Psoriasis has become increasingly common in today's fast-paced, stress-filled lifestyles. According to the World Psoriasis Federation, approximately 2 to 3% of the global population is affected by this skin disorder. The term "psoriasis" is derived from the Greek word meaning "itch" or "scaly," which perfectly describes the nature of this condition. Psoriasis is a complex skin disease, and modern medicine has yet to find a definitive cure.
In Ayurveda, psoriasis is referred to as "Ekakustha" and sometimes as "Kitibha Kustha" by certain practitioners. According to Ayurvedic principles, improper diet and lifestyle choices can aggravate the Pitta dosha in the body, leading to improper digestion. This imbalance results in the formation of toxins (ama) that contaminate the blood, muscles, and lymphatic tissues. These toxins manifest on the skin as symptoms like scaling, intense itching, flaking, and progressively worsening over time.
Typically, the outer layer of our skin regenerates every 21 days. However, in individuals with psoriasis, this regeneration process accelerates up to 20 times faster, leading to symptoms like scaling, flaking, and itching.
From a modern medical perspective, psoriasis occurs when the immune system mistakenly targets the skin's outer layer as a foreign invader, causing the body to shed this layer. This process leads to rapid skin cell production, resulting in the formation of red, silvery patches and scales on the skin. Psoriasis can affect individuals of any age group.
Symptoms of Psoriasis:
- Red and silvery patches on the skin, often accompanied by fish-like scales
- Intense itching followed by a burning sensation
- Dandruff-like scaling on the scalp
- Dry and cracked skin
- Small pits on the nails
- Psoriatic arthritis, leading to joint pain
- Increased stress and anxiety
Causes of Psoriasis according to Ayurveda:
While modern medicine has yet to pinpoint the exact cause of psoriasis, it is believed to result from a malfunctioning immune system. However, Ayurveda attributes this skin condition to prolonged consumption of incompatible foods and poor lifestyle choices, such as:
- Consuming curd with jaggery or other incompatible food combinations
- Eating conflicting food items like milk and fruits together or milk and fish
- Excessive anger, overexposure to sunlight, or staying awake late at night
- Regular consumption of curd, paneer, pickles, jam, polished rice, fish, and overly sour foods
Psoriasis often begins as dandruff on the scalp and gradually spreads to other areas. The patches usually appear around the elbows, knees, back, and thighs. While not life-threatening, the itching and burning can be unbearable for many, and the condition often persists for life. Psoriasis is primarily diagnosed based on symptoms, with no specific tests required. Consumption of alcohol, smoking, and mental stress are known to exacerbate the condition, leading to an immediate worsening of symptoms.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Psoriasis:
Modern medicine categorizes psoriasis into five types: plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular, and erythrodermic. The condition is considered chronic and difficult to treat. Treatments typically involve the use of keratolytic agents, retinoids, and steroids, with emollient creams used for external application.
However, Ayurveda offers a holistic approach that has shown promising results in some cases. Ayurvedic treatment emphasizes the need for detoxification (Shodhana) through procedures like Vamana (therapeutic vomiting), Virechana (purgation), and Basti (medicated enemas). Additionally, herbal decoctions and medicines are used to cleanse the blood and tissues. External treatments may include the application of medicinal oils and procedures like Takradhara (medicated buttermilk stream therapy).
With consistent treatment over one to two months, psoriasis symptoms can become more manageable. However, long-term Ayurvedic treatment is essential to prevent recurrence.
Things to Avoid in Psoriasis:
- Alcohol consumption, smoking, or any form of tobacco use
- Fish, oily, and spicy foods
- Pickles, salty, and sour foods like papad and lemon
- Sleeping during the day and staying awake late at night
- Fried foods, junk food, and fast food
- Fermented foods and bakery products like idli, dosa, bread, and pav
- Excessive mental stress and anxiety, and working in stressful environments
By making appropriate lifestyle changes and adhering to Ayurvedic treatments, individuals with psoriasis can find relief and lead a more comfortable life.
- Dr. Yogesh Shivaji Chavan, M.D. (Ayu.) Kerala
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