Psoriasis (Sidhma)

सिद्ध्मंरूक्षंबहि: स्निग्द्धमन्तर्घृष्टंरज: किरेत् l
श्लक्ष्णस्पर्शंतनुश्वेतताम्रंदौग्धिकपुष्पवत् ll

Psoriasis - Causes, Symptoms and Ayurvedic Treatment

Psoriasis is a common chronic skin disease that manifests as red, itchy, scaly patches. It is commonly observed on the trunk, knees, elbows, and scalp. It follows a flaring up and subsiding pattern over months or years.

In Ayurveda, a condition similar to Psoriasis is explained as Sidhma. Dr. Gupta’s IAFA offers effective Ayurvedic treatment for Psoriasis. IAFA® is an experienced institution in the management of various skin allergies and diseases.

Causes of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is considered as an autoimmune disease that makes the skin to regenerate at faster rates. In some cases, this results in the formation of scales and reddish patches. Both genetic and environmental factors are considered to be important in the occurrence of this non-contagious disease.

Common factors that trigger psoriasis include:

Throat or skin infections
Cold and dry climate conditions
Skin injuries such as a cut, insect bite, or a sunburn
Mental factors like stress
Smoking and exposure to smoke
Uncontrolled alcohol consumption
Certain medications

Ayurvedic Reference of Psoriasis

Symptoms of Psoriasis

Signs and symptoms of psoriasis may vary in each person. Common manifestations include:

Red patches of skin covered with thick and silvery scales
Tiny spots of scaling
Dry and cracked skin that can bleed or itch
Burning sensation and itching
Nails become thickened, ridged, or pitted
Swollen and stiff joints
Patches range from a few spots to major eruptions
Commonly affected areas are the soles of the feet, scalp, lower back, elbows, knees, legs, face, and palms.

Types of Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis: The most common form manifested as dry, itchy or tender, raised, red skin patches covered with silvery scales.
Nail psoriasis: Affect fingernails and toenails, resulting in pitting, abnormal nail growth, and discoloration.
Guttate psoriasis: Common in young adults and children. Symptoms include small, drop-shaped, scaling lesions on the trunk, arms, or legs.
Inverse psoriasis: Inverse psoriasis results in smooth patches of red skin that aggravate friction and sweating.
Pustular psoriasis: This is a rare form of psoriasis manifested as clear defined pus-filled lesions that appear either in widespread patches or in smaller areas on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet.
Erythrodermic psoriasis: It is the least common type of psoriasis that can cover the entire body with an itchy or burning, red, peeling rash.
Psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis causes swollen and painful joints that can affect any joint. It can cause stiffness and progressive joint damage that may end in permanent joint damage.

“Dr. Gupta’s IAFA is a promising institute in the management of several health disorders. Institute of Applied Food Allergy® provides the best available and scientific treatment for Psoriasis to reduce the weird symptoms as well as its repeated occurrence”.

Rely upon IAFA and you will enjoy the blessing of good health!!!

– Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFA®

Diet Management in Psoriasis

Do’s (Pathya) in Psoriasis

Consume old harvested grains and cereals
Include more fruits and vegetables in the diet
Drink warm water
Drink adequate water
Green gram
Pomegranate
Gooseberry
Take food only after digestion of the previous meal
Expose to mild sunlight daily at the morning and evening
Mild to moderate exercise
Maintain personal, social, and environmental hygiene
Sleep approximately for 7 hours per day
A positive and stress-free mind
Maintain healthy and happy relation between friends and relatives

Dont’s (Apathya) in Psoriasis

Excessive sweet, salty, spicy and sour food

Fermented food

Soft drinks

Non-vegetarian diet

Curd

Pappad

Black gram

Old and refrigerated food

Reheated food

Alcohol intake
Smoking
Working in AC room for a long time
Day sleep
Stress and mental tension

Yoga and Pranayama in Psoriasis

It helps to increase blood circulation and increase the immunity of body. Following postures will be especially beneficial in Psoriasis:

Sarvangasana
Savasana
Vajrasana
Paschimothasana
Suryanamaskar
Supta Baddha Konasana
Sukhasana

Pranayama helps to attain great relaxation to mind. Pranayama ensures blood flow to all body parts along with mental strength.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Psoriasis

Ayurveda suggests internal as well as external medicine for ayurvedic treatment of psoriasis.

Internal Medicines for Psoriasis

Following medicines can be advised for managing Psoriasis:-

Patolamooladi Kashaya
Mahatiktaka Kashaya
Patoladi Kashaya
Kaisora Guggulu Tablet
Dooshivishari Tablet

Manibhadra Gula
Avipathi Churna
Triphala Churna
Khadirarishta

External Medicines for Psoriasis

External medicines as listed below can be provided for managing Psoriasis:-

Vidpala Taila
Dinesavalyadi Kera
Lajjalu Kera
Triphala Churna

Nimbadi Churna
Aragwadhadi Kwatha
Guduchyadi Kwatha
Rasothamadi Lepa

External Therapies in Psoriasis

Swedana (Sweating therapy)
Abhyanga (Oil massage)

Kshalana (Washing)
Takradhara (Pouring medicated butter milk)

Purification Therapies in Psoriasis

Snehapana (intake of medicated ghee)
Vamana (Emesis)

Virechana (Purgation)
Raktamoksha (Blood-letting)

Single Herbs in the Management of Psoriasis

Katurohini (Picrorhiza kurroa)
Lajjalu (Mimosa pudica)
Swetakutaja (Wrightia tinctoria)
Nimba (Azadirachta indica)
Patola (Trichosanthes dioica)

Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
Haridra (Curcuma longa)
Kushta (Saussurea lappa)
Amalaki (Emblica officinalis)

References

Ashtanga Hrudaya by Vagbhata, Nidanasthana, Kushtawitrakriminidana, sloka 21.
Kaviraj Ambikadatta Shastri; Sushruta Samhita, Ayurveda tatva sandipika, Varanasi; Ed. 2007; Publication – Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan. Page No. 321 (S. Ni. 5/10).
Pandit Kashinath Pandey and Dr. Gorakhnath Chaturvedi; Charak Samhita, Savimarsha Vidyotini – Hindi Vyakhya; Varanasi; Ed. 2011; Pub- Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan Pg No. 255 (Ch. Chi. 7/21) (Ch. Chi. 7/41).
Dr. Brahmanand Tripathi; Ashtang Hridaya, Nirmala Hindi Tika, Varanasi; Ed. 2010, Pub – Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan pg no. 369 (A. H. Ni. 14/3).
Sahil Gupta, Ayurvedic Aspects of Allergies and Fungal Infections, Edition 2021, Psoriasis Chapter No. 28, Page No. 170-176.

Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What are the Causes of Psoriasis?

Answer: Psoriasis is caused by genetic as well as environmental factors. It may be triggered by smoking habits, alcohol consumption, climate change, etc.

Question: Which are the Types of Psoriasis?

Answer: Major types of Psoriasis include Plaque Psoriasis, Guttate Psoriasis, Pustular Psoriasis, Nail Psoriasis, etc.

Question: Is Ayurvedic Treatment Effective in Psoriasis?

Answer: Yes. Ayurveda provides the best result in the management of Psoriasis. It not only reduces the intensity of symptoms but also shortens the interval of recurrence up to many years.

Question: What is Psoriasis?

Answer: Psoriasis in Ayurveda can be correlated to Sidhma. It is a Kusta Roga which is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by the formation of well-defined raised erythematous plaques, with silvery white scales.

Question: What is the cause of Psoriasis?

Answer: According to Ayurveda, there is an involvement of Tridosha. The vitiated doshas reach to Twak etc. which results in Sthana samshraya avastha and produce the symptoms of Sidhma.

Question: What is the treatment of Psoriasis?

Answer: The Ayurvedic line of treatment of Psoriasis involves Nidana Parivarjana, Shodhana, Shamana, Lepana etc. which provide long lasting results and better life to the patients.

Question: What are the herbal formulations available for the treatment of Psoriasis in Ayurveda?

Answer: There are various herbal formulations available in Ayurveda that must be taken under the guidance of an Ayurvedic expert such as – Gandhak Rasayan, Arogyavardhini Vati, Chopchiniyadi Churna etc.