What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a skin disorder that causes skin cells to multiply up to 10 times faster than normal. This makes the skin build up into bumpy red patches covered with white scales. They can grow anywhere, but most appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.
Common Symptoms Of Psoriasis:
Psoriasis signs and symptoms can vary from person to person. Common signs and symptoms include:
Red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales
Small scaling spots (commonly seen in children)
Dry, cracked skin that may bleed or itch
Itching, burning or soreness
Thickened, pitted or ridged nails
Swollen and stiff joints
Is Psoriasis Infectious?
It is very important to be educated about the fact that Psoriasis is not an infectious disease. Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease where there is rapid production of new skin cells causing scaling and thickening of the skin patches leading to symptoms like severe itching and dry and rough and hard patches. You cannot catch the disease by touching someone who has it.
In my clinical practice, I come across many psoriasis patients especially in old age who are not allowed to hug their grandchildren for the fear of transmitting the infection.This is completely a myth, in fact these kind of stigma can worsen the disease of that person because of negative psychological influence. Ayurveda emphasizes the effect of stress in the pathogenesis of Psoriasis.
According to Ayurvedic references, Psoriasis can be considered as the vitiation of Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Accumulation of low potency poisons (Dooshi vishas), are the basic pathological changes taking place in the system. Irregular food habits, consumption of foodstuffs that cannot be eaten together (E.g.: dairy products with fish), excessive intake of yogurt, black gram, seafood, sour and salted items etc can activate the pathogenesis. Alcohol and tobacco consumption will act as a catalyst here.
Best Ayurvedic Treatment for Psoriasis
Depending upon the body type (prakriti) of the patient, symptoms of disease and the season; different ayurvedic medicines and Panchakarma treatments are advised. Panchkarma is essential for complete cure of Psoriasis which may include Vaman, Virechan, Sirodhara, Takra dhara, Rakta Mokshan, Nasyam Complete cure of Psoriasis is possible if the patient is accepts the protocol and conditions fixed by the Ayurveda doctor for treatment as well changing the diet & lifestyle.
Dr Tarun Gupta
Sr. Ayurveda Consultant, SKK Ayurveda & Panchakarma, New Delhi
Dr. Tarun Gupta has treated Psoriasis effectively with Ayurvedic medicines and panchakarma therapies for 18 years. He is available for consultation at SKK Ayurveda & Panchakarma, New Delhi
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