How Ayurveda explains Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition that affects the skin, causing the excessive and rapid growth of skin cells. It can lead to the formation of thick, scaly plaques. Ayurveda says that psoriasis arises due to an imbalance of two “doshas,” or areas of energy – “Vata” and “Kapha.” Vata is responsible for controlling bodily functions and could contribute to the dryness and skin scaling of psoriasis. Kapha is responsible for growth, and so the itching and rapid skin cell turnover is because of this dosha. The imbalance between these two energies causes toxins to build up in a person’s system, leading to inflammation. As a result, Ayurvedic treatments often revolve around not only herbal applications, ayurvedic medication but also diet and lifestyle advice.
Signs & Symptoms Of Psoriasis
Psoriasis typically looks like red or pink areas of thickened, raised, and dry skin. It classically affects areas over the elbows, knees, and scalp. Essentially any body area may be involved. It tends to be more common in areas of trauma, repeat rubbing, use, or abrasions. Psoriasis has many different appearances. It may be small flattened bumps, large thick plaques of raised skin, red patches, and pink mildly dry skin to big flakes of dry skin that flake off.
The most common symptoms of psoriasis include –
red, raised, inflamed patches of skin.
whitish-silver scales or plaques on the red patches.
dry skin that may crack and bleed.
soreness around patches.
itching and burning sensations around patches.
thick, pitted nails.
painful, swollen joints.
Effects on Daily Life
Severe cases of psoriasis have been shown to affect health-related quality of life to an extent similar to the effects of other chronic diseases, such as depression, hypertension, congestive heart failure or type-2 diabetes. Depending on the severity and location of outbreaks, individuals may experience significant physical discomfort and some disability. Itching and pain can interfere with basic functions, such as self-care, walking, and sleep.
Plaques on hands and feet can prevent individuals from working at certain occupations, playing some sports, and caring for family members or a home. Plaques on the scalp can be particularly embarrassing, as flaky plaque in the hair can be mistaken for dandruff. Medical care can be costly and time-consuming, and can interfere with an employment or school schedule.
Individuals with psoriasis may also feel self-conscious about their appearance and have a poor self-image that stems from fear of public rejection and psychosexual concerns. Psychological distress can lead to significant depression and social isolation.
The Ayurvedic Treatment
Ayurveda believes that impurities in the blood associated with emotional factors are the cause of the disease. Psoriasis is believed to occur due to vitiation of all the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) in varying degrees, but predominantly Vata and Kapha according to the Ayurvedic concept.
Ekakusta, kitibha and Sidma are some of the types of Kshudra and Maha Kustas (skin diseases) narrated in Ayurveda closely resemble the classical symptoms of Psoriasis. Ayurveda can offer healing through ayurvedic medication, treatments and supportive practices for this condition, so If you experience any of these symptoms, it is extremely important to get in touch with a doctor. Get an appointment with the best Ayurveda doctor for psoriasis at SKK Ayurveda and Panchakarma. Ayurvedic treatments have shown great results in the improvement of this skin condition, as explained by Dr Tarun Gupta.