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.)