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What
is psoriasis ?
Psoriasis is a disease of the skin in which, raised, rough,
reddened areas appear, covered with fine silvery scales.
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Causes
and Symptoms: The eruption consists of a chronic
inflammatory process in the true skin, the papillae of which
become considerably lengthened and more vascular than usual.
Changes in the cuticle also affect the epidermis. The condition
generally appears for the first time around adolescence or
early adult life. It is often a family disease occurring in
different generations of one stock, and is often associated
with gout or rheumatism. In some persons, psoriasis appears
repeatedly at a particular season, especially in the spring
and autumn, but it is not infectious.
The eruption almost always appears first round the back of
the elbow and the front of the knees. It begins as small pimples,
each covered with a white cap of scales, which enlarge in
breadth till they form patches two or three inches wide. At
the same time, patches appear on other parts of the body,
especially the scalp and the face.
Ayurveda believes that impurities in the blood associated
with emotional factors are the cause of the disease.
Psoriasis is believed to occur due to vitiation of vata and
kapha according to the ayurvedic concept. Irregular food habits,
consumption of foodstuffs that are advised not to be eaten
together (Eg: diary products with fish), excessive intake
of yogurt, black gram, seafood, sour and salted items etc
can activate the pathogenesis. Alcohol and tobacco consumption
will act as a catalyst here. Ayurveda also emphasizes on the
effect of stress in the pathogenesis of Psoriasis.
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What
is the treatment ?
According to Ayurveda, Psoriasis (Sidhma Kushtam) occurs due
to vitiation of Vata and Kapha doshas. The reasons are Incompatible
Food, Accumulation of Toxins etc.
The treatment aspects of Psoriasis
according to Ayurveda, aim at the detoxification of the body
or elimination of toxins from the body fluids. It is achieved
by "Panchakarma" treatments.
A strict diet regime has to be followed during the entire
treatment period and it is better to continue as vegetarian.
Yogurt, black gram, chilies and salted thing have to be restricted.
It is better to avoid refrigerated/chilled foods. Psoriatic
must keep a state of mental calmness. |
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