Psoriasis is an autoimmune chronic disease of the skin that appears in red inflamed patches with scales. Although it is not infectious, it may pose severe physical and psychological distress for its patients. A treatment is an endless search for someone living with psoriasis. The two dominant treatments include Ayurveda and allopathy. However, which of these two systems is a better solution when managing psoriasis? Let's examine Ayurveda and allopathy and see how they deal with psoriasis and which would better suit an individual's needs.
Understanding Psoriasis
Psoriasis is where the body is said to get an immune acceleration in the body to produce even more skin than necessary. However, instead of shedding the cells, the creation of new ones takes place by the body once every three days, which becomes a buildup upon the surface because of the skin which creates particular thick, rough patches. Often red patches arise with itching burning, cracked that can bleed skin.
The exact cause is not known, but it is known that genetics and environmental triggers play a huge role. There are several forms of psoriasis, including plaque psoriasis (the most common), guttate psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, and pustular psoriasis. Treatments reduce inflammation, slow the growth of skin cells, and alleviate symptoms.
Allopathy: The Modern Medical Approach
Allopathic medicine, or conventional medicine, is based on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases by drugs, surgery, or other medical interventions. The allopathic approach to treating psoriasis usually consists of pharmaceutical remedies designed to reduce symptoms and avoid flare-ups.
Common Treatments in Allopathy for Psoriasis:
- Topical Steroids: This is the most commonly prescribed form of treatment for mild to moderate psoriasis. They work through the reduction of inflammation and immune activity in the skin. The steroids can be effective but bring side effects, such as the thinning of the skin, which makes it difficult to sustain long-term usage.
- Topical Vitamin D Analogues: Calcipotriene is a synthetic form of Vitamin D. This is used for slowing the rate at which skin cells grow. Usually, it is used in conjunction with other treatments.
- Phototherapy: This involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet (UV) light under controlled conditions. UVB therapy helps slow the growth of skin cells and can provide relief for moderate to severe cases.
- Systemic Medications: For severe psoriasis, systemic drugs, including methotrexate, cyclosporine, and biologic drugs, are given orally or intramuscularly. These medications work on the immune system to prevent the fast turnover of skin cells.
- Biologic Drugs: Biologics such as adalimumab and ustekinumab are newer treatments that target specific parts of the immune system to reduce inflammation. Though highly effective, biologics carry risks, including infections and the need for regular injections.
Although allopathic treatments can provide significant relief and control over psoriasis symptoms, they often come with side effects, especially when used over the long term. Patients may also experience flare-ups, and the treatments may only address symptoms without providing a long-term cure.
Ayurveda: A Holistic Approach to Psoriasis
Ayurveda is the traditional system of medicine that comes from India and focuses on holistic health and wellness. Allopathy, in contrast, tries to manage the symptoms of an ailment and doesn't believe in a perfect harmony between the body, mind, and spirit. According to Ayurveda, psoriasis arises from an imbalance of doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), primarily due to the aggravation of Pitta dosha. Psoriasis Ayurvedic treatment emphasizes restoring this balance through personalized approaches involving dietary changes, herbal remedies, and lifestyle adjustments.
In Ayurveda, the treatments are specific according to an individual's constitution and lifestyle as well as the nature of the case. So treatment is not for psoriasis; it's the overall balance of body, mind, and emotions.
Common Ayurvedic Treatments for Psoriasis:
- Herbal Remedies: Ayurveda uses various herbs to treat psoriasis and promote skin health. Some of the most commonly used herbs include:
- 1. Neem: Known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, neem is often used in topical formulations to soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation.
- 2. Turmeric: With its powerful anti-inflammatory compound curcumin, turmeric is widely used to treat skin conditions, including psoriasis.
- 3. Aloe Vera: Aloe vera gel is applied to the skin to provide relief from itching and reduce inflammation.
- Panchakarma Detoxification: Panchakarma is an Ayurvedic detoxification therapy designed to cleanse the body of toxins (Ama) and restore dosha balance. This involves a series of treatments, such as oil massages, herbal steam baths, and internal cleansing therapies like enemas.
- Dietary Adjustments: Ayurvedic practitioners often recommend a diet tailored to a person’s dosha type. For psoriasis, an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can help support skin health and reduce flare-ups. Avoiding foods that increase Pitta, such as spicy, fried, or acidic food, may also be beneficial.
- Lifestyle Changes: Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of a balanced lifestyle, which includes stress management, regular exercise, and sufficient rest. Since stress is a common trigger for psoriasis flare-ups, practices like yoga and meditation can help manage both the physical and emotional aspects of the condition.
Comparing Ayurveda and Allopathy for Psoriasis
When considering which treatment is best for psoriasis, there are several factors to weigh. Both Ayurveda and allopathy offer distinct advantages and limitations.
- Effectiveness: Allopathy provides faster symptom relief, especially for acute flare-ups. However, it tends to focus on symptom management rather than addressing the root cause. Ayurveda, on the other hand, offers a more gradual approach that targets the root imbalances in the body. While Ayurvedic treatments may take longer to show results, they offer the potential for long-term healing.
- Side Effects: The allopathic treatment, particularly steroids and biologics, may have considerable side effects like thinning of the skin, damage to the liver, and increased susceptibility to infections. The Ayurvedic remedy, as a natural process, has relatively few side effects but may not work as rapidly or universally.
- Holistic vs. Symptomatic Treatment: Ayurveda's holistic approach considers the whole person's body, mind, and spirit, whereas allopathy is more focused on controlling the physical symptoms of the disease. If you prefer a treatment that addresses the underlying causes and promotes overall well-being, Ayurveda might be more appealing.
- Customization: Ayurveda offers personalized treatments based on individual needs, whereas allopathy generally follows standardized protocols for managing psoriasis.
Conclusion
When deciding between Ayurveda and allopathy for psoriasis, it’s important to consider your unique needs. Allopathy provides quick relief but may have long-term side effects, while Ayurveda offers a holistic, gradual approach. For those seeking personalized Ayurvedic care, Vedam Ayurveda Multispecialty Hospital is a trusted option. Known for its expertise in Ayurveda, the hospital offers tailored treatments, including Panchakarma and herbal remedies, to address the root causes of psoriasis. Vedam Ayurveda provides a natural, safe, and effective path to healing, helping patients manage their condition with a focus on overall well-being.
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