Psoriasis is a prolonged inflammation of skin. The causes of psoriasis are still unclear. This condition is neither infectious (Do not spread from one person to another) nor does it affect the general health. It affects both the genders and may start at any age.

Psoriasis is quite common, affecting around two per cent of the population, although people with very mild symptoms may not be aware they have it. Psoriasis can begin at any age but usually starts either around the age of 20 or between 50 and 60.

Causes of Psoriasis

As said earlier according to modern medical science the causes of psoriasis are unknown .But the following factors can trigger psoriasis.

1.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%.

2.Throat infections trigger psoriasis.

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

4.Some medicines or skin irritants initiate psoriasis.

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

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

What does ayurveda say about 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.

Causes of vitiation of Doshas

1.Consuming opposite foods.

2.Controlling natural urges.

3.Exposure to severe climatic conditions

4.Consuming food that is too salty, too sour and/or too heavy for digestion.

5.Sleeping during the afternoon.

6.Taking bath in cold water immediately after physical exertion.

7.Mental stress.

Changes that occur on skin during psoriasis

It takes 27 days for skin to replace itself with new mature skin cells. But the regions of skin affected by psoriasis the skin replace itself within 3-4 days with plenty of immature skin cells forming thick psoriatic patches.

According to ayurveda principles the vitiated vata dries the water element of skin and also initiate rapid growth of skin tissue. The vitiated Kapha dosha causes itching on the affected skin. The blood which is affected by vata and kapha adversely influences healing process.

Self-care for psoriasis

•Avoid all factors which trigger psoriasis.

•Reduce stress levels through meditation and Yoga .

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

•After bath or wash pat dry the skin. Do not rub the towel vigorously on skin.

•Avoid soap. Instead use gram flour (besan flour) as soap dries the skin.

•After washing, pat the skin dry, don’t irritate it by rubbing vigorously.

•Apply moisturizing creams liberally on affected areas after bath.

•Opt for cotton clothes over synthetic ones.

Ayurvedic tips for Psoriasis

1.Avoid consuming opposite foods.

2.Do not control natural urges like vomiting, urination, bowel emptying etc.

3.Do not take cold water bath immediately after a heavy work out, traveling, a long walk etc.

4.Take care not to consume foods which cause indigestion.

5.Absolutely do not eat too much of salty, sour or acidic foods.

6.Avoid sleeping in afternoons.

7.Say no to radish, urad dal, sesame, jaggery (gur), curds, fish and other sour foods.

8.Always apply besan flour or herbal scrub instead of soap.

9.Smear herbal balm which is infused with vata and kapha balancing herbs.

10.Keep on applying moisturizing gels or creams continuously to maintain the moisture levels of skin.

I hope this psoriasis article helps

Psoriasis is an inflammatory autoimmune skin condition that is non-contagious and chronic. During the earlier times, medical practitioners believe that psoriasis is a variety of leprosy, mainly because of its scaly appearance. It is one of the most ancient human diseases known to mankind. Incidentally, psoriasis has been greatly misunderstood over the years. Scholars eventually paid much attention to this skin disorder, yet to this day – no cure was found.
Psoriasis occurs when an individual’s immune system sends out defective signals that hasten the growth cycle of his or her skin cells. Because ten to thirty percent of people who have had psoriasis get a related form of arthritis, it is imperative that the skin condition is treated immediately and properly.
Note: Psoriatic arthritis is the related form of arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis is the inflammation of the joints.
There are five types of psoriasis, each of which has unique signs and symptoms. The five types are plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular and erythrodermic. Among these five, plaque psoriasis is the most common. Plaque appears as patches of raised, reddish skin covered by silvery-white scale. Usually, the plaques are formed on the elbows and knees as well as the lower back and scalp. However, the plaques can also manifest themselves on any part of the body. About 80% of people who develop psoriasis have plaque psoriasis. The other 20% have any of the other types. Guttate psoriasis appears as small, red spots on the skin. Inverse psoriasis manifests itself as smooth, red lesions formed in skin folds. Pustular psoriasis, on the other hand, appears as white pustules surrounded by red skin, while erythrodermic psoriasis causes widespread redness with severe itching and pain.
People must be aware that anyone may have psoriasis. This skin disorder can occur on any part of the body. Psoriasis causes a person discomfort, no matter they type. Aside from the stubborn itch on the skin, it may also crack and bleed. Severe cases of psoriasis, which are manifested through excessive itching and discomfort, may cause a person to be up all night and the pain that one has to endure can make everyday ordinary tasks difficult. In addition to that, psoriasis is associated with other serious health problems such as heart disease, depression and diabetes, to name a few.
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease. That means that it is a lifelong condition that people who have already developed them would often experience flares and remissions all throughout their life. Currently, psoriasis has no cure. There are, however, many different treatments that are available. There are varying treatment for the severity and type of psoriasis. The milder cases may be treated at home with different home remedies. On the other hand, severe cases may require hospitalization.
Herbal skin care advocates are about to receive good news. Psoriasis can be treated naturally. The listed Psoriasis natural treatment below are studied by the medical community. Also, these natural options are reported effective by members of various psoriasis foundations:
1. Apple cider vinegar – It has been reported that the different types of vinegar has been used for medical purposed all throughout history by people of different cultures. Apple cider vinegar, for one, has been used for many years as a cleanser, disinfectant or soothing agent. Apple cider vinegar can help treat psoriasis, according to some people who have had the disease. The vinegar may be applied directly on the skin, added to the bath, mixed with a moisturizer or have their infected body parts soaked on it.
2. Capsaicin – Capsaicin is an ingredient contained in cayenne peppers. Some studies have shown that capsaicin is an effective way to treat psoriasis by reducing the redness, scaling and itching on the skin. Short-live burning sensation, however, is the only side effect.
3. Oats – Extracts from oats have been used for hundreds of years as soothing topical agents for various skin disorders. Oat extracts can be used to treat dry and itchy skin conditions such as psoriasis. People who have psoriasis may make their own oatmeal bath to get rid of the skin disorder.
4. Tea tree oil – Tea tree oil is known for its antibacterial and antiseptic properties and was used in surgery and dentistry as early as the 1920’s. Like aloe vera, tea tree oil is now an active ingredient in many cosmetic products. Tea tree oil, according to some members of psoriasis foundation, is an effective way to treat psoriasis, especially those that form on the scalp.
Whatever the type and severity, psoriasis can affect a person’s quality of life. As already stated, psoriasis is a lifelong condition that poses physical and emotional challenges to an individual. The good news is, members of the medical community and psoriasis foundations are constantly looking for cure for this skin condition. There are now several therapies that have emerged, and it has been reported that more people are experiencing significant improvements to their condition.

I hope this psoriasis article helps