Ayurvedic Name: Ekkushth, Kitibh, Sidhma
Description
Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory condition mainly affecting the skin and joints and is placed under the umbrella of ‘Kushtha’ vyadhi in Ayurveda. This condition is characterized by large, dry, thickened patches of skin that do not produce sweat (Asvedanam) or produce excessive sweat (Atisvedanam). It primarily results from Tridosha vitiation i.e Vata-Pitta-Kapha imbalance, which leads to scaling, roughness, and stiffness of the affected areas. The lesions may merge, covering large areas of the body.
Psoriasis, in terms of clinical features majorly co-relates with ‘Ekkushtha’, ‘Kitibha’ and ‘Sidhma’ Kushtha mentioned in classical Ayurvedic texts.
Modern correlation: Psoriasis (Erythrodermic type).
Signs & Symptoms
- Ekkushth occurs due to increased Vata qnd Kapha Doshas and is marked by Kushta (Skin Lesions), with Rukshata (Dryness) and Kandu (Itching) in the affected areas. The lesions resembles the scales of fish. There is also Shotha (Swelling), and the condition often leads to Daurbalya (Weakness).
- Kitibh occurs due to aggrevated Vata and Kapha Dosha. Present with Shyava (Blackish brown lesion) Kharsparshta (Rough to touch) and Parusham (Hard to touch).
- Sidhma occurs due to Vata-Kapha Dosha imbalance with Shvetam-Tamram (white-copper coloured lesion), Tanu (Thin), Ghrustamvimunchati (When rubbed, it emits small particles of the skin in the form of dust), Alabupushpavarnam (Resembles the flower of alabu).
Diagnosis
In most cases, Psoriasis can be diagnosed by examining the skin and Skin Biopsy.
Risk Factors
- Dietary Factors: Eating dry, cold, oily, or spicy foods can disturb the body’s equilibrium. Taking excessive amount or constant amount of certain foods like new grains rice, citrus fruits, sesame oil, horse gram, curd, fish can be a major risk factor. A diet high in unhealthy fats and sugars can increase inflammation, affecting overall health.
- Lifestyle Factors: Day sleep, suppressing the natural urges, exposure to environmental toxins, sunrays, inadequate hydration, and excessive stress can contribute to Psoriasis. Lack of sleep and poor hygiene also exacerbate the condition.
Complications
- Skin Blisters (Ekkushth): Fluid-filled blisters on the skin caused by infections or allergic reactions.
- Itching (Kandu): Persistent itching around the affected area due to skin irritation.
- Redness (Rakta Pitta): Increased blood flow to the skin, causing redness and inflammation.
Epidemeology
Psoriasis occurs due to bacterial or viral infections or as a result of skin conditions like eczema. It is more prevalent in individuals with weakened immune systems or those living in unsanitary conditions. It is more prevalent in adult men as compared to women and children.
References
- Edwards CRW BouchierIAD, Haslett C & Chilvers ER, Davidsons Principles and Practice of Medicine, 18 thedn, (ELBS with Churchill Livingstone, USA) 1999, 948-52.
- Harrison, Eugene Braunwald, Anthony, S. Farci, Dennis L.Kasper, Stephen, L. Hauser, Dan.L. Longo, J.Larrey, Harrison’s Principle of Internal Medicine, 15 th Edition Vol-1, MC Graw Hill Publications.
- Charak Samhita of Agnivesha Revised by Charaka and Drihabala with elaborated Vidyotini Hindi commentary by Pandit Kashinath Sastri and Dr. Gorakha Natha Chaturvedi.
- Sushruta Samhita, Ayurveda Tatva Sandeepika Hindi commentary by Vaidya Priyavrat Sharma, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratisthan Varanasi, Sutrasthan-33/4-5.
- Questions and Answers about Psoriasis 1`National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
- Agnivesha, Charaka Samhita, elaborated by Charaka and Drihabala, Vaidyamanorama Hindi Commentary by Acharya Vaidyadhara Shukla, Prof. Ravi Dutt Tripathy, Chaukhamba Sanskrit Pratisthan, Delhi, 2006, Vol-2, Chikitsa sthana7/4-8,p-181.
- https://www.ayurvedjournal.com/JAHM_201625_08.pdf
