European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

A REVIEW OF EKA KUSHTHA (PSORIASIS) ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA

Dr. Jyoti Tripathi*, Dr. Monika Das and Dr. Pradeep Kumar Madhur

ABSTRACT

Ayurvedic system of medicine describes a wide range of etiological factors for dermatological disorders. The etiological factors include physical, physiological, psychological, psychosocial, hereditary and Papakarma (sinful activities), based on the proximity of causes which are reclassified into sannikrishta (proximal cause) and viprakrishta (remote cause) nidana. Sannikrista Nidana (real causative factor) - Three Doshas viz. Vata, Pitta and Kapha and four Dushyas viz. Tvak (Rasa), Rakta, Mansa and Ambu or Lasika involved in the pathogenesis of skin diseases. These seven can be considered as sannikrishta nidana in kushta. In Ayurveda most of the skin disorders can be taken under general term “Kushtha”. Psoriasis is correlated with Ek- Kushtha which is a type of Kshudrakushtha due to resemblances in signs and symptoms. Psoriasis is a non-infectious chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease having unknown etiology, characterized by well-defined dry scaly erythematous patches and covered with adherent silvery white scales. The eruption is usually symmetrical and most commonly affects extensor surfaces of elbows, knees, scalp, nails and the sacral regions. Its incidence is 1-2% of world population. The word psoriasis is derived from Greek word Psora+ Iasis. Psora means condition. So by combining the words together, psoriasis means an itchy condition. Psoriasis occurs when the immune system mistakes the skin cells as pathogens and sends out faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle of skin tissues of the body psoriasis is a multi-factorial disease that arises due to many factors such as genetic predisposition, local trauma, general illness, smoking alcohol, indigestion, excessive alcohol and stress, both hormonal and immunological abnormalities are involved at a cellular level in psoriasis. Dysfunctional of T-cells is the primary event and then hyperkeratosis occurs in the epidermis.

Keywords: Psoriasis, Ek-Kushta, Ayurveda.