SCALP PSORIASIS

OVERVIEW

Psoriasis is a skin disorder which is triggered by the body’s immune system. It is a chronic inflammatory condition of the skin. It affects different organ along with skin. Scalp is the most commonly affected part of the body. It is characterized by raised, itchy, scaly white patches on the skin. The patch can be single or multiple. It is a non-contagious disease. It can spread from forehead to the back of the neck and behind the ears. Psoriasis is more common in adults in comparison to children.

CAUSES OF PSORIASIS

The exact cause of occurrence of psoriasis is not known but it is believed to be due to the abnormal reaction of the immune system of the body. Normally, the new skin cells on scalp are formed in a few weeks but in patients of scalp psoriasis, there is rapid buildup of skin cells within a few days. This makes the skin thick and flaky.

RISK FACTORS OF SCALP PSORIASIS

The factors which make a person more prone to scalp psoriasis are:

• Having a close relative suffering from scalp psoriasis
• Increased body weight
• Cigarette smoking
• Viral infections
• Bacterial infections
• Physical trauma
• Stress
• Anxiety
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Certain medicines like beta-blockers, antimalarial drugs, etc

SYMPTOMS OF SCALP PSORIASIS

The symptoms of scalp psoriasis range from mild to severe and vary from person to person. Following are the basic signs and symptoms of scalp psoriasis:

• Scaly patches
• Excessive skin dryness
• Intense itching
• Burning sensation
• Presence of white flakes
• Raised reddish patches of skin
• Bleeding from the skin sores
• Temporary hair loss from the affected area
• Crusted plaques
• Area affected is forehead, scalp, behind the ears and neck

COMPLICATIONS OF SCALP PSORIASIS

Following are the complications which arise with scalp psoriasis are:

• Bleeding from the infected areas
• Excessive scratching leads to hair loss
• Crusting
• Swelling of lymph nodes

 AYURVEDIC CONCEPT OF SCALP PSORIASIS

In ayurveda, body is made up of three doshas – vata, pitta and kapha. These three doshas are present in balanced state for a healthy body. When there is imbalance of the doshas, there is manifestation of the disease in the body. In psoriasis, the vata and kapha doshas get imbalanced. It is called kitibha in ayurveda.

Vata dosha helps in controlling body functions and is responsible for dryness and scaling of the body. Kapha dosha is the water element of the body and leads to growth of the body. Its imbalance leads to itching and inflammation.

However, there is no permanent cure of scalp psoriasis but with some dietary and lifestyle changes, its symptoms can be managed. Some of the medicines are very helpful in eradicating the symptoms.

In Charaka samhita, the treatment involves purification of blood and balancing of the vitiated doshas. The management involves:

• Panchkarma – vamana, virechana, raktamokshana and takra dhara
• Shaman chikitsa
• Rasayan chikitsa
• Stress management

CHANDIGARH AYURVED CENTER’S MEDICATIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF SCALP PSORIASIS

Here are some of the medications of Chandigarh ayurved center which are used for the treatment of scalp 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.

Tal Sindoor: It contains ingredients like Shuddh parad, Aloe vera, Gandhak, etc that relieve redness in psoriasis patients.

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.