Psoriasis is a non infectious inflammatory disease of the skin. It is characterized by well defined erythematous (reddish) plaques with large adherent silvery scales. The main abnormality, in psoriasis is an increased proliferation of the skin layers, due to excessive division of the cell in the basal layer s of the skin. Severe itching may associate with the plaques. Dryness of the skin and silvery scaling are characteristic of this condition. It is very common, among europians, and North Americans.

The exact reason behind psoriasis is unknown. Deprivation of sunlight influences this condition, and mental stress plays an important role in aggravating the condition. Common sites are scalp, elbow, knee and lower back. Pitting of the nails is very common. Involvement of palm is not uncommon. Many may develop exonerative inflammatory, arthritis which is characterized by multiple involvements of joints and pitting on nails.

"Psoriasis also termed psoriasis vulgaris), is a common, chronic relapsing/remitting immune-mediated skin disease characterized by red, scaly patches, papules, and plaques, which usually itch. The skin lesions seen in psoriasis may vary in severity from minor localized patches to complete body coverage.The disease affects 2-4% of the general population.

The spine is a complex interconnecting network of nerves, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments, all of which are capable of producing pain. Large nerves that originate in the spine and go to the legs and arms can make pain radiate to the extremities."

There are five main types of psoriasis: plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular, and erythrodermic. Plaque psoriasis is the most common form and typically manifests as red and white scaly patches on the top layer of the skin. Skin cells rapidly accumulate at these plaque sites and create a silvery-white appearance. Plaques frequently occur on the skin of the elbows and knees, but can affect any area, including the scalp, palms of hands and soles of feet, and genitals. In contrast to eczema, psoriasis is more likely to be found on the outer side of the joint. Fingernails and toenails are frequently affected (psoriatic nail dystrophy) and can be seen as an isolated sign. Inflammation of the joints, known as psoriatic arthritis, affects up to 30% of individuals with psoriasis.

The causes of psoriasis are not fully understood. Psoriasis is not purely a skin disorder and can have a negative impact on many organ systems. Psoriasis has been associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, cardiovascular disease and other immune-mediated disorders such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. It is generally considered a genetic disease thought to be triggered or influenced by environmental factors. Psoriasis develops when the immune system mistakes a normal skin cell for a pathogen, and sends out faulty signals that cause overproduction of new skin cells. It is not contagious. Oxidative stress, stress, and withdrawal of a systemic corticosteroid have each been suggested as a trigger for psoriasis. Injury to the skin can trigger local psoriatic skin changes known as the Koebner phenomenon.

No cure is available for psoriasis, but various treatments can help to control the symptoms.Though many treatments are available, psoriasis can be difficult to treat due to its chronic recurrent nature. The effectiveness and safety of a new generation of targeted immune therapies is being established with randomized controlled trials, and several have been approved (or rejected for safety concerns) by regulatory authorities."

Ayurvedic View
Many basic Ayurveda texts have explained skin diseases, which resembles psoriasis. Psoariasis can be considered as vitiation of vata and kapha. Accumulation of low potency poisons (dooshi vishas) are the basic pathological changes taking place in the system. Irregular food habit, consumption of food stuff, that cannot be taken together(e.g. dietary products with fish).

TREATMENT
Psoriasis is curable through ayurvedic treatment. It may take 3-6 months depends upon the chronicity of the disease, but it is completely curable. We provide specialized panchkarma called takradhara and intake medicines.