PSORIASIS AND ITS AYURVEDIC TREATMENT

INTRODUCTION

Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease which is characterized by scaly rashes of skin causing intense itching. It is a chronic disorder which mostly affects scalp, elbows, trunk and knees. It occurs in a cycle of episodes known as flare ups and then subside. It is a very painful skin condition and a person finds difficult to sleep. The flare up can occur for a few weeks to a few months. The onset of the disease occurs because of some triggers.

There has not been found any permanent cure of psoriasis but with healthy lifestyle, the symptoms can be managed. There are several ointments and medications which help in prevention and management of psoriasis.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF PSORIASIS?

There has not been found any exact cause of the disease but it occurs because of the abnormal functioning of the immune system. Normally, the immune system attack foreign micro-organisms and provide protection to the body. Due to some abnormality, the cells of immune system start attacking body’s own skin cells. This leads to production of skin cells at a faster pace. Normally, the old skin cells are replaced by the new skin cells in 30 days. But in psoriasis, the skin cells multiply at a much faster rate. There occurs inflammation and swelling of the skin. The skin becomes very thick and scaly.

WHAT ARE THE VARIOUS TYPES OF PSORIASIS?

Psoriasis is of different types depending on the nature and part of body affected. Following are the various types of psoriasis:

• Plaque psoriasis
• Guttate psoriasis
• Nail psoriasis
• Inverse psoriasis
• Pustular psoriasis
• Erytherodermic psoriasis

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS OF PSORIASIS?

There are factors which make a person more prone to psoriasis. Following are the risk factors of psoriasis:

• Having a genetic predisposition to psoriasis
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Lack of physical exercise
• Increased body weight
• Bad eating habits
• Cigarette smoking
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Emotional stress
• Skin infection
• Injury to the skin
• Weather changes
• Certain medications like beta-blockers, NSAIDS, etc
• Rapid withdrawal of corticosteroids

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PSORIASIS?

Following are the common signs and symptoms of psoriasis:

• Dry and cracked skin
• Intense itching
• Skin soreness
• Burning sensation in skin
• Presence of scales on skin
• Purplish-grey skin rashes
• Raised and inflamed skin rashes
• White-silver scales on red patches of skin
• Thick and pitted nails
• Pain and swelling in joints

WHAT ARE THE ASSOCIATED COMPLICATIONS OF PSORIASIS?

When psoriasis is not dealt properly, then it can lead to various complications. Following are the complications which arise with psoriasis:

• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Conjunctivitis
• Blepharitis
• Uveitis
• High blood pressure
• Heart problems
• Certain autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis, celiac disease, crohn’s disease
• Anxiety
• Depression

HOW PSORIASIS CAN BE PREVENTED?

As there has not been found any exact cause of psoriasis but by taking some of the following steps, it can be prevented. Following are the preventive measures of psoriasis:

• Eating a healthy diet
• Doing regular exercise
• Quit smoking
• Say no to alcohol
• Getting enough sleep

HOW THE DIAGNOSIS OF PSORIASIS CAN BE DONE?

The doctor will ask about the signs and symptoms of the disease to the patient. He will do a thorough physical examination of the patient. He will ask about the triggers and take family history also. Skin biopsy can be done for the evaluation of the disease.

CHANDIGARH AYURVED CENTRE’S MEDICATIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF PSORIASIS

Here are some of the medicines of Chandigarh Ayurved centre which are used for the treatment of psoriasis:

1. Detox Premium Powder

This is a herbo-mineral preparation that contains ingredients like Parwal Pishti, Giloy satv, Shukta Pishti, Kamdudha Ras, Gandhak Rasayan, etc.

Parwal Pishti: This Pishti reduces inflammation, flaking, itching of the skin. The Pishti is composed of natural coral calcium processed with rose water.

Shukta Pishti: It helps to balance the Pitta dosha in the body. All signs and symptoms related to Psoriasis patients are managed with this article.

Giloy Satv: This satv is prepared from the herb Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia). The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties of this herb deal with psoriasis easily.

Kamdudha Ras: This herbal-mineral classical preparation balances Pitta dosha in the body.

Gandhak Rasayana: This herbal preparation is used since ancient times for all types of skin disorders.

Akik Pishti: This Pishti reduces all types of Pitta related disorder hence it gives good results in psoriasis.

Recommended Dosage: Take 1 sachet twice daily with plain water.

2. Blood Purifier Syrup

It is ayurvedic syrup that consists of various natural ingredients such as Khadir Chall (Acacia catechu), Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Harad (Terminalia bellirica), Baheda (Terminalia chebula), Amla (Emblica officinalis), etc. As the syrup purifies the blood by removing excess toxins it is very beneficial in maintaining proper circulation and improves the skin naturally.

Recommended Dosage– Take 2 teaspoonful twice daily.

3. Twak Tailam

Twak tailam is very effective for the skin as it deeply nourishes the tissues and improves the skin luster. The tailam is composed of yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), etc. The tailam supports skin health, helps in reducing uneven pigments, improves complexion, and helps in deep detoxification and blood purification without any side effects.

Method of Application– Apply over the affected area of the skin.

4. Skin care tablet

Skin care tablet is a pure ayurvedic formulation. It help to maintain the texture of your skin depending on the type of skin you have. It contains various herbs like Haridra khand, Panchnimb churna, Khadir chahal, Chirayta, Mulethi, Chopchini, Gandhak, Ajmoda that work very effectively on all skin types. Skin care is a blood purifying tablet. It cools and detoxifies the blood, increase blood circulation of the skin. It minimizes the blemishes, lighten sun tan, delay ageing of skin and heal skin problems.

Recommended Dosage: Take 1 tablet twice daily.

5. Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu

Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu is an ayurvedic preparation mainly used for skin diseases. This tablet contains pure herbal ingredients such as Nimba(Azadirachta indica), Patola(Cucumis acutangulus), Guduchi(Tinospora cordifolia), Vasa(Adhatoda vasica), etc. This tablet promotes detoxification and rejuvenation. Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu tablet is a natural source of anti – oxidant. It promotes engender vibrant and healthy skin.

Recommended Dosage–Take 1 tablets twice a day with normal water.

6. Panchsakar Churna

Panchsakar Churna is an ayurvedic formulation that consists of five ingredients named as – Saindhav Lavana (Rock Salt), Swarnapatri (Cassia angustifolia), Shatapushpa (Anethum sowa), Shunti – (Zingiber officinale), Balaharitaki  (Unripe fruits of Terminalia chebula). Panchsakar Churna is naturally detoxifying, thus it removes the toxins from the body. It relieves inflammation and useful in all types of skin problems.The powder has an anti – inflammatory properties due to which it can reduces the swelling.

Recommended Dosage– Take 1 teaspoonful with lukewarm water at bedtime.

7. Neem soap

Neem soap is natural and herbal handmade soap prepared from the standard extract of herb Neem (Azadirachta indica). Neem herb is widely used to cure acute to chronic Skin problems such as Pimples, Itching, Dryness, Blemishes, Dark spots, Pigmentation, Scars etc. It is such a wonderful herb that is easily available and shows Anti-bacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Anti-microbial, Antifungal, Antiseptic properties. Neem cleanses the pores and protects the skin from various infections, Psoriasis, Eczema, Leprosy, Skin ulcers. It restores the health of damaged skin, tones skin complexion, prevents premature ageing, Wrinkles, Fine lines can protect against UV rays, and acts as a natural moisturizer for the skin.

Method of Application: Neem Soap can be regularly used on face and body, as a bath soap.

8. Trikatu Tablet

Trikatu Tablet helps to eliminate excess Kapha or mucous from the body, supports respiratory system, manages weight, helps totake out impurities or ama from the body, supports healthy detoxification, reduces swelling. It shows anti-inflammatory, analgesic, expectorant, antioxidant properties. This tablet is made up of equal parts of three herbs such as Pippali (Piper longum), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), & Marich (Piper nigrum) that maintains the metabolism in the body.

Recommended dosage: Take 1 tablet twice daily with normal water.