Psoriasis
Psoriasis Ayurvedic treatment mainly focuses on removing the body toxins and reducing mental stress, as these are thought to be the major contributors of this skin disease. Psoriasis is a common, chronic, and an immune-mediated skin disease. The red, scaly patches, papules, and itching plaques are the most peculiar Psoriasis symptoms. The skin lesions seen in Psoriasis may vary in severity and can be seen as small localized patches to complete body coverage.
Psoriasis is characterized by an abnormally excessive and rapid growth of the epidermal layer of the skin. Abnormal production of skin cells (especially during wound repair) and an overabundance of skin cells result from the sequence of pathological events that causes Psoriasis. In people with Psoriasis the skin cells are replaced every 3to 5 days unlike normal skin when the cells are replaced after 28 to 30 days.
Psoriasis Ayurvedic Treatment : Causes, Symptoms & Ayurvedic Treatment
Causes of Psoriasis
Psoriasis is auto-immune disorder. This means it occurs when body’s own immune system attacks the healthy cells causing its rapid growth. The body does not shed these excess skin cells causing build-up of skin layers, Due to accelerated life cycle of cells, new skin cells are formed in days rather than weeks. Following are common causes of Psoriasis.
1. Family History
Around one-third of people with Psoriasis report a family history of disease, and researchers have identified genetic association for this condition. However, the scientists are unclear about this genetic connection. Most of the identified genes that are responsible for passing Psoriasis from one generation to the other are related to the immune system.
2. Lifestyle
Factors that are reported to worsen the disease include chronic infections, stress, and changes in season and climate. Others include use of extreme hot water, scratching Psoriasis skin lesions, skin dryness, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and obesity.
3. Specific Diseases
People with health conditions such as advanced HIV infections often exhibit Psoriasis.
4. Stress
Mental stress and Psoriasis are thought be closely connected. Being in too much stress can trigger Psoriasis flare and having Psoriasis can in turn increase mental stress.
Causes of Psoriasis According To Ayurveda
According to Ayurvedic etiology diminished bio-digestive fires caused due to regular consumption of non-compatible foods (e.g. fish-milk, fruit-milk, pickles, spices) cause vitiation of all the three Doshas leading to toxin build up in the body. These toxins further effects the Rasa, Rakta amd Mamsa Dhatu (the fundamental elements of the body) which exhibits itself in the form of dry scaly patches on the skin. Although lifestyle factors and family history have close association with Psoriasis, Ayurveda mainly considers unhealthy eating pattern as the major cause of Psoriasis.
1. Virrudha Aahar: Combination of milk and sour/salty/spicy items, milk with fish, milkshakes, curd and milk taken together etc.
2. Excess consumption of sour and spicy food items like pickels, chips, papads, curd, foods containing mono sodium glutamate etc.
3. Drinking water immediately after exposure to sun, or drinking cold and hot beverages back to back
4. Irregular and unhealthy food habits
5. Alcohol and tobacco addiction
Signs and Symptoms of Psoriasis
Psoriasis patches can range from a few spots of scaly patches to major eruptions that cover large areas of the body. The main symptom of Psoriasis is red or silver scaly patches caused due to excessive division of the cells in the basal layers of the skin. These silver or red scaly patches often cause severe itching and dryness of the skin. Each type of Psoriasis may show different symptoms as given below.
- Plaque Psoriasis – Patches of raised, reddish skin covered by silvery-white scale
- Psoriatic Arthritis – Inflammation of the joints
- Guttate Psoriasis – Small, red spots on the skin
- Pustular Psoriasis – White pustules surrounded by red skin
- Inverse Psoriasis – Smooth, red lesions formed in skin folds
- Erythrodermic Psoriasis – widespread redness, severe itching, and pain
Have you noticed any unusual patches on skin? Get your doubts cleared!
How is Psoriasis Diagnosed?
Psoriasis is mainly diagnosed based on the physical examination. The doctor examines the skin, scalp and nails for signs of any psoriatic lesions. At cauvery, the diagnosis also includes analysis of lifestyle, eating pattern and medical history. In some rare cases a skin biopsy may be needed.
Ayurvedic Treatment of Psoriasis
Since Ayurveda believes there is a connection between unhealthy lifestyle and Psoriasis, the Psoriasis Ayurvedic treatment is based on correcting the unhealthy habits. Since stress is a major contributor, the Ayurvedic Psoriasis Treatment also includes strategies for stress management.
The treatment includes Panchkarma for internal cleansing of the body. This causes restoration of Doshas. The treatment also includes oral medication and topical herbal paste application to cure the lesions. The local therapies also nourish and prevent further proliferation of the skin.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Psoriasis offered at Cauvery Clinic
Vaman : A part of Panchkarma treatment. It helps to remove toxins from the body through induced vomiting.
Virechanam : A part of Panchkarma Removes toxins in the body through induced purgation.
Takradhara : Uses Takra (buttermilk) made with herbs like Neem, Haridra, aaragwada etc, which are helpful in skin disorders.
Kashayadhara : Includes decocotions (Kwath) that are used according to dosha and are made with herbs like Nimbadi kwath for Kaphaj lesions, Manjishtadi kwath for vata kaphaj lesions, aragwadadi kwath for pitta Kaphaja lesions etc.
Shirodhara : Relieves stress, as it is an important risk factor that can cause Psoriasis.
What is The Cost Of Psoriasis Ayurvedic Treatment?
Since Ayurvedic treatment for Psoriasis is customized based on the type of Psoriasis, lifestyle and individual health need, the cost of Psoriasis treatment may vary from person to person. Please book your appointment to meet our doctors and find out the cost for your treatment during consultation.
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