Psoriasis is a chronic, non-infectious disease that affects mainly the skin. It is currently suspected to be autoimmune in origin. It commonly causes red, scaly patches to appear on the skin, although some patients have no dermatological symptoms. The scaly patches caused by psoriasis, called psoriatic plaques, are areas of inflammation and excessive skin production. Skin rapidly accumulates at these sites and takes on a silvery-white appearance. Plaques frequently occur on the skin of the elbows and knees, but can affect any area including the scalp (Scalp Psoriasis), palms of hands and soles of feet, and genitals.

In contrast to eczema, psoriasis is more likely to be found on the extensor aspect of the joint. The disorder is a chronic recurring condition that varies in severity from minor localized patches to complete body coverage. Fingernails and toenails are frequently affected (psoriatic nail dystrophy) and can be seen as an isolated finding. Psoriasis can also cause inflammation of the joints, which is known as psoriatic arthritis. Ten to fifteen percent of people with psoriasis have psoriatic arthritis. Factors that may aggravate psoriasis include stress, withdrawal of systemic corticosteroid, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking. Because of its chronic recurrent nature, psoriasis is a challenge to treat.

The exact cause of the disease still remains unknown. There may be a combination of factors, including genetic predisposition and environmental factors. It is common for psoriasis to be found on members of the same family. The immune system plays a major role.

Ayurvedic Psoriasis Treatment involves identifying and reversing the root cause of the disease condition, dietary changes, Ayurveda treatment and cleansing therapies that can help in reducing the inflammation, scaling, and itching of the skin.

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of psoriasis can manifest in a variety of forms. Variants include.

Plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris) is the most common form of psoriasis. It affects 80 to 90% of people with psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis typically appears as raised areas of inflamed skin covered with silvery white scaly skin. These areas are called plaques.
Flexural psoriasis (inverse psoriasis) appears as smooth inflamed patches of skin. It occurs in skin folds, particularly around the genitals (between the thigh and groin), the armpits, under an overweight stomach (pannus), and under the breasts (inframammary fold). It is aggravated by friction and sweat and is vulnerable to fungal infections.
Guttate psoriasis is characterized by numerous small round spots (differential diagnosis—pityriasis rosea—oval shape lesion). These numerous spots of psoriasis appear over large areas of the body, such as the trunk, limbs, and scalp. Guttate psoriasis is associated with streptococcal throat infection.
Pustular psoriasis appears as raised bumps that are filled with non-infectious pus (pustules). The skin under and surrounding the pustules are red and tender. Pustular psoriasis can be localized, commonly to the hands and feet (palmoplantar pustulosis), or generalized with widespread patches occurring randomly on any part of the body.
Nail psoriasis produces a variety of changes in the appearance of finger and toenails. These changes include discoloring under the nail plate, pitting of the nails, lines going across the nails, thickening of the skin under the nail, and the loosening (onycholysis) and crumbling of the nail.
Psoriatic arthritis involves joint and connective tissue inflammation. Psoriatic arthritis can affect any joint but is most common in the joints of the fingers and toes. This can result in a sausage-shaped swelling of the fingers and toes known as dactylitis. Psoriatic arthritis can also affect the hips, knees, and spine (spondylitis). About 10-15% of people who have psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis.
Erythrodermic psoriasis involves the widespread inflammation and exfoliation of the skin over most of the body surface. It may be accompanied by severe itching, swelling, and pain. It is often the result of an exacerbation of unstable plaque psoriasis, particularly following the abrupt withdrawal of systemic treatment. This form of psoriasis can be fatal, as the extreme inflammation and exfoliation disrupt the body’s ability to regulate temperature and for the skin to perform barrier functions.

Ayurvedic Psoriasis Treatment

From an Ayurvedic perspective, Psoriasis is caused due to the vitiation of vata and kapha doshas. Accumulation of toxins or ama, could also lead to this disease condition. Excessive intake of yogurt, seafood, salty foods, black gram and sour food can cause an aggravation in the disease condition. Psoriasis may also develop due to excess stress.

Ayurvedic Psoriasis Treatment / Remedies of Psoriasis

Snehana (Internal – Snehapana & External – Vetpala Thaila Abyangam) & Swedana
Shodhana: Vamana & Virechana
Shamana: Internal medications and Takra Dhara for external treatment
The external applications in the form of cream / shampoo / Aloe Vera are a symptomatic treatment that gives relief for some time.

Diet for Psoriasis

A minimum of two liters of water should be consumed daily. Diet should contain lots of green leafy vegetables The following foods are popular triggers (worsen)of psoriasis – aerated bottle drinks, alcohol, red meat, sea foods, chilies, hot spices, junk foods, oily foods, berries (such as strawberries) tomato, most acidic foods and vitamin-c. People with poor diets are likely to have much worse psoriasis.

Our Approach

AyurVAID focuses on precision classical Ayurveda treatment protocols, following the fundamental principles of Ayurveda in addressing the root cause of diseases. After an in-depth assessment of the symptoms, detailed history taking, and understanding of the patient and the disease thoroughly on Ayurveda parameters, a definite treatment protocol is designed.

Ayurvedic Psoriasis Treatment aims to achieve management of pain by breaking the pathogenesis of the disease, thereby correcting the root cause and arresting further progression.

Our whole person-centric approach will help you regain your happiest and healthiest state of life. Our rehabilitation specialists will also give you advice on ergonomics, nutrition, and lifestyle changes to help you better manage Psoriasis. Patient centricity is at the core of the AyurVAID approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my psoriasis contagious?

Psoriasis is never contagious. It needs some predisposing factors of its own as it is an autoimmune disease. The scales and patches are non- infectious, and the disease is not contracted through mere contact

Can psoriasis cause any other health issues?

Yes. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. The disease affects your immune system and weakens it quickly, which leads to other diseases. When it affects the joints, psoriatic arthritis occur. Certain eye diseases auch as blepharitis and conjunctivitis. People with psoriasis are at a high risk of getting affected with Parkinson's due to the former's influence in the nerve cells. Psoriasis in head may lead to excess hair fall or alopecia. Psoriatic patients are also prone to metabolism impairment and allied diseases. The mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression lie on the other hand.

Will my psoriasis go worse with age?

No. Psoriasis has no reported alliance with age, though, as the disease progress, you are likely to develop other symptoms of psoriasis. Anyhow, the patient has to be careful in protecting the skin from accidental bruising, burns, or excess sun exposure because their skin is more likely to thin with age. Otherwise, the psoriasis patients grow older like everyone else. Regular monitoring and appropriate psoriasis treatment can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life as individuals age.

Which form of psoriasis is most grave?

Erythrodermic psoriasis is the serious one among all types of psoriasis. It can cover a significant area of your skin and interfere with its functions, troubling even the thermoregulation. If unchecked, the situation can go fatal at a faster rate.