Causes of Psoriasis

As said earlier according to modern medical science the causes of psoriasis are unknown. But the following factors can trigger psoriasis. Psoriasis is caused by vitiation of vata and kapha dosha. The vitiated doshas affect the skin and blood tissues. They also influence water element of the affected region on skin. Thus the skin which is influenced by affected doshas becomes discolored (white or copper colored), scaly and thin. Psoriasis was initially thought to be a disorder of skin cells that reproduce faster than normal and pile up on the surface of the skin. As we understand more about the immune system, it has been discovered that psoriasis is a disorder of certain white blood cells called T cells. These abnormal T cells trigger the abnormal skin turnover and inflammation seen in psoriasis.

·         Heredity - If one parent is affected then there is 15% of chances for the child to suffer from psoriasis. If both the parents are affected then the possibility of child getting the psoriasis is 60%.

·         Throat infections trigger psoriasis.

·         Trauma or hurt on skin like cuts, bruises or burns may cause psoriasis.

·         Some medicines or skin irritants initiate psoriasis.

·         Smoking and alcohol are other two factors which activate psoriasis.

·         Mental stress or psychological trauma may also set off psoriasis.

·         Stress, infection, trauma, medications, xerosis.

·         Attacks of psoriasis can be precipitated by or aggravated by stress, infection (streptococcal, HIV), pregnancy, trauma, drugs (anti-malarial, lithium), alcohol, tobacco smoking, sunlight etc.

·        Consuming foods that should not be eaten together ( eg. Milk and radish, salt and milk, fish and milk)

·        Excessive intake of black beans, sea food, jaggery,  yogurt, sour and salty food

·        Excess exposure of stresses or psychological trauma 

·        Taking day time naps

·        Bathing with cold water immediately after doing any kind of strenuous physical exertion

·        Controlling natural urges

·        Eating too salty or too sour or too heavy food (which is difficult to digest) .

·        Smoking and use of alcohol.

What are the different types of psoriasis?

1. Chronic stable plaque of psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis.
2. Guttate psoriasis: small, round to oval lesions generally in children’s and young adults.
3. Pustular psoriasis: in this form there is pus formation at the affected site. There are types depending upon the site where the lesion is present.
4. Flexure psoriasis: areas like axillae, groin, under the breasts, cubital area where there is flexion.
5. Palmer and planter psoriasis: involving palms and soles.
6. Scalp and nails psoriasis.
7. It also affects the joints as is in your case. This is known as psoriatic arthritis.

What are the symptoms?

Psoriasis typically looks like red or pink areas of thickened, raised, and dry skin. It classically affects areas over the elbows, knees, and scalp. Essentially any body area may be involved. It tends to be more common in areas of trauma, repeat rubbing, use, or abrasions.

Psoriasis has many different appearances. It may be small flattened bumps, large thick plaques of raised skin, red patches, and pink mildly dry skin to big flakes of dry skin that flake off.

There are several different types of psoriasis including psoriasis vulgaris (common type), guttate psoriasis (small, drop like spots), inverse psoriasis (in the folds like of the underarms, navel, and buttocks), and pustular psoriasis (liquid-filled yellowish small blisters). Additionally, a separate entity affecting primarily the palms and the soles is known as palmoplantar psoriasis.

Sometimes pulling of one of these small dry white flakes of skin causes a tiny blood spot on the skin. This is medically referred to as a special diagnostic sign in psoriasis called the Auspitz sign.

Genital lesions, especially on the head of the penis, are common. Psoriasis in moist areas like the navel or area between the buttocks (intergluteal folds) may look like flat red patches. These atypical appearances may be confused with other skin conditions like fungal infections, yeast infections, skin irritation, or bacterial Staph infections.

On the nails, it can look like very small pits (pinpoint depressions or white spots on the nail) or as larger yellowish-brown separations of the nail bed called "oil spots." Nail psoriasis may be confused with and incorrectly diagnosed as a fungal nail infection.

On the scalp, it may look like severe dandruff with dry flakes and red areas of skin. It may be difficult to tell the difference between scalp psoriasis and seborrhea (dandruff). However, the treatment is often very similar for both conditions.

Treatment.

An effective Ayurvedic treatment for this condition is “Panchakarma” which helps in detoxification of body fluids. Initially the person is given medicated ghee for about five to seven days, followed by inducing vomiting and detoxifying the body, a process known as Vamana and Virechana. Therafter a procedure wherein medicated buttermilk is dripped overhead called Dahara is done, after which the entire body is pasted with mud and other medicines. Finally medicated enemas (Basthies) are given for a week and internal medications in the form of herbal concoctions and medicated ghee has to be consumed for atleast three months.

During the entire treatment period certain diet restrictions has to be followed. Diet should be strictly vegetarian and yogurt, chillies, black gram and excess salt intake should be avoided. Refrigerated and cold foods should also be avoided.

Treatment of  Psoriasis at Chakrapani : We aim at detoxifying the body through the process known as Panchakarma .

1. Vamana and Virechana :  Consumption of medicated ghee (Snehapanam) considering the condition of person for 5 to 7 days followed by induction of vomiting and / or purgation using certain herbs.
2. Takradhara : Dripping of medicated buttermilk on the forehead (dhara).
3. Lepanam : Application of medicated  paste or ointments on the affected area.
4. Basti : medicated enemas are given for a recommended time duration.
5. Yoga and meditation  : to achieve a calm mind.
6. Internal medicines that include :  Manjisthadi ghan Vati, Bakuchi capsules.
7. External application of 777 oil, Psorayog ointment, Psorolin soap

Self-care for psoriasis(do’s and don’ts)

·         Have a bath daily as it helps in removing scales and inflamed skin .

·         After washing, pat the skin dry, don't irritate it by rubbing vigorously.

·         Expose your skin to small amount of sunlight which helps in improvement of lesions but a larger amount may worsen the condition.

·         Avoid excess use of sour, salty  and acidic food.  

·         Avoid all factors which trigger psoriasis.

·         Reduce stress levels through meditation and Yoga .

·         Do not prick, peel or scratch skin. This may trigger psoriasis.

·         Avoid day time naps.

·         Do not use soap for bathing as it dries the skin .

·         Instead use chick pea flour (besan ) or use any medicated soap.

·         Apply moisturizing creams liberally on affected areas after .

·         Opt for cotton clothes over synthetic ones.