Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition characterised by red, scaly patches on the skin, often accompanied by itching and discomfort. This usually occurs when the immune system overreacts and speeds up skin cell production. Its cause is still unclear, factors like genetics, stress, infection and certain medication can trigger its flare up. Traditional treatments like tropical creams, phototherapy and systemic medications can help in such conditions but they have side effects. Ayurveda focuses on balancing the body’s internal energies and treating the root cause of psoriasis. Ayurvedic treatment offers herbal remedies, dietary changes and lifestyle modification. This Article has its Ayurvedic overview and its treatment.

Introduction

Psoriasis is a long lasting, non contagious, Autoimmune disease which is characterised by abnormal patches of skin. These areas are red, purple and pink with dry, itchy and scaly skin. The rapid reproduction of skin cells leads to the formation of thick, scaly patches. Psoriasis varies in severity with small localised patches covering the whole body. Injury to the skin can cause the trigger to the psoriatic skin and changs at that spot which is known as the Koebner phenomenon.

Location

Psoriasis can be found anywhere on the body, some of the common locations are:

• Scalp
• Eyelids
• Ears
• Hands
• Nails
• Feets
• Skin folds

Types

There are some different types of psoriasis, that includes:

1. Plaque Psoriasis: Also known as Psoriasis Vulgaris or chronic stationary psoriasis or plaque-like psoriasis. It is the most common form of psoriasis. It affects almost 90% of the patients with psoriasis. This typically appears as a raised area of inflamed skin. It may vary in appearance depending on the skin tone of the patient.
   • On light skin tone: Red or pink plaque with silver white scales
   • On medium tone skin: Coral coloured plaque with silver white scales
   • On dark tone skin: Purple or dark plaque with grey scales.

   Location: It can appear on any site of the body but some common sites are Trunk, buttocks, scalp, and extremities.

2. Guttate Psoriasis: Characterised by numerous small scaly, red or pink, droplet-like lesions. These numerous papules appear on large areas of the body. It is typically triggered by streptococcal infections and occurs 1-3 weeks post-infection. Eventually, 40% of Guttate psoriasis converts into Plaque psoriasis.

   Location: Large areas of skin like trunk, limbs, and scalp.

3. Inverse Psoriasis: Also known as Flexural psoriasis. It appears as a smooth, inflamed skin patch. It produces lesions without scales. Rubbing and sweating can worsen this type of psoriasis. It is more common in people with overweight and dark skin folds.

   Location: Armpits, Groin, area under breasts, and skin folds such as those around genitals and buttocks.

4. Pustular Psoriasis: A rare form of psoriasis that appears as white pustules or blisters of pus (Non-infectious), surrounded by inflamed skin. The skin under and surrounding the pustule is red and tender.

   Location: More generally it is present on hands and feet.

5. Erythrodermic Psoriasis: This condition involves widespread inflammation and exfoliation of skin over most of the body surface. It is accompanied by severe dryness, itching, swelling, and pain. It can develop from any type of psoriasis. This form of psoriasis can be fatal as the extreme inflammation and exfoliation disrupts the body’s ability to regulate temperature and perform barrier functions.

   It may lead to severe complications such as:

   • Pneumonia
   • Congestive heart disease
   • Edema

Causes

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that affects the immune system. The cause of psoriasis is not fully known. Genetics, environmental changes, climate change, immunocompromised state, specific infections, and some medications can cause psoriasis.

Some external factors that could cause psoriasis are:

• Infections such as streptococcus, HIV infections
• Smoke
• Obesity

Signs and Symptoms

Psoriasis symptoms may vary in severity and appear on different body parts. Some common symptoms may include:

• Red inflamed skin
• Dry and cracked skin
• Itching and burning sensation
• Thickened and ridged nails
• Flaky scalp
• Joint pain
• Fissured tongue
• Poor sleep

Signs in psoriasis may include:

• Auspitz’s Sign: Pinpoint bleeding when the scale has been removed.
• Koebner’s Phenomenon: Psoriatic skin lesion induced by injury on the skin.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of psoriasis typically involves a combination of physical examination and medical history review. On physical examination, the typical appearance of red, scaly patches or plaques is often enough to make a diagnosis, especially if the person has a history of these skin changes.

Treatment

Treatment options for psoriasis typically aim to reduce inflammation, slow down skin cell turnover and manage symptoms.

Topical Treatments

• Corticosteroids
• Vitamin D analogues
• Retinoids
• Calcineurin inhibitors
• Salicylic acid
• Coal tar
• Anthralin

Phototherapy

Phototherapy involves controlled exposure of the skin to UV lights to slow the growth of skin cells and reduce inflammation.

• UVB narrowband
• UVB broadband
• Psoralen ultraviolet A (PUVA)
• Excimer laser

Oral or Injected Therapy

• Steroids
• Retinoids
• Biologics
• Methotrexate
• Cyclosporine

Ayurvedic Overview

According to Ayurveda, all skin diseases are termed under Kustha Roga. Ek kushtha is a kind of Kshudra Kustha. Ek Kustha resembles psoriasis in its clinical presentation. It is caused by the imbalance of Vata and Kapha dosha. It is a disease of Shakhagata Rog Marga and manifests in Amashya (Abdomen). It occurs due to the dominance of Kapha and Vata. Kushtha is mentioned under Ashtamahagada (Difficult to treat Disease) in Charak Samhita.

Causes (Nidana)

Ayurvedic textbooks have described Samanya nidana (Common Causes) for all types of Kustha. These causes are characterized as follows:

1. Aharaj Nidan (Dietary factors)

Improper food habits include:

• Excessive intake of milk products, honey, radish, varaha (Excess of meat)
• Viruddha Ahara (Incompatible food)
• Mithya Ahara (Improper diet)
• Adhyashana (Eating before the previous meal is digested)
• Ajirna (Indigestion phase)

2. Viharaj Nidan (Lifestyle factors)

• Suppression of natural urges
• Sleeping during the daytime
• Sudden changes from cold to hot
• Improper administration of Panchkarma
• Behavioral problems
• Sinful activities

Prodromal Features (Purvarupa)

• Hyperhidrosis (Ati-sweda)
• Pruritus (Kandu)
• Pricking pain (Toda)
• Rash eruption (Kotha)
• Horripilation (Lomharsha)
• Burning sensation (Daha)
• Numbness in limbs (Suptanga)
• Dryness on skin (Twaka Paurushyam)

Symptoms (Rupa)

• Extensive localization or bigger lesions (Mahavastu)
• Fish-like scales (Matsyashaklopamam)

Treatment

Psoriasis can be treated in Ayurveda by eliminating the root cause of the disease. Ayurvedic treatment involves:

1. Nidana Parivarjana (Avoiding the causative factors)

According to Ayurveda, the first step in managing any disease is Nidana parivarjana. It will stop the further progression of the disease.

2. Shodhana (Purification therapy)

• Snehapana
• Swedana
• Raktamokshana

3. Shaman (Pacifying therapy)

• Patoladi Kwath
• Triphala Churna
• Mahatiktaka Ghrita
• Mahakhadir Ghrita
• Gandhak Rasayan
• Khadirarishta

Herbal Remedies for Psoriasis by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is an Ayurvedic herbal medicine manufacturing company and is GMP certified. They offer a wide range of natural remedies made 100% pure, chemical and preservative free. All their formulations are prepared under the supervision of MD (Ayurveda) scholars. They deal with all complicated to serious and chronic diseases. They provide the best combinations of herbal drugs which includes a Psora Care Pack which is very beneficial in Psoriasis.

Psora Care Pack

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

Products Description

1. Navkarshik Churna

Navkarshik churna is a herbal blend of Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibbitaki (Terminalia bellirica), Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Katuki (Picrorhiza kurrooa) and Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia). In this formulation Neem, Manjistha, and Katuki helps to purify the blood. All these herbs are immunomodulators. Guduchi is an adaptogenic herb so it helps to regulate overactive immune system. Triphala has detoxifying properties and helps in overall immunity. It also helps to repair skin barriers. So, all these herbs are very effective in Psoriasis.

Dosage: 1 tsp twice daily with lukewarm water after a meal.

2. Gleaming Skin, Hairs, Nails Formula

This capsule is standardised pure extract of many herbs. It includes Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Ghritkumari (Aloe barbadensis), Pit Papda (Fumaria officinalis), Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus). Manjistha has blood purification and detoxification properties. It also helps in enhancing the lymphatic system which helps in removing toxins from the body. Pit Papda helps to reduce inflammation. Ghritkumari provides hydration to the skin and it has anti-inflammatory properties. All these herbs used in this formulation help to accelerate skin healing.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice a day with lukewarm water after meals.

3. Neem Capsules

These capsules are pure extract of Neem (Azadirachta indica). Neem is also known as the Margose tree. Neem has a broad range of therapeutic benefits. It has antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and immune boosting properties. All these properties make it a powerful herb for liver psoriasis.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice a day with lukewarm water after meals.

4. Manjishtha Capsules

This capsule is a standardised pure extract of Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia). It helps to improve skin texture. It purifies blood and promotes healthy skin thus it is very beneficial in managing Psoriasis.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice a day with lukewarm water after meals.

5. Pitta Balance

This capsule is a blend of many herbs. It includes Jahar Mohra Pishti (Natural Calcium Compound), Akik Pishti (Agate Compound), Kaharava Pishti (Natural Calcium Compound), Giloy Satva (Tinospora cordifolia), Mukta Pishti (Natural Calcium Compound from pearls). Psoriasis is associated with imbalance of the pitta and immune system. Excess heat in the body can cause symptoms like itching and redness of skin similar to psoriasis. So all these herbal blends provide cooling, calming and anti-inflammatory effects.

Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice a day with lukewarm water.

6. Gandhak Rasayan

This tablet is a purified form of Gandhak (Sulphur). It helps to regulate the Keratinization process, which is skin cell turnover. It also has antibacterial and antifungal effects. It helps to exfoliate dead skin cells and improve skin’s texture. Thus, it is very beneficial in psoriasis.

Dosage: 1-2 tablets two times a day with lukewarm water.

7. Radiant Skin, Hair, Nails Lotion

This lotion from Planet Ayurveda is made with natural herbs like Jasmine (Jasminum officinale), Coconut (Cocos nucifera), Neem (Azadirachta indica) and some other herbs. All these natural ingredients help to nourish and improve the skin. It also helps to support hair and nails health. These ingredients have anti-inflammatory, healing and skin repairing properties.

Dosage: Apply 5-6 drops on the affected area two times a day.

8. Jatyadi Tailam

This oil has been prepared with a blend of many herbs. These herbs are Chemali (Jasminum officinale), Patola Patra (Stereospermum chelonoides), Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Lodhra (Symplocos racemosus) etc. All these herbs provide healing effects on the body. It helps to ease up Burning sensation of lesions, irritation and itching.

Dosage: Apply this oil to the affected area once or twice a day.

Conclusion

Ayurveda offers a safest and natural approach to manage psoriasis. It mainly focuses on balancing the body’s internal energies. The key part of ayurvedic treatment involves dietary adjustments. Ayurveda treatment is individualised and if followed consistently then it can provide long term relief. Panchkarma therapies and Planet Ayurveda’s Psora Care Pack has provided relief in psoriasis.