Knowledge Base

Psoriasis

by Dr Vaid Ji on Sep 27, 2023

Psoriasis

Introduction-

Psoriasis is a skin disorder in which there occur scaly skin rashes causing intense itching. It mostly affects areas such as elbows, scalp, trunk and knees. It is a chronic disorder whose exact reason is not known. The condition is very painful and often interferes in the sleep of a person. The skin disorder occurs in a cycle of episodes, flaring up for a few weeks to months and then subsiding. Some of the triggers start the onset of the episode.

There has not been found any permanent cure of psoriasis but with healthy lifestyle, the symptoms can be managed. There are several ointments and medications which help in preventing and management of psoriasis.

Causes –

The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown but it is believed to be due to an immune system problem. Due to some abnormality, the cells of immune system start attacking body’s own skin cells. This leads to production of skin cells at a faster pace. Normally, the old skin cells are replaced by the new skin cells in 30 days. But in psoriasis, the skin cells multiply at a much faster rate. There occurs inflammation and swelling of the skin. The skin becomes very thick and scaly.

Risk factors-

Some factors make a person more prone to psoriasis. Following are the risk factors of psoriasis:

  • Having a family history of psoriasis
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Lack of physical exercise
  • Bad eating habits
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Emotional stress
  • Skin infection
  • Injury to the skin
  • Weather changes
  • Certain medications like beta-blockers, NSAIDS
  • Rapid withdrawal of corticosteroids

Signs and symptoms -

The common signs and symptoms of psoriasis are:

  • Dry and cracked skin
  • Intense itching
  • Skin soreness
  • Burning sensation in skin
  • Presence of scales on skin
  • Purplish-grey skin rashes
  • Raised and inflamed skin rashes
  • White-silver scales on red patches of skin
  • Thick and pitted nails
  • Pain and swelling in joints

Different types of Psoriasis-

Psoriasis is of the following different types:

  • Plaque psoriasis
  • Guttate psoriasis
  • Nail psoriasis
  • Inverse psoriasis
  • Pustular psoriasis
  • Erytherodermic psoriasis

Complications-

Psoriasis is associated with some of the following complications:

  • Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation
  • Psoriatic arthritis
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Blepharitis
  • Uveitis
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart problems
  • Certain autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis, celiac disease, crohn’s disease
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

HOW PSORIASIS CAN BE KEPT AT BAY?

As there has not been found any exact cause of psoriasis but by taking some of the following steps, it can be prevented. Following are the preventive measures of psoriasis:

  • Eating a healthy diet
  • Doing regular exercise
  • Quit smoking
  • Say no to alcohol
  • Getting enough sleep

 Management of Psoriasis according to Ayurveda-

In Ayurveda all skin diseases are grouped under a broad heading of kushta roga. The features of ekakushta closely resemble the characteristic features of Psoriasis. The three dosha vata , pitta and kapha doshas are vitiated and they further vitiate Twak , Mamsa, Rakta , Ambu , thus they lead to manifestation of skin lesions in various parts of the body.

Treatment-

  • Ghritapana
  • Vamana
  • Panchatikta ghrita or mahatikta ghritham – bitter herbal ghee as enema for the treatment of psoriasis
  • Shaman Aushadha – both internal and external medication is carried.

Herbs-

  • Khadira
  • Nimba
  • Sariva
  • Guduchi
  • Manjishta
  • Yashtimadhu

Diet-

  • Mudga
  • Tikta kashaya rasa
  • Vishrama
  • Jirnahara
  • Avoid spicy food
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Avoid smoking

PSORIASIS CARE KIT

 

ALL PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION IN DETAIL:

1. Detox Premium Powder:
This is a herbo-mineral preparation that contains ingredients like Parwal Pishti, Giloy satv, Shukta Pishti, Kamdudha Ras, Gandhak Rasayan, etc.
Parwal Pishti: This Pishti reduces inflammation, flaking, itching of the skin. The Pishti is composed of natural coral calcium processed with rose water.
Shukta Pishti: It helps to balance the Pitta dosha in the body. All signs and symptoms related to Psoriasis patients are managed with this article.
Giloy Satv: This satv is prepared from the herb Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia). The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties of this herb deal with psoriasis easily.
Kamdudha Ras: This herbal-mineral classical preparation balances Pitta dosha in the body.
Gandhak Rasayana: This herbal preparation is used since ancient times for all types of skin disorders.
Akik Pishti: This Pishti reduces all types of Pitta related disorder hence it gives good results in psoriasis.
Recommended Dosage: Take 1 sachet twice daily with plain water.

2. Blood Purifier Syrup :
It is ayurvedic syrup that consists of various natural ingredients such as Khadir Chall (Acacia catechu), Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Harad (Terminalia bellirica), Baheda (Terminalia chebula), Amla (Emblica officinalis), etc. As the syrup purifies the blood by removing excess toxins it is very beneficial in maintaining proper circulation and improves the skin naturally.
Recommended Dosage – Take 2 teaspoonfuls twice daily.

3. Twak Tailam :
Twak tailam is very effective for the skin as it deeply nourishes the tissues and improves the skin luster. The tailam is composed of yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), etc. The tailam supports skin health, helps in reducing uneven pigments, improves complexion, and helps in deep detoxification and blood purification without any side effects.
Method of Application – Apply over the affected area of the skin.

4. Skin care tablet:
Skin care tablet is a pure ayurvedic formulation. It help to maintain the texture of your skin depending on the type of skin you have. It contains various herbs like Haridra khand, Panchnimb churna, Khadir chahal, Chirayta, Mulethi, Chopchini, Gandhak, Ajmoda that work very effectively on all skin types. Skin care is a blood purifying tablet. It cools and detoxifies the blood, increase blood circulation of the skin. It minimizes the blemishes, lighten sun tan, delay ageing of skin and heal skin problems.
Recommended Dosage: Take 1 tablet twice daily.

5. Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu:
Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu is an ayurvedic preparation mainly used for skin diseases. This tablet contains pure herbal ingredients such as Nimba(Azadirachta indica), Patola(Cucumis acutangulus), Guduchi(Tinospora cordifolia), Vasa(Adhatoda vasica), etc. This tablet promotes detoxification and rejuvenation. Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu tablet is a natural source of anti – oxidant. It promotes engender vibrant and healthy skin.
Recommended Dosage–Take 1 tablets twice a day with normal water

6. Panchsakar Churna:
Panchsakar Churna is an ayurvedic formulation that consists of five ingredients named as – Saindhav Lavana (Rock Salt), Swarnapatri (Cassia angustifolia), Shatapushpa (Anethum sowa), Shunti – (Zingiber officinale), Balaharitaki  (Unripe fruits of Terminalia chebula). Panchsakar Churna is naturally detoxifying, thus it removes the toxins from the body. It relieves inflammation and useful in all types of skin problems.The powder has an anti – inflammatory properties due to which it can reduces the swelling.
Recommended Dosage– Take 1 teaspoonful with lukewarm water at bedtime

7. Neem soap:
Neem soap is natural and herbal handmade soap prepared from the standard extract of herb Neem (Azadirachta indica). Neem herb is widely used to cure acute to chronic Skin problems such as Pimples, Itching, Dryness, Blemishes, Dark spots, Pigmentation, Scars etc. It is such a wonderful herb that is easily available and shows Anti-bacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Anti-microbial, Antifungal, Antiseptic properties. Neem cleanses the pores and protects the skin from various infections, Psoriasis, Eczema, Leprosy, Skin ulcers. It restores the health of damaged skin, tones skin complexion, prevents premature ageing, Wrinkles, Fine lines can protect against UV rays, and acts as a natural moisturizer for the skin.
Method of Application: Neem Soap can be regularly used on face and body, as bath soap.

8. Trikatu Tablet:
Trikatu Tablet helps to eliminate excess Kapha or mucous from the body, supports respiratory system, manages weight, helps to take out impurities or ama from the body, supports healthy detoxification, reduces swelling. It shows anti-inflammatory, analgesic, expectorant, antioxidant properties. This tablet is made up of equal parts of three herbs such as Pippali (Piper longum), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), & Marich (Piper nigrum) that maintains the metabolism in the body.
Recommended dosage: Take 1 tablet twice daily with normal water.