Psoriasis - how Yoga and Ayurveda can help

Psoriasis is an inflammatory, non-contagious skin disorder that cannot be fully cured.

Psoriasis affects two to three percent of the world's population. According to the World Psoriasis Day Consortium, 125 million people worldwide have psoriasis. Different sources estimate that about 5-6 million Americans are affected by the disease.

Between 10-30 percent of those suffering from psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, a crippling disease of the joints and the bones. Psoriasis Studies indicate that psoriasis affects 1.3 percent African-Americans and 2.5 percent of Caucasians.

Types of Psoriasis

So far, five types of psoriasis have been identified worldwide. These are:

• Plaque psoriasis
• Guttate psoriasis
• Pustular psoriasis
• Inverse psoriasis
• Erythrodermic psoriasis

Plaque Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis, and accounts for about 80% of all psoriasis cases. It is also known as psoriasis vulgaris. The term 'vulgaris' means 'common'.

Patients with plaque psoriasis develop raised and thick patches of skin called plaques. Reddish in colour, the skin is covered by silvery-white scales.

The elbows, knees, scalp, chest, and lower back are most commonly affected by the plaques. But they may appear anywhere on the body. The skin develops dry texture, and itches, burns, bleeds, and cracks. It could be painful too.

Plaque psoriasis can cause immense discomfort to the patients, preventing them from sleeping properly or performing their daily activities.

Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis accounts for about 10% of all cases of psoriasis and is the second most common form of the disease.

A person suffering from guttate psoriasis develops small red spots usually on the skin of the trunk, arms, and legs.

Occurring mostly in children and young adults with a history of streptococcal infections, guttate psoriasis may sometimes disappear without treatment.

The older patient may never have a recurrence, however on the other hand, some children may continue to suffer from relapses for a number of years. Guttate psoriasis could be severe enough sometimes to call for intensive treatment.

Pustular Psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis accounts for about 5% of all psoriasis cases and occurs primarily in adults. Sometimes, plaque psoriasis may develop into pustular psoriasis.

Pustular psoriasis is characterized by pus-filled, red lesions called pustules dotting the skin. On drying up, the lesions leave behind dots or scales. It makes the affected areas tender and sore, and thus painful.

The condition may be caused by infections, sunburn or as a side effect of the intake of lithium and systemic cortisones. Pustular psoriasis may be localized or generalized. The latter could be severe enough to be life threatening.

Inverse Psoriasis

Inverse psoriasis is a rare type of psoriasis. It is characterized by the formation of smooth, red lesions in the skin folds. The lesions are painful.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis is also not commonly seen. This condition is characterized by widespread redness, severe itching, and pain.

Psoriasis, irrespective of type, is a lifelong condition of mild to acute discomfort requiring continuous treatment, as modern medical science has so far been unable to find a permanent cure for the disease.

Causes of Psoriasis >>