Psoriasis is a non-infectious, chronic inflammatory disease of the skin, in which epidermal cells are produced at a rate that is about six to nine times faster than the normal.
Causes
Idiopathic – The actual cause is unknown. But some of the factors that trigger psoriasis are
- Autoimmune reactions or infections
- Injury to skin
- Changes in climate
- Medications (Antimalarial drugs and Lithium)
- Anxiety and Stress
Clinical features
Initially signs of psoriasis are red spots on the body, well defined erythematous plaques with silvery scale, dry, swollen and inflamed skin. Other symptoms include pain, itching and burning sensation.
The lesions are seen more abundant on scalp, outer surface of the elbow and knee, lower part of the back and on the genitals.
Treatments
In Ayurveda Psoriasis comes under the heading of Kushta. It is caused due to the imbalance in tridoshas. Travancore Ayurveda aims in balancing all three doshas with shodhana and shamana chikitsa along with purification of the blood through internal medications, diet and lifestyle changes. Detoxification therapies like Snehapana Virechana or Vamana under the guidance of doctors are very much essential for the treatment of Psoriasis. Other treatments include Thakradhara, Lepana, Abhyanga, Njavarakizhi, Njavaralepana and different types of body dharas.
Testimonials
-Vivek
