Overview
Skin plays a major role in the physical and mental well being of an individual because the unbroken skin is the nature's dressing over the body and it also acts as a protective barrier against the entry of disease causing pathogens.
Psoriasis is considered as a non-contagious skin condition that causes rapid skin cells production because of this, skin cells don't have time to fall off which results in piling up of dry, thickened and red patches of the skin. This disorder mainly affects the skin of the elbows, scalp and knees.
Psoriasis can be a very persistent complaint which is responsible for the great deal of unhappiness and depression among the patients. Thus those living with Psoriasis have a higher risk of being diagnosed with depression. Hence, psychological aspect of psoriasis is also important in the etio-pathogenesis and the management of psoriasis.
What are the symptoms of Psoriasis?
The signs and symptoms of psoriasis are different for every patient but the common signs and symptoms include:
- Red patches on the skin which are covered by thick and silvery scales.
- Itching and burning sensation on the skin.
- Nails appear as thickened, pitted or ridged.
- Swollen or stiff joints
Diagnosis:
- The diagnosis of psoriasis can be done by taking the medical history of the patient, by analyzing the skin, hair and nails.
Treatment:
- Modern treatment of psoriasis includes the application of topical corticosteroids, Vitamin D analogues, topical retinoids, phototherapy, oral or injected medications etc.
Psoriasis according to Ayurveda:
In Ayurvedic classical texts, the word 'Kushtha' is a broad term which is mentioned for all types of skin disorders. Ekakushtha is classified under Kshudra Kushtha which has a close resemblance with psoriasis due to its maximum similarity with the symptoms.
Comparison between Psoriasis and Kshudrakushtha
Aswedanam
The lesions are dry and rough.
Matsya Shakalopamam
There are well defined raised papules and erythematic plaques which are covered with silvery scales.
Twaka Parushya
Dryness in the skin
Mahavastu
Bigger lesions are deep rooted and found all over the body
Krishna Aruna Varna
Erythematous thick lesions become black in colour.
Meaning: According to this shloka, ekkushta is defined as the disease in which there is no perspiration, extensive which means it affects the large area and looks like fishy scales. This condition is known as ekkushta.
What is the natural treatment of Psoriasis?
Planet Ayurveda offers 'Psora Care Pack' which helps in the purification of blood and tissues which is the primary aim in the treatment of psoriasis. These remedies help in the cleansing of the toxins and restoration of digestion to prevent their further accumulation. This pack consists of the nourishing herbs that strengthen and tone the tissues for the complete healing of the skin.
Psora Care Pack of Planet Ayurveda includes:
- Navkarshik Churna
- Radiant Skin Hair Nails Formula
- Neem Capsules
- Manjishtha Capsules
- Pitta Balance Capsules
- Lippu Oil
- Psorolin Ointment
Navkarshik Churna
- Navkarshik Churna by Planet Ayurveda is a blend of dried extracts of various herbs that are useful in the purification of blood. This churna is also very effective in the condition of painful and swollen joints. Therefore, this churna is very effective for the treatment of psoriasis.
Ingredients of Navkarshik Churna are:
Dose: Take 1 teaspoonful powder twice daily with plain water after taking meals.
Radiant Hair Skin Nail Formula
- This product is a unique combination of Planet Ayurveda that contains standardized extracts of the herbs which are useful in relieving skin problems such as psoriasis naturally. This herbal formula is helpful in keeping the skin moist, glowing and lustrous.
Ingredients of Radiant Hair Skin Nails Formula are:
Dose: 2 capsules twice daily after taking meals.
Neem Capsules (Azadirachta indica):
- When it comes to skin disease, there is no herb equivalent to neem. Neem Capsules by Planet Ayurveda contain the standardized extract of this herb. The neem tree is known by the name community pharmacy in Indian villages because of its immense medicinal benefits. Neem is quite useful in the treatment of acute and chronic disorders such as acne, eczema, ringworm, psoriasis etc.
Dose: 1 capsule twice daily after taking meals.
Manjishtha Capsules (Rubia cordifolia):
- The standardized extract of the herb is used for the preparation of Planet Ayurveda's Manjishtha Capsules. This herb acts as a natural blood cleanser which helps in the detoxification of blood, removes excess heat, promotes circulation, removes ama (endotoxins), balances Pitta and Kapha doshas. These capsules provide relief in psoriasis in a natural way.
Dose: 2 capsules twice daily after taking meals.
Pitta Balance Capsules
- Pitta Balance Capsules is a wonderful product of Planet Ayurveda that contains natural calcium compounds which are cooling in nature. These compounds remove the excess heat or correct the vitiated Pitta within the system. In psoriasis, the compromised digestive system leads to an increase in pitta dosha in the rasa dhatu. So, these capsules alleviate excess Pitta and help in the management of psoriasis.
Ingredients of Pitta Balance Capsules are:
Dose: 1 capsule twice daily after taking meals.
Lippu Oil
- Lippu Oil is a unique single herb formulation that is indicated for the effective management of skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, dry skin, increased skin senescence etc. This oil contains an extract of Pongamia glabra commonly known as karanj.
How to use:
- Apply locally on the affected areas after bath and expose to sunlight for 3 minutes.
Psorolin Ointment:
- Psorolin Ointment is prepared from the extracts of the oils Wrightia tinctoria and Cynodon dactylon. This ointment decreases the dead cells or scales on the psoriatic skin, retards the abnormal thickening of the outer layer of the skin and acts against the enzyme elastase that is responsible for psoriasis.
How to use:
- Apply locally on the affected areas in the night.
Diet and Lifestyle:
- Avoid taking wrong food combinations such as fish with milk, milk with fruits, milk with sour foods etc.
- Fruits should not be combined with the dairy products like milk, yogurt etc.
- Fruits should not be taken immediately after taking meals because fruits digest easily whereas grains and cereals take time to digest so there can be fermentation and formation of ama takes place.
- Adding fruits to ice-cream is really worse.
- Taking non-vegetarian food such as meat with milk is a bad combination because meat is hot whereas milk is cool in nature therefore they contradict one another and produce toxins.
