What
is psoriasis ?
Psoriasis
is a disease of the skin in which, raised, rough, reddened areas appear,
covered with fine silvery scales.
Causes
and Symptoms: The eruption consists of a chronic inflammatory process
in the true skin, the papillae of which become considerably lengthened
and more vascular than usual. Changes in the cuticle also affect the
epidermis. The condition generally appears for the first time around
adolescence or early adult life. It is often a family disease occurring
in different generations of one stock, and is often associated with
gout or rheumatism. In some persons, psoriasis appears repeatedly
at a particular season, especially in the spring and autumn, but it
is not infectious.
The
eruption almost always appears first round the back of the elbow and
the front of the knees. It begins as small pimples, each covered with
a white cap of scales, which enlarge in breadth till they form patches
two or three inches wide. At the same time, patches appear on other
parts of the body, especially the scalp and the face.
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 vata and kapha according
to the ayurvedic concept. Irregular food habits, consumption of foodstuffs
that are advised not to be eaten together (Eg: diary 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. Ayurveda also emphasizes on the effect
of stress in the pathogenesis of Psoriasis.
What
is the treetment ?
The
treatment aspects of Psoriasis according to Ayurveda, aim at the detoxification
of the body or elimination of toxins from the body fluids. It is achieved
by "Panchakarma" treatments.
A
strict diet regime has to be followed during the entire treatment
period and it is better to continue as vegetarian. Yogurt, black gram,
chilies and salted thing have to be restricted. It is better to avoid
refrigerated/chilled foods. Psoriatic must keep a state of mental
calmness.
