You may or may not be aware of the above word PSORIASIS, but in case you have had or having symptoms of Itchy skin, flakes formation, dryness, redness and rashness or cuts in particular locations of your body, be it scalp, elbows & knees, palms and soles, skin folds like chest, armpits or thigh area and just in case you are applying certain creams or ointments but these symptoms relax for short span and reoccur again then you probably could be a PSORIATIC – which currently is the most deadly skin ailment across the globe. The word deadly is ideally referred to with the disease as in most cases it refuses to be cured by any topical and steroid based medications and moreover with time moves a patient to psychologically unmotivated and depressed stage of helplessness. Being an autoimmune disorder besides skin it also has its impact on blood and bones relating to veins and arthritic issues with prolonged ailment.
Ayurveda Psoriasis Treatment In Bangalore
What can you expect from VEDAM AYURVEDA as a PSORIASIS cure ? First and foremost, YES we can treat this, YES it does have a cure and YES you are not required to suffer this for lifetime. We assure to recover you completely with Psoriasis disorder by treating the root cause and not just the symptoms on the superficial layer. Absolutely NO inclusion of any steroid or acidic base intakes or application, making it the most organic and herbal way of recovering yourself from Psoriasis. The best part when we say complete cure is absolute recovery with no relapse in future for the entire lifetime.
Being the oldest institution in Karnataka treating Psoriasis since last 30 years, we do not hesitate to say that we have grown by experience from each day and each patient that we treated by working on and on and on in various aspects of Ayurveda. Finally we have reached a stage where we can announce that we have everything to assure you perfect results, right from classical medication combinations, holistic treatment formats as per condition of patients and ideal medication formulations with a tailor made diet and lifestyle regime for Psoriatic disorders. The only thing we expect you to visit us with is BELIEF in the system of Ayurveda that would help you follow our instructions in a fine manner for fastest cure.
We initially had a relapse rate of 50-60% decades ago and today with day in day out focused research we have reach a relapse rate of 2% which means out of 100 patients we treat 98 of them never remember the word Psoriasis in their entire lifetime and we are striving harder to make this 100%, we shall sure do that very soon.
Some knowledge on Psoriasis that you may want to read:
What is Psoriasis
The skin is the front line of defense against insult and injury and contains many epidermal and immune elements that comprise the skin-associated lymphoid tissue. Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease that causes raised, red, scaly patches to appear on the skin.It typically affects the outside of the elbows, knees or scalp, though it can appear on any location. Some people report that psoriasis is itchy, burns and stings. Psoriasis is associated with other serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and depression.
If you develop a rash that doesn’t go away with an over-the-counter medication, you should consider contacting your doctor.
Scientists believe that at least 10 percent of people inherit one or more of the genes that could eventually lead to psoriasis. However, only 2 percent to 3 percent of the population develops the disease. Researchers believe that for a person to develop psoriasis, that person must have a combination of the genes that cause psoriasis and be exposed to specific external factors known as “triggers.”
What triggers psoriasis?
Psoriasis triggers are not universal. What may cause one person’s psoriasis to become active, may not affect another. Established psoriasis triggers include:
Stress
Stress can cause psoriasis to flare for the first time or aggravate existing psoriasis. Relaxation and stress reduction may help prevent stress from impacting psoriasis.
Injury to skin
Psoriasis can appear in areas of the skin that have been injured or traumatized.
Medications
Certain medications are associated with triggering psoriasis, including: Lithium, Inderal, Quinidine, Indomethacin.
Infection
Anything that can affect the immune system can affect psoriasis. In particular, streptococcus infection (strep throat) is associated with guttate psoriasis. Strep throat often is triggers the first onset of guttate psoriasis in children. You may experience a flare-up following an earache, bronchitis, tonsillitis or a respiratory infection, too.
It’s not unusual for someone to have an active psoriasis flare with no strep throat symptoms. Talk with your doctor about getting a strep throat test if your psoriasis flares.
Other possible triggers
Although scientifically unproven, some people with psoriasis suspect that allergies, diet and weather trigger their psoriasis.
How do genes work?
Genes control everything about a person, from height to eye color. When genes are working normally, the body and its cells function normally. When a misstep occurs in the way a gene works, a genetic disease such as psoriasis may result.
Genes and Psoriasis
You can think of DNA like the instruction book for building a new you. And genes are like the chapters in that book that have specific instructions.
So you have some chapters controlling the color of your eyes. And others controlling the color of your hair. And lots of other chapters that control everything else about you. Including your chances for developing Psoriasis.
These genes are actually packaged in units called “chromosomes.” These are like separate books in a collection.
Humans have 46 of these chromosomes. Each has many genes “from as few as 70 or 80 on the Y to more than 4000 on chromosome 1.
So far, scientists have found that at least nine different parts of seven separate chromosomes may be controlling Psoriasis. These regions are pretty big and have lots of genes. This makes finding the specific ones involved in Psoriasis very difficult.
However, scientists have managed to find a few. These genes belong to a family called interleukins. Interleukins play an important role in our immune system.
Our immune system helps keep us well by fighting off foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses. An important part of this fight is cells telling each other that there is an invader and where it is. Interleukins are used in this communication.
Scientists have found that these interleukin genes are turned on way too high in the skin of people with PS. This is more evidence that these genes are involved.
But why would interleukins be involved in a skin disease like Psoriasis? Because Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease.
Psoriasis is characterised by three main pathophysiological processes namely; 1. Epidermal hyperproliferation and loss of differentiation, 2. Vascular proliferation, 3. Accumulation of inflammatory cells, particularly T lymphocytes and neutrophils within the dermal and epidermal compartments of the skin. Current evidence strongly indicates that psoriasis is primarily a T lymphocyte driven disease and that other changes observed are secondary to T-helper cell effector mechanisms.Important evidence includes; 1. Immunohistochemical studies showing early infiltration in T lymphocytes into evolving lesions, 2. Genetic studies showing linkage disequilibrium between psoriasis and a locus in the MHC on chromosome 6p, 3. Studies showing psoriasis responding to treatment with anti T-cell agents such as Cyclosporin A, and DAB 389-IL2.While guttate and occasionally chronic plaque psoriasis can be precipitated by streptococcal infection, there is evidence that psoriasis is an antigen driven response. Furthermore, in some studies the pattern of the TCR expressed in psoriatic plaques is consistent with bacterial superantigens being responsible. Of further importance is the observation that streptococcal super antigens can induce expression of the skin homing receptor, CLA, on lymphocytes, thereby providing a mechanism for this effect.
Scholars believe psoriasis to have been included among the various skin conditions called tzaraath (translated as leprosy) in the Hebrew Bible, a condition imposed as a punishment for slander. The patient was deemed “impure” (see tumah and taharah) during their afflicted phase and is ultimately treated by the kohen. However, it is more likely that this confusion arose from the use of the same Greek term for both conditions. The Greeks used the term lepra (λεπρα) for scaly skin conditions. They used the term psora to describe itchy skin conditions. It became known as Willan’s lepra in the late 18th century when English dermatologists Robert Willan and Thomas Bateman differentiated it from other skin diseases. Leprosy, they said, is distinguished by the regular, circular form of patches, while psoriasis is always irregular. Willan identified two categories: leprosa graecorum and psora leprosa.
Psoriasis is thought to have first been described in Ancient Rome by Cornelius Celsus. The disease was first classified by English physician Thomas Willan. The British dermatologist Thomas Bateman described a possible link between psoriasis and arthritic symptoms in 1813.
The history of psoriasis is littered with treatments of dubious effectiveness and high toxicity. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Fowler’s solution, which contains a poisonous and carcinogenic arsenic compound, was used by dermatologists as a treatment for psoriasis. Mercury was also used for psoriasis treatment during this time period. Sulfur, iodine, and phenol were also commonly used treatments for psoriasis during this era when it was incorrectly believed that psoriasis was an infectious disease. Coal tars were widely used with ultraviolet light irradiation as a topical treatment approach in the early 1900s. During the same time period, psoriatic arthritis cases were treated with intravenously administered gold preparations in the same manner as rheumatoid arthritis. All of these treatments have been replaced with modern topical and systemic therapies.
Scholars believe psoriasis to have been included among the various skin conditions called tzaraath (translated as leprosy) in the Hebrew Bible, a condition imposed as a punishment for slander. The patient was deemed “impure” (see tumah and taharah) during their afflicted phase and is ultimately treated by the kohen. However, it is more likely that this confusion arose from the use of the same Greek term for both conditions. The Greeks used the term lepra (λεπρα) for scaly skin conditions. They used the term psora to describe itchy skin conditions. It became known as Willan’s lepra in the late 18th century when English dermatologists Robert Willan and Thomas Bateman differentiated it from other skin diseases. Leprosy, they said, is distinguished by the regular, circular form of patches, while psoriasis is always irregular. Willan identified two categories: leprosa graecorum and psora leprosa.
Psoriasis is thought to have first been described in Ancient Rome by Cornelius Celsus. The disease was first classified by English physician Thomas Willan. The British dermatologist Thomas Bateman described a possible link between psoriasis and arthritic symptoms in 1813.
The history of psoriasis is littered with treatments of dubious effectiveness and high toxicity. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Fowler’s solution, which contains a poisonous and carcinogenic arsenic compound, was used by dermatologists as a treatment for psoriasis. Mercury was also used for psoriasis treatment during this time period.[106] Sulfur, iodine, and phenol were also commonly used treatments for psoriasis during this era when it was incorrectly believed that psoriasis was an infectious disease. Coal tars were widely used with ultraviolet light irradiation as a topical treatment approach in the early 1900s. During the same time period, psoriatic arthritis cases were treated with intravenously administered gold preparations in the same manner as rheumatoid arthritis. All of these treatments have been replaced with modern topical and systemic therapies.
Types of Psoriasis:
Plaque psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition. It appears on the skin in patches of thick, red, scaly skin.
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis. It affects about 6.7 million people in the United States.
Plaque psoriasis can be a very itchy and sometimes painful condition. It also can be embarrassing and doesn’t always respond to treatment. It’s sometimes misdiagnosed as another skin condition, such as dermatitis and eczema.
Plaque psoriasis typically involves patches of rough, red skin and silvery white scales. This is because the skin cells receive a signal to produce new skin cells too quickly. They build up and shed in scales and patches.
This buildup of skin causes the red and silvery patches, as well as pain and irritation. Scratching can lead to broken skin, bleeding, and infection.
Guttate psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that appears as small, salmon-pink bumps on the skin. The word guttate is derived from the Latin word gutta, meaning drop. Usually there are fine scales atop the small round to oval lesion. Red drop-like lesions are found on the skin.
As in all types of psoriasis, guttate psoriasis occurs in those with an inherited genetic predisposition and is not a contagious skin condition. Although guttate psoriasis usually occurs on the trunk, arms, or legs, it not unusual for the condition to involve any areas of skin (scalp, face, or ears).
The trigger to the condition is often a streptococcal (bacterial) sore throat followed within two to three weeks by the skin eruption. Guttate psoriasis may resolve entirely or may evolve into typical chronic plaque psoriasis. The disease may recur if the person is a strep carrier (always carries streptococcal bacteria in his respiratory system).
The sudden appearance of an outbreak may be the first psoriasis outbreak for some people. Alternatively, a person who has had plaque psoriasis for a long time may suddenly have an episode of guttate psoriasis. The plaque variety of psoriasis can also be chronic and can be triggered by infections other than those from streptococcal bacteria. For example, the chickenpox or colds can trigger psoriasis.
Inverse psoriasis is a painful and difficult type of psoriasis that forms in the body’s skin folds, such as the armpits, genitals, and under the breasts or buttocks. Because these skin folds are called flexures, it also is known as flexural psoriasis.
This type of psoriasis is the inverse — or opposite — of the more common plaque psoriasis, which occurs on the outer, extensor surfaces of the body, such as the knees and elbows.
Psoriasis, in general, is a genetic condition passed down through families. “It’s likely that multiple genes need to be affected to allow psoriasis to occur, and that it’s frequently triggered by an external event, such as an infection,” says James W. Swan, MD, professor of dermatology at the Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine in Maywood, Illinois. In the case of inverse psoriasis, the triggers also involve friction and dampness, and are associated with sweating.
Inverse psoriasis occurs in 2 to 6 percent of people with psoriasis and most often alongside some other form of the condition, such as plaque psoriasis. It’s more common in people who are overweight or obese or have deep skin folds. People who are middle-aged or seniors are more likely to develop flexural psoriasis than younger people.
Pustular psoriasis is an uncommon form of psoriasis. Pustular psoriasis appears as clearly defined, raised bumps that are filled with a white, thick fluid composed of white blood cells. This purulent exudate is commonly called pus. The skin under and around these bumps is red. Although pus is often a sign of infection, there is no evidence that infection plays any role in pustular psoriasis.
Pustular psoriasis. Note the clearly defined, raised bumps on the skin that are filled with pus (pustules). The skin under and around these bumps is red.Pustular psoriasis. Note the clearly defined, raised bumps on the skin that are filled with pus (pustules). The skin under and around these bumps is red.
Pustular psoriasis may precede, accompany, or follow the standard form of plaque-type psoriasis.
Pustular psoriasis is classified into one of several types, depending on symptoms. Symptoms may be sudden and severe (acute), long term (chronic), or somewhere in between (subacute). Widespread pustular psoriasis (von Zumbusch type) affects large areas of skin and can produce a systemic febrile illness. A ring-shaped (annular, or circinate) type has also been described. It is usually subacute or chronic, and people with this type do not usually have symptoms aside from the skin involvement. Pustules may be localized to the palms and soles (palmoplantar pustulosis) or to the fingertips and nails (acrodermatitis continua of Hallopeau). Less common is the juvenile, or infantile type, which occurs in children. Pustular psoriasis in pregnancy (impetigo herpetiformis) is occasionally life-threatening.
Pustular psoriasis is not a common disease. Far more common forms of psoriasis are plaque psoriasis and guttate psoriasis, which account for over 90% of psoriasis. Pustular psoriasis affects all races. In adults, it affects men and women equally. In children, it affects boys somewhat more often than girls. The average age of people with pustular psoriasis is 50 years. Children 2-10 years of age can be affected by the disease, but this is rare.
Erythrodermic psoriasis is a rare and severe variant of psoriasis vulgaris & is particularly inflammatory form of psoriasis that often affects most of the body surface. with an estimated prevalence of 2%–3% among psoriatic patients. It generally appears on people who have unstable plaque psoriasis. This means the lesions are not clearly defined. Widespread, fiery redness and exfoliation of the skin characterize this form. Severe itching and pain often accompanies it.
Erythrodermic psoriasis can cause your skin to lose its ability to control your body temperature and protect against infections. Losing the ability to perform these vital functions can be life-threatening.
Given the morbidity and potential mortality associated with the condition, there is a need for a better understanding of its pathophysiology. The management of Erythrodermic psoriasis begins with a comprehensive assessment of the patient’s presentation and often requires multidisciplinary supportive measures.
Scalp psoriasis is a type of psoriasis that forms on the top of the head and can also spread to the top of the forehead, the back of the neck, and behind the ears. Scalp psoriasis typically appears as pink/red patches and silvery scales that may be accompanied by itching, soreness, or a burning sensation. The more severe it is, the more likely you’ll feel the crusty plaques on your head—and maybe even see them fall off if you scratch them. Scratching can also make the scalp bleed and cause temporary hair loss. As you can imagine, scalp psoriasis is a condition that can make some people feel embarrassed.
Most patients with scalp psoriasis also have psoriasis on other areas of their body, and symptoms can flare up and recede over time. For instance, they’re often worse in the winter months and whenever you’re feeling stressed.
Just like with other types of psoriasis, it’s not clear what the cause of scalp psoriasis is and, unfortunately, there is no cure. But here’s the good news: There are plenty of safe and effective treatments that can help you find significant relief.
Palmoplantar psoriasis is a chronic, recurring condition that affects the palms of hands and soles of feet. It looks similar to other types of skin conditions, such as hand dermatitis, but the appearance of psoriasis lesions elsewhere on the body is an indicator of psoriasis. It varies in severity, and may limit a person’s ability to complete their daily activities. It most often affects adults, and is sometimes hereditary.
Palmoplantar psoriasis is characterized by a few different symptoms:
The appearance of red patches of skin topped with scales typical of psoriasis on the palms and elsewhere on the body
Thickening and scaling of the skin accompanied with the formation of deep, painful fissures on the palms and soles
Palmoplantar pustulosis – the appearance of deep, yellowish pustules
Nail psoriasis alters the way your toenails and fingernails look. They may get thick and change color or shape. They also can feel tender and hurt. Psoriatic nail disease has many clinical signs. Most psoriatic nail disease occurs in patients with clinically evident psoriasis; it only occurs in less than 5% of patients with no other cutaneous findings of psoriasis.
Symptoms of Nail Psoriasis
You’ll know you’re getting nail psoriasis when you see these changes in your fingernails or toenails:
Color. Your nails may turn green, yellow, or brown. They may also have small red or white spots underneath.
Surface appearance. You may get ridges or grooves in your nails, or pitting (small pinprick holes) on the nail surface.
Debris buildup. Chalky white material can gather under your nail, causing it to lift away from the skin. This can be painful.
Immunology of Psoriasis
Psoriasis is characterised by three main pathophysiological processes namely; 1. Epidermal hyperproliferation and loss of differentiation, 2. Vascular proliferation, 3. Accumulation of inflammatory cells, particularly T lymphocytes and neutrophils within the dermal and epidermal compartments of the skin. Current evidence strongly indicates that psoriasis is primarily a T lymphocyte driven disease and that other changes observed are secondary to T-helper cell effector mechanisms.Important evidence includes; 1. Immunohistochemical studies showing early infiltration in T lymphocytes into evolving lesions, 2. Genetic studies showing linkage disequilibrium between psoriasis and a locus in the MHC on chromosome 6p, 3. Studies showing psoriasis responding to treatment with anti T-cell agents such as Cyclosporin A, and DAB 389-IL2.While guttate and occasionally chronic plaque psoriasis can be precipitated by streptococcal infection, there is evidence that psoriasis is an antigen driven response. Furthermore, in some studies the pattern of the TCR expressed in psoriatic plaques is consistent with bacterial superantigens being responsible. Of further importance is the observation that streptococcal super antigens can induce expression of the skin homing receptor, CLA, on lymphocytes, thereby providing a mechanism for this effect.
Why Me?
While scientists do not know what exactly causes psoriasis, we do know that the immune system and genetics play major roles in its development. Usually, something triggers psoriasis to flare. The skin cells in people with psoriasis grow at an abnormally fast rate, which causes the buildup of psoriasis lesions.
Men and women develop psoriasis at equal rates. Psoriasis also occurs in all racial groups, but at varying rates. About 1.9 percent of African-Americans have psoriasis, compared to 3.6 percent of Caucasians.
Psoriasis often develops between the ages of 10 and 40, but it can develop at any age. About 10 to 15 percent of those with psoriasis get it before age 10. Some infants have psoriasis, although this is considered rare.
Psoriasis is not contagious. It is not something you can “catch” or that others can catch from you. Psoriasis lesions are not infectious.
There are no special blood tests or tools to diagnose psoriasis. A dermatologist (doctor who specializes in skin diseases) or other health care provider usually examines the affected skin and determines if it is psoriasis.
FAQ’s About Ayurveda Psoriasis Treatment
1. What causes psoriasis?
Psoriasis is considered as a genetic disorder wherein a person is more susceptible to get psoriasis if it runs in his/her family. Other than genetics, there are various others factors which can trigger Psoriasis. They are;
- Unhealthy Lifestyle practices(late night smoking, Alcohol,tobacco)
- Unhealthy food practices(incompatible foods
- Low immune system
- Environmental factors
2. Is there a cure for psoriasis? Can it be cured completely?
Although complete resolution of the patches of Psoriasis is possible through Ayurveda therapy, the time duration taken for this remission depends on the following factors;
- Severity of the disease
- Extent of the body parts involved
- Age of the patient
- Immune system of the patient
- Response to treatment
3. What are the Ayurvedic treatments available for psoriasis?
As far as the treatment of psoriasis in Ayurveda is concerned, it is brought under control by the pacification of all three or the vitiated doshas. It is done with the help of useful herbs. Different internal and external aspects are considered when the treatment begins, and everything is soothed with the help of Ayurveda. Moreover, eating right and immediate changes in lifestyle is very important during this time. The main Ayurveda treatment used to treat psoriasis is Panchakarma therapy. Panchakarma treatments involve plant-based remedies and dietary changes. These are meant to detox and purify the body.
4. Is psoriasis contagious?
No, Psoriasis being an auto-immune disease is not contagious.
5. What is the most common form of psoriasis?
Out of the five major types of psoriasis explained in the modern science (Plaque, Guttate, Erythrodermic, Pustular and Inverse psoriasis), Plaque psoriasis is the most commonly (90%)affected type of psoriasis. It typically presents as red patches with white scales on top. Areas of the body most commonly affected are the back of the forearms, shins, navel area, and scalp.
According to Ayurveda, this disease is known as Kitibha, which results from vitiation of the Vata and Kapha dosha. In Ayurveda, we call these symptoms as Syavam(blackish discolouration), Kinakharasparsa(dry to touch), and Parusa(roughness over patches), respectively. Various sites of the body such as scalp, face, trunk, limbs, palms, and soles involve in psoriasis. The chronic nature, recurring pattern, and visibility of psoriasis produce a great adverse impact on the psychological and social aspects of patients’ life.
6. What plays a major role in causing psoriasis?
Although genetic predisposition plays a major role in causing psoriasis, certain lifestyle practices and environmental changes trigger the development of psoriasis in an already healthy person.
As the immune system is compromised in persons with unhealthy lifestyle, the chances of manifestation of psoriasis in such individuals is said to higher.
Does psoriasis cause arthritis?
Yes, Psoriatic arthritis is a form of chronic inflammatory arthritis that has a highly variable clinical presentation and frequently occurs in association with skin and nail psoriasis. It typically involves painful inflammation of the joints and surrounding connective tissue, and can occur in any joint, but most commonly affects the joints of the fingers and toes. This can result in a sausage-shaped swelling of the fingers and toes known as dactylitis. Psoriatic arthritis can also affect the hips, knees, spine, and sacroiliac joint. About 30% of individuals with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis. Skin manifestations of psoriasis tend to occur before arthritic manifestations in about 75% of cases.
In Ayurveda, psoriatic arthritis can be explained in terms of the seven body tissues that are present in layers. With skin being the outermost layer and the first one to be affected with psoriasis, the chronicity of the disease becomes directly proportional to the involvement of deeper tissues. That means, as the chronicity increases, psoriasis spreads to deeper tissues and at the end reaches the Asthi dhaatu(bone tissue) and leads to symptoms such as pain in joints, swelling, deformity in the joints etc.
7. What’s the difference between psoriasis and eczema?
Both Psoriasis and eczema can show similarity in having a rash, presenting with itching over the skin and can involve similar body parts such as hands and legs.
The major difference between the two is that psoriasis is commonly seen on the backside of the elbows and front of the knees whereas eczema is commonly presented over the inner aspect of the elbows and knees i.e. the cubital fossa and the popliteal fossa respectively.
8. What are the possible side effects of long term psoriasis?
People suffering with psoriasis may have side effects both physically and mentally.
As explained earlier the major physical side effects of psoriasis include the involvement of the bones leading to psoriatic arthritis and the involvement of nails leading to color change of nails, roughness or brittleness of the nails etc. Other side effects include cardiovascular disease, obesity, high blood pressure, inflammatory disease etc.
Psychologically, the side effects include very low self esteem and depression.
9. Are there any side effects with the ayurvedic psoriasis treatment?
Side effects can be minimised when the treatment is taken under medical supervision.
Self medication may flare up the symptoms of psoriasis as Ayurveda medicine intake gives best results when followed up with proper diet.
10. How long does the psoriasis patient need to be on the medication?
The duration of the treatment completely depends on
- The severity of psoriasis
- The extent to which the body parts are involved
- The chronicity of the disease
- The age of the patient.