Psoriasis is a common dermatologic disease, affecting up to 1% of the World’s population1 both males and females suffering equally[2]. The word Psoriasis is derived from the Greek word ‘Psora’ meaning ‘itch’and ‘sis’ meaning ‘acting condition’. Psoriasis is a non-infectious, chronic inflammatory disease of the skin, characterized by well-defined erythematous plaques with a silvery-white scale with a predilection
for the extensor surface and scalp, and a chronic fluctuating course[3].In psoriasis,the main abnormality is increased epidermal proliferation due to excessive multiplication of cells in the basal layers.The transit time of keratinocytes is shortened, and epidermal turnover is reduced to 5-6 days from 28-30days[4]. Even though the aetiology is unknown, the factors involved are genetic, biochemical and immunopathological [5]. Precipitating factors like trauma, infections, sunlight, some drugs and emotions may flare up the disease. As there is no available cure for the disease it has remained a great problem for the patients [6]. Patients not only have physical problems but also suffer mental and social distress. Diagnosis of the disease is made mainly based on clinical symptoms that are [7],
● Erythematous sharply defined plaques, covered
with silvery-white scales.
● Extensor surfaces primarily involved such as the
knees and elbows.
● Koebner’s phenomenon is present in the active
phase of the disease.
● Wornoff’s ring is often present in the healing
phase of the disease.
● Auspitz sign and candle grease sign are other
classic features of the disease.
The goal of the treatment for the disease is to alleviate symptoms that interfere with the patient’s life both physically and socially. In the modern system of medicine coal tar preparations, calcipotriol, retinoid,
corticosteroids and ultraviolet radiations are the local measures to manage Psoriasis. The systemic treatment commonly used is photo chemotherapy with PUVA, retinoid, methotrexate and cyclosporine –A and corticosteroids [8]. These medicines usually provide good symptomatic control, but in long term cause several unpleasant side effects.
Several types of Psoriasis can be related to certain diseases described in Samhitas. While the description of Kushtha is present since the Vedic period, Kushtha has described in Garuda Purana [9]and almost all Ayurvedic classics after that period i.e. Brihatrayees, Laghutrayi and all texts afterwards. Eka Kushtha is mentioned in all Ayurvedic classics under Kshudra Kushtha and has a predominance of Vata and Kapha dosha[10]. The causative factor of Eka Kushtha is the same as Kushtha. Dietary factors such as Viruddha Ahara, excessive consumption of Drava, Snigdha, Guruahara, Navanna, Vega dharana especially of vomiting are major etiologies. Indulgence in the sinful act and ill Manovritti (negative mentality) are associated mental factors for causing the disease. Acharya Charaka has mentioned the symptoms of Eka Kushtha as Aswedanam, Mahavastu, and Matsyashakalopamam. Acharya Sushruta described its symptoms as Krishna-Aruna Varnata. The etiological factor leads to vitiation of Tridosha especially Vata and Kapha. These Dosha through Tiryakvahini Siras proceed to Bahya Rogamarga i.e. Twacha, Rakta, Mamsa, and Lasika and cause the symptoms of disease. Repeated Samshodhana along with Samshamana is the main line of treatment. Both Antah Parimarjan and Bahiparimarjan therapies have been indicated in Kushtha Roga