive, leading to inflammation and worsening psoriasis symptoms.
Infection
Such as strep throat or skin infections can trigger psoriasis symptoms or make existing symptoms worse. The body’s immune response to infection can lead to inflammation and worsening of psoriasis symptoms.
Weather Changes
Cold weather, dry air, and lack of sunlight can cause psoriasis symptoms to worsen. The dryness and lack of humidity in the air can cause the skin to become dry and irritated, leading to a psoriasis flare-up.
Medications
Certain medications, such as lithium, beta-blockers, and antimalarial drugs, can trigger or worsen psoriasis symptoms.
Alcohol
Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of psoriasis flare-ups. Alcohol can cause the immune system to become overactive, leading to inflammation and worsening of psoriasis symptoms.
Smoking
Smoking can also increase the risk of psoriasis flare-ups. The chemicals in cigarette smoke can trigger inflammation and make psoriasis symptoms worse.
Skin Trauma
Injuries to the skin, such as cuts, scrapes, and sunburns, can trigger psoriasis symptoms or make existing symptoms worse. The skin’s immune response to injury can lead to inflammation and worsening of psoriasis symptoms.
Causes Of Psoriasis, According To Ayurveda
Let’s look at the causes of psoriasis, according to Ayurveda:
- Inappropriate Diet: Irregular and unhealthy food habits, improper food combinations (Example: dairy products with fish or chicken), excessive intake of certain foods like yogurt, seafood, sour and salted items, alcohol etc. can contribute to the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
- Poor Digestion: According to Ayurveda, poor digestion can lead to the accumulation of toxins in the body, which can trigger psoriasis.
- Stress: Stress is a known trigger for psoriasis in Ayurveda too. When the body is under stress, it produces more cortisol, a hormone that can trigger inflammation in the body.
- Exposure To Environmental Toxins: Exposure to environmental toxins, such as pollution and chemicals, can lead to an accumulation of toxins in the body, which in turn can trigger psoriasis.
- Family History According to Ayurveda, though psoriasis is prone to affect anyone with irregular food habits and lifestyle, someone with a family history is more probable to get affected by it.
Ayurveda perspective of psoriasis
Ayurveda manages psoriasis by addressing the underlying imbalances in the body that contribute to the condition. According to Ayurvedic concept, it is caused by an imbalance of all the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) in varying degree, but predominantly Vata and Kapha.
The predominance of Vata causes dryness, pain, and scaling of the skin. Pitta imbalance causes redness, inflammation, and a burning sensation in the skin. Kapha vitiation causes rashes, itching, discharge, and thickening of the skin. This imbalance can be due to a variety of factors, including genetics, environmental factors, lifestyle, and diet.
Ayurveda management of psoriasis
- Ayurvedic Medications: Ayurvedic medications are used to reduce inflammation, to soothe the skin and address other health issues that may be associated with the condition.
- Ayurvedic Oil Massages: Ayurvedic oil massages, such as Abhyanga, can help moisturize and soothe the skin.
- Dietary Changes: dietary changes may involve avoiding certain foods that can aggravate psoriasis symptoms, such as spicy or acidic foods, and incorporating more anti-inflammatory foods into the diet.
- Lifestyle Changes: Ayurveda recommends lifestyle changes like practicing stress-reducing techniques such as yoga and meditation, getting regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy sleep routine to help manage psoriasis.
- Panchakarma Therapy: Panchakarma is an Ayurvedic detoxification treatment that involves five different procedures to remove toxins from the body. In certain cases of psoriasis, this treatment may be advised.
Prevention of Psoriasis
By adopting some important lifestyle changes, we can prevent the possibility of psoriasis to a great extent:
- Eat a balanced and adequate diet, avoiding unhealthy eating habits.
- Quit smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Manage stress and ensure adequate sleep.
- Take good care of the skin according to climate changes.
- Avoid excessive sun exposure and keep the skin covered.
- Take medications only under medical advice.
- Strengthen immunity.
- Be aware of skin allergies and recurrent infections.
- Regularly apply skin lotion or oil to maintain skin moisture, especially in winter.