Psoriasis is a skin disease that usually contains raised, red patches covered with a build-up of dead skin cells. There are different forms of psoriasis (including plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular and erythrodermic). Psoriasis can also affect different areas of the body (including scalp psoriasis, genital psoriasis, psoriasis on the face, psoriasis on the hands and feet and psoriasis of the nails).
Usually people have only one type of psoriasis at a time. Sometimes psoriasis can change from one form of psoriasis to another. It is most likely to appear on the scalp, knees, elbows or torso, but it can develop anywhere on the body. Psoriasis is not infectious and cannot be caught from another person.
People suffering from psoriasis may develop psoriatic arthritis. It is
similar to rheumatoid arthritis, but not as severe. It may affect the
fingers, toes, neck, lower back, knees and ankles. In severe cases, it
can cause irreversible damage to joints.
About fifty percent of people suffering from psoriasis develop scalp psoriasis. Scalp psoriasis is caused by the body producing too many skin cells on the scalp, resulting in red lesions covered with a white scale (made up of dead skin cells). In extreme cases of scalp psoriasis, thick plaques can cover the scalp and cause hair loss.
The exact cause of psoriasis is not known. It seems that the immune system speeds up the growth of new skin cells, so that the skin cells pile up. Often, there is something that triggers the immune system to act in this way and the resulting psoriasis. Some of the triggers that can cause psoriasis are:
| • Stress; • Injury to the skin; • Infection; • Reaction to drugs; • Vaccinations; • Sunburn; • Scratches; • Weather • Diet • Allergies |
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Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis. People suffering from plaque psoriasis will develop 'lesions' on their skin, which are covered by a white scale (from dead skin cells). The skin will also be itchy.
According to Ayurveda Psoriasis is the vitiation of Vata and Kapha. The basic pathological changes taking place in the system due to the accumulation of low potency poisons as a result of Irregular food habits, consumption of foodstuffs that have opposite quality (Eg: milk with fish) etc . 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. Ayurveda trust on the effect of stress in the pathogenesis of Psoriasis.
Treatment according to Ayurveda aims at the elimination of toxins from the body. It is achieved by "Panchakarma" treatments and internal medication.
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 food items have to be restricted. It is better to avoid refrigerated/chilled foods. Psoriatic must keep a state of mental calmness always.