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Psoriasis is a
prolonged inflammation of skin. The causes of psoriasis are still
unclear. This condition is neither infectious (Do not spread
from one person to another) nor does it affect the general health.
It affects both the genders and may start at any age.
Psoriasis is quite common,
affecting around two per cent of the population, although people
with very mild symptoms may not be aware they have it. Psoriasis
can begin at any age but usually starts either around the age
of 20 or between 50 and 60.
Causes
of Psoriasis
As said earlier
according to modern medical science the causes of psoriasis are
unknown .But the following factors can trigger psoriasis.
1.Heredity - If one parent is
affected then there is 15% of chances for the child to suffer
from psoriasis. If both the parents are affected then the possibility
of child getting the psoriasis is 60%.
2.Throat infections trigger psoriasis. |
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3.Trauma
or hurt on skin like cuts, bruises or burns may cause psoriasis.
4.Some medicines or skin irritants
initiate psoriasis.
5.Smoking
and alcohol are other two factors which activate psoriasis.
6.Mental stress or psychological
trauma may also set off psoriasis
What
does ayurveda say about psoriasis?
Psoriasis
is caused by vitiation of vata and kapha dosha. The vitiated
doshas affect the skin and blood tissues. They also influence
water element of the affected region on skin. Thus the skin which
is influenced by affected doshas becomes discolored (white or
copper colored), scaly and thin.
Causes
of vitiation of Doshas
1.Consuming
opposite foods.
2.Controlling
natural urges.
3.Exposure
to severe climatic conditions
4.Consuming
food that is too salty, too sour and/or too heavy for digestion.
5.Sleeping during the afternoon.
6.Taking bath in cold water immediately
after physical exertion.
7.Mental
stress.
Changes that occur
on skin during psoriasis
It
takes 27 days for skin to replace itself with new mature skin
cells. But the regions of skin affected by psoriasis the skin
replace itself within 3-4 days with plenty of immature skin cells
forming thick psoriatic patches.
According
to ayurveda principles the vitiated vata dries the water element
of skin and also initiate rapid growth of skin tissue. The vitiated
Kapha dosha causes itching on the affected skin. The blood which
is affected by vata and kapha adversely influences healing process.
Self-care for psoriasis
•Avoid all factors which trigger
psoriasis.
•Reduce stress
levels through meditation and Yoga .
•Do not prick, peel or scratch skin. This may
trigger psoriasis.
•After
bath or wash pat dry the skin. Do not rub the towel vigorously
on skin.
•Avoid soap.
Instead use gram flour (besan flour) as soap dries the skin.
•After washing, pat
the skin dry, don't irritate it by rubbing vigorously.
•Apply moisturizing creams
liberally on affected areas after bath.
•Opt for cotton clothes over synthetic ones.
Ayurvedic tips for Psoriasis
1.Avoid consuming opposite foods.
2.Do not control natural urges
like vomiting, urination, bowel emptying etc.
3.Do not take cold water bath immediately after
a heavy work out, traveling, a long walk etc.
4.Take care not to consume foods which cause indigestion.
5.Absolutely do not eat too much
of salty, sour or acidic foods.
6.Avoid
sleeping in afternoons.
7.Say
no to radish, urad dal, sesame, jaggery (gur), curds, fish and
other sour foods.
8.Always
apply besan flour or herbal scrub instead of soap.
9.Smear herbal balm which is infused with vata
and kapha balancing herbs.
10.Keep
on applying moisturizing gels or creams continuously to maintain
the moisture levels of skin. |
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Author: |
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Dr.SavithaSuri has been an Ayurvedic
Practitioner since 1989. After getting a graduation degree in
ayurveda (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) in 1988
from University of Mysore, India, she started practising ayurveda
. Her articles about ayurveda have been published in news papers
and websites. Ayurhelp.com
email doctor@ayurhelp.com
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Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/ |
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Article Posted: October 28, 2009 |
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