PSORIASIS
Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes a rash with itchy, scaly patches, most commonly on the knees, elbows, trunk and scalp
CAUSES
An over-reactive immune system that creates inflammation in your skin causes psoriasis.
The triggering factors which exacerbate the disease are:
Anxiety and Stress
Stress increases the inflammatory reactions in the body. So stress can trigger psoriasis if you are predisposed to it. Also stress may cause a flare up if you already have the condition. Also vice versa, having psoriasis can increase stress, anxiety and even depression.
Skin injuries
If you are genetically susceptible, psoriatic rashes can develop over skin injuries like bruises or cuts or even sun burns.
Infections
Certain infections like HIV, streptococcal infections etc are found to trigger the condition.
Drugs
Some drugs which influences the immune system, anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAID), antimalarial drugs etc can trigger or exacerbate the symptoms.
SYMPTOMS
- A patchy rash that varies widely in how it looks from person to person, ranging from spots of dandruff-like scaling to major eruptions over much of the body
- Rashes that vary in color, tending to be shades of purple with gray scale on brown or Black skin and pink or red with silver scale on white skin
- Small scaling spots (commonly seen in children)
- Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
- Itching, burning or soreness
- Cyclic rashes that flare for a few weeks or months and then subside.
TYPES
- Plaque psoriasis. The most common type of psoriasis, plaque psoriasis causes dry, itchy, raised skin patches (plaques) covered with scales. There may be few or many. They usually appear on the elbows, knees, lower back and scalp. The patches vary in color, depending on skin color. The affected skin might heal with temporary changes in color (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation), particularly on brown or Black skin.
- Nail psoriasis. Psoriasis can affect fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, abnormal nail growth and discoloration. Psoriatic nails might loosen and separate from the nail bed (onycholysis). Severe disease may cause the nail to crumble.
- Guttate psoriasis. Guttate psoriasis primarily affects young adults and children. It’s usually triggered by a bacterial infection such as strep throat. It’s marked by small, drop-shaped, scaling spots on the trunk, arms or legs.
- Inverse psoriasis. Inverse psoriasis mainly affects the skin folds of the groin, buttocks and breasts. It causes smooth patches of inflamed skin that worsen with friction and sweating. Fungal infections may trigger this type of psoriasis.
- Pustular psoriasis. Pustular psoriasis, a rare type, causes clearly defined pus-filled blisters. It can occur in widespread patches or on small areas of the palms or soles.
- Erythrodermic psoriasis. The least common type of psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis can cover the entire body with a peeling rash that can itch or burn intensely. It can be short-lived (acute) or long-term (chronic).
Complications
- Psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in and around the joints
- Temporary skin color changes (post-inflammatory hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation) where plaques have healed
- Eye conditions, such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis and uveitis
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease
- Other autoimmune diseases, such as celiac disease, sclerosis and the inflammatory bowel disease called Crohn’s disease
- Mental health conditions, such as low self-esteem and depression.
Panchakarma
- Panchakarma are ayurvedic detoxification or cleansing treatments. Procedures like medicated vomiting, purging and nasal cleaning are found to be very effective in managing psoriasis, if administered scientifically.
- The recommended frequency to take panchakarma treatments differ according to the severity of the condition. Consult your ayurvedic doctor to know whether you need a detox treatment.
