Psoriasis is a common, chronic, genetic, systemic inflammatory disease that is characterized by symptoms and signs such as elevated itchy plaques of raised red skin covered with thick silvery scales. Sometimes these patches will crack and bleed. Psoriasis is the result of speed up skin production process. Typically, skin cells grow deep in the skin and slowly rise to the surface. Eventually, they fall off. The typical life cycle of a skin cell is one month. In people with psoriasis, this production may occur in just a few days. Because of this, skin cells don't have time to fall off. This rapid overproduction leads to the buildup of skin cells. Psoriasis is usually found on the elbows, knees, and scalp but can often affect the legs, trunk and nails. Psoriasis may be found on any part of the skin.

Types of Psoriasis :

• Plaque psoriasis - causes red, scaly skin patches.
• Nail or scalp psoriasis - affects the nail beds and the head, causes dryness and detached nails.
• Mild psoriasis - causes less severe psoriasis symptoms than other forms, may be mistaken for eczema or dandruff.
• Severe psoriasis - painful forms of psoriasis including pustuler and guttate psoriasis.
• Pustular psoriasis – causes pus filled, inflamed blisters on the skin that may be painful.
• Guttate psoriasis - the most common type of psoriasis among children and teens, causes small red bumps or patches that can be triggered by immune function, stress or infections.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis - causes red skin scales to peel off in sheets.
• Inverse psoriasis – bright red, shiny lesions, appear in areas where the skin folds.

Ayurvedic concept of Psoriasis:

In Ayurveda, Psoriasis is correlated with Ekakushta which is a subtype of kushta Ruga. According to Ayurveda, all skin diseases are grouped under a broad heading of kushta Ruga. The features of Eka kushta closely resemble the characteristic features of Psoriasis. Hence most of the clinicians correlate it with psoriasis.

Causes of Eka kushta:

Ayurveda texts say that psoriasis arises due to an imbalance of two "doshas" known as the "Vata" and "Kapha". Vata is responsible for controlling body functions, and could cause the dryness and skin scaling associated with psoriasis. Kapha is responsible for body growth and can lead to the itching and rapid skin cell turnover that psoriasis is known for.

The energy imbalance causes toxins to build up in a person's system, leading to inflammation. As a result, Ayurveda treatments often revolve around not only herbal applications, but also diet and lifestyle advice.

Symptoms of Psoriasis/ Eka Kushta:

1. Roughness of the skin
2. Discoloration of the skin-pink
3. Reduced sweating
4. Itching
5. Pricking sensation
6. Extended skin lesions
7. Scaling of skin similar to the scales to the fish
8. Blackening of the part, Numbness

Treatment of Psoriasis/ Eka Kushta:

There are many Ayurveda remedies to treat psoriasis and give relief from its symptoms. Since Ayurveda associates psoriasis with toxins in the body, the first step towards treatment is to regain the balance by detoxifying the body. This is achieved by Panchakarma treatments. Virechana (therapeutic purgation) is generally recommended for people with psoriasis.

Ayurvedic herbs and herbal formulations for Psoriasis/ Eka Kushta are:

1. Nimba churna
2. Guggulu tiktaka ghrita
3. Panchatikta ghrita
4. Khadirarishta
5. Aragwadharishtam
6. Mahatiktaka ghrita
7. Guggulutiktaka kashayam
8. Chandraprabha vati
9. Amritadi guggulu
10. Jatyadi Thailam
11. Patolamooladi kashayam
12. Kaishore guggulu
13. Panchathikthakam kashayam
14. Neelibringadi oil

Modern medicines do not offer any effective and long term cure for psoriasis. Modern medicines either offer short term symptomatic relief or steroids which have severe side effects. The effect also comes down once you discontinue the medicines. However, Ayurveda has a long term solution for Psoriasis with no side effects. Contact expert doctors team at Life Line Ayurvedic Herbal Clinic to cure Psoriasis with best natural treatment plans.