Psoriasis, Symptoms, Causes, Types and Herbal Remedies

Abstract

Skin is the largest gland of the body. Skin is something one always cares for. But there are some health and skin conditions that are very disturbing and do not go away. One of such conditions is psoriasis. Psoriasis is a non contagious chronic condition of the skin that results in inflammation and scaly patches of the skin cells. These patches can be generalised all over the body or can be present on the particular areas of the skin such as elbows, lower back, knees and others parts as well. In Ayurveda, psoriasis is correlated with kshudra kushta due to its resemblance with it. In the article, we shall discuss psoriasis, its correlation with kushtha and ayurvedic management.

Introduction

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition of the skin where the epidermal cells are damaged by the altered keratinization and healthy skin is taken over by erythematous lesions and silvery plaques. Psoriasis involves both genetic predisposition including T-Cell mediated immunological mechanisms and the influence of genes of the Human Leukocyte Antigen Complex. In Ayurveda, the condition of psoriasis is correlated with kushtha (mainly sidham kushtha and eka kushtha) (skin disease) because of its resemblance with it. In the text below, let’s have a look at its causes and management.

Causes

The exact cause of psoriasis is not known.

1. Genetics – the condition runs in family
2. Lifestyle – worsening of the condition occurs in stress, seasonal change, infections, hot water bath, alcohol consumption, obesity and cigarette smoking.
3. Drug induced psoriasis – lithium, beta blockers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, calcium channel blockers etc.

Signs and Symptoms

1. Patches on skin
2. Scaly lesions
3. Dry cracked skin
4. Rashes
5. Itching
6. Burning sensation
7. Thick nails
8. Stiffness and pain in the joints
9. Poor sleep quality.

Types

1. Plaque psoriasis : Most common, red, itchy, dry and scaly skin patches
2. Nail psoriasis : Abnormal growth of nail, pitting and deformed nail, onycholysis.
3. Guttate psoriasis : Generally, triggered after bacterial infection.
4. Inverse psoriasis : Affects folds of buttocks, breasts and groin. This condition is triggered with sweat and fungal infections.
5. Erythrodermic psoriasis : least common, affects entire skin.
6. Pustular psoriasis : Rare, presents with pus filled blister patches.

Investigations

1. Physical examination
2. Biopsy
3. Imaging
4. Blood work
5. X-rays

Management

1. Topical therapies
2. Methotrexate
3. Cyclosporine
4. Hydroxyurea
5. Phototherapy
6. Immunosuppressants
7. Oral retinoids
8. Biologics
9. Keeping skin moisturised
10. Ideal weight management

Ayurvedic view and Management

Skin disorders are known as Kushth ‘Kushnati vapu iti kushtha’ means that it destroys the normal skin and other dhatus are called kushtha. According to Ayurveda, continuous and excessive consumption of certain food items such as new rice, heavy to digest, citrus fruits, buffalo’s milk, fish, curd, horse gram, black gram, Food articles, Jaggery, Rich in sugar and carbohydrate foods. From this, it is clear that faulty dietary habits are one of the main causative factors behind kushtha. Lifestyle such as sleeping in daytime, suppression of natural urges, over exposure to sunlight, excessive grief and worry, bathing quickly after exposure to sun, physical exertion and food intake. Kulaja nidana is also there, which means it is a hereditary disorder. Doing and consuming the causative factors, the three dosha get vitiated. These vitiated doshas go around in the arteries and veins get accumulated in the skin and cause deformity in the skin and results in kushtha rog. Acharya Charak has mentioned two types of kushtha (i e maha kushtha, (7 types); kshudra kushta (18 types). They are based on the primary dosha involved in the type of kushtha. Among these, Sidham kushtha and Eka kushtha are symptomatically very similar to the condition of psoriasis. These have scaly skin and patches. Symptoms include lack of sensation, excessive sweating/ absence of sweating, horripilation, itching, pricking sensation, mental fatigue, burning sensation and numbness. Management of kushtha is emetic therapy in the kapha predominance, purgation therapy in pitta dominance and blood letting.

Classical medicines such as patolamooladi kshaya, mustadi churna, Triphaladi churna, kanakabindvarishat, Madhavasava, Gandhak Rasayan, swarna makshik bhasma, Arogyavardhini vati, Panchatikta ghrita Guggulu, kaishore guugul, bakuchi churna, manjishthadi churna, khadirarishta, sarivadyasava, bakuchi oil, bhallatakavleha, amalaki rasayan and others are used in management of kushta (Psoriasis) .

Herbal Remedies by Planet Ayurveda for Psoriasis

Planet Ayurveda is an eminent ayurvedic company and herbal medicines manufacturing unit. Planet Ayurveda uses highly potent herbs in the formulations. All the products of Planet Ayurveda are authentic and as mentioned in the ayurvedic texts. Planet Ayurveda is glad to present its Psora care pack for amazing results in the condition of psoriasis. All the herbs used in the formulations have skin soothing and blood cleansing properties. Let’s have a look into details of the medicines of the pack.

Psora Care Pack

1. Navkarshik Churna
2. Gleaming Skin, Hair, Nails Formula
3. Neem Capsules
4. Manjishtha Capsules
5. Pitta Balance
6. Gandhak Rasayan
7. Radiant Skin, Hair, Nails Lotion
8. Jatyadi Tailam

Description

1. Navkarshik Churna

Navkarshik Churna is blend of amla (Emblica officinalis), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Daruharidra (Berberis aristata) and others. All the herbs are known for their skin betterment and skin diseases. Navkarshik churna helps in psoriasis by balancing the doshas.

Dosage : One teaspoonful twice daily with warm water after a meal.

2. Gleaming Skin, Hair, Nails Formula

Gleaming Skin, Hair, Nails Formula is a patent product of Planet Ayurveda. It contains the goodness of sariva (Hemidesmus indicus), ghritkumari (Aloe barbadensis), pit papda (Fumaria officinalis) and manjistha (Rubia cordifolia). This herbal combination is useful in the managing psoriasis by alleviating the symptoms such as itching, pruritus and also regulates the production of melanin.
Other than this, the herbs possess antiinflammatory conditions of the skin, reducing redness, soothes and softens skin and reduces flakiness as well.

Dosage : Two capsules twice daily with warm water after a meal.

3. Neem Capsules

Neem Capsules are filled with the pure extract of neem (Azadirachta indica). Neem is known for its antibacterial, hydrating, antiinflammatory, wound healing, reducing scar and dark spots, collagen production and minimising moles and warts. With these immense skin health enhancement properties, neem helps to heal the diseased skin suffering from psoriasis.

Dosage :  One capsule twice daily with warm water after a meal.

4. Manjishtha Capsules

Manjishtha capsules are filled with extract of manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia). Manjistha is best for psoriasis management because it exhibits antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties. Manjistha cleanses blood and helps with skin rashes, acne, uneven skin tone, antipruritic, strengthening of the skin, improves blood circulation, soothes skin breakages with its cooling properties. Manjistha promotes healthy formation and healing of the epidermal cell, thus helping clear the scars and flaky skin in the condition of psoriasis.

Dosage :  Two capsules twice daily with warm water after a meal.

4. Pitta Balance

The capsules contain minerals from natural sources and contain kaharava pishti (Calcium compound) akik pishti (agate compound) mukta pishti (pearl calcium compound) and others. The coolness of Pitta Balance soothes the psoriatic lesions and heals the skin. As the condition is caused by pitta vitiation, Pitta Balance balances the pitta dosha, thus helping manage psoriasis.

Dosage : One capsule twice daily with warm water after a meal.

5. Gandhak Rasayan

Gandhak Rasayan is made from shuddha gandhak (purified sulphur). Gandhak Rasayan possesses a number of actions including anti-leprosy, antioxidant, adaptogenic, wound healing and blood purifying. With its skin smoothening and wound healing property, it helps in psoriasis by improving flaking of skin and by providing lustre to the skin.

Dosage : Two tablets twice daily with warm water after a meal.

6. Radiant Skin, Hair, Nails Lotion

Radiant Skin, Hair, Nails Lotion is a topical solution made up of the herbs including haridra (Curcuma longa), neem (Azadirachta indica), guugul (Commiphora mukul), jivanti (Leptadenia reticulata), jyotishmati (Celastrus paniculata) and others. All these herbs effectively help skin to heal and soothe from psoriatic lesions with its wound healing and cooling property. It also provides relief to patients from dryness and itching skin condition.

7. Jatyadi Tailam

Jatyadi Tailam is a oil with the effectiveness of chameli (Jasminum officinale), mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), kushtha (Sassurea lappa), lodhra (Symplocos racemosa), neelkamal (Nymphaea stellata), karanj beej (Pongamia pinnata), til taila (Sesamum indicum) etc. Jatyadi Tailam is a classical oil formulation made up for skin irritation from a number of conditions. It helps rejuvenate skin by its wound healing, antiinflammatory and analgesic properties. Therefore, in psoriasis, Jatyadi tailam works very well.

Dosage : For external use only, this Radiant Skin, Hair, Nails Lotion and Jatyadi Tailam can be mixed together and applied twice daily on the affected area after cleaning the area.

Conclusion

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition when immunity attacks the healthy skin cells of the body. The condition is aggravated by improper diet and lifestyle. However, no definite cause of the disease is yet known. However, Ayurveda says there are some causes that we have discussed earlier that are behind the occurrence of the disease. The management in modern medicine is symptomatic and focuses on immune suppressing and diseased have to go through long run usage of medicines that have adverse effects on the rest of the body. In Ayurveda, the management focuses on dietary restrictions on some of the food items and herbs as mentioned above are of great help in alleviating symptoms and making the skin better, radiant and beautiful once again. Planet Ayurveda’s Psora Care Pack is one of the best packs available for full fledged management of Psoriasis which takes care of all the symptoms as well. At last, dietary habits of a person must be in accordance with the ayurvedic norms.