Psoriasis and Ayurveda

Named for the Greek word psora meaning itch, psoriasis is a non contagious chronic
inflammatory skin disease that affects more than 2% of the adult population’. In this disease, the skin over the entire body develops erythema and scaling. Any change in skin colour disturbs the patient both mentally and physically.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease in which scaling and itching disturbs the daily routine of the patients. Because of its recurrent nature the disease has remained a great problem. There is no certain cure for this disease. Modern medicine provides symptomatic relief but also has side effects in long course.

The Ayurvedic diagnosis is considered as Kitibhakushta which is a Vaat Kapha predominant Kshudrakushtha. Kitibhakushta is a type of kshudrakushtha described in different ayurvedic classics. The classical symptoms of Kitibhakushta described in Ayurveda resembles with Psoriasis. The clinical feature of Kitibhakushta described by Acharya Kashyap represents remission, relapse and seasonal variation which are present in Psoriasis .

Modern medical science treats Psoriasis with corticosteroids but these therapies give serious side effects like hepato and nephrotoxicity, bone marrow depression etc. Hence, it is the need of time to find out safe and effective treatment for Psoriasis.

And here, Ayurveda plays an important role. The unique treatment modality of Ayurveda provides long lasting results and a better life to patients through its three basic principles i.e.

• Shodhana
• Shamana
• Nidan parivarjana