Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a non-contagious common skin condition that causes rapid skin cell reproduction resulting in red, dry patches of thickened skin. The dry flakes and skin scales are thought to result from the rapid buildup of skin cells. Psoriasis commonly affects the skin of the elbows, knees, and scalp.

According to Ayurveda, Psoriasis appears due to imbalance of two doshas - Vata and Kapha . Vata and Kapha doshas manifest in the skin and cause accumulation of toxins. These toxins accumulate in deep tissues like rasa (nutrient plasma), rakta (blood), mansa (muscles), and lasika (lymphatic). These toxins cause contamination of deeper tissues, leading to Psoriasis.

Purification of blood and tissues is the primary aim of Ayurvedic treatment in cases of Psoriasis. Toxins are cleansed from the body and the digestion restored to prevent further accumulation. Nourishing herbs are then administered to strengthen and tone the tissues to promote complete healing of the skin.

Shitpitta / Urticaria

Combination of cold and heat, contact with excessive cold and heat, allergens in food, intestinal worms, suppressing the urge of vomiting, eating incompatible foods, insect bite, contact with herbs such as Bhilawa (Semecarpus Anacardium) or Kaunch (Mucuna Pruriens) can cause Shitpitta / urticaria.

It is generally associated with amlapitta

• Red rashes
• Itching
• Headache

Eczema

Eczema is a disease characterized by skin rashes that have redness, swelling, itching, dryness, and flaking. The skin itches and when scratched, results in a rash. In Ayurveda, this disease is known as Vicharchika.

According to Ayurveda, Vicharchika is caused due to a faulty diet and lifestyle, which leads to impairment of digestion and aggravation of Pitta Dosha. Pitta manifests in the skin and causes accumulation of heating toxins known as ama. These toxins accumulate in body tissues, contaminating them at a deep level and causing Eczema.

Pitta management and blood purifing treatment is beneficial in these cases.

Skin Discolouration

Hyperpigmentation may be the result of previous inflammatory skin conditions, acne, or any diseases that affect vital organs. Hyperpigmentation is believed to be caused due to both internal and external factors.

While the internal factors may be imbalances in hormone levels particularly caused during pregnancy, menopause or use of oral contraceptive pills, external factors could be due to various reasons like excessive sun exposure, wounds, a side-effect caused by certain dermatological procedures or treatments etc.

Pimples Causes

The primary cause is impairment of all the three doshas, predominantly the pitta dosha, which further vitiates the rakta and meda dhatus (blood and fat tissues). Vitiated doshas produce toxins that block the energy channels of the face leading to pimple formation. The condition of acne can also be aggravated by excessive intake of oily, spicy, salty and sour foods.

Ayurveda has a singular approach to all forms of acne as this problem appears due to imbalance of the three doshas — vata, pitta and kapha. Medication, Lepa, Vaman, Virechan, Raktamokshan is very helpful in this problem.

Cracking of skin hand & foot

Cracked heels with deep fissures are seen a lot in with ladies than in men. This is seen more in people who walk too long, that also on a rough and uneven ground.

The Ayurvedic cause of cracked heels is Vata Dosha imbalance. So, Ayurvedic treatments center around the Vata theme. Ayurvedic treatment for cracked heels incorporates oral drugs and external use of ayurvedic medicines. Diet and lifestyle changes should support Ayurvedic therapies.