Ans: It is a chronic skin disease characterized by dry skin and raised, rough, red areas on the skin. covered with fine silvery scales. Erythematous, well defined dry scaly papules and plaques ranges from pin head to palm sized.

Ans: Yes. Kitibha of Ayurvedic literature is compared and accepted with Psoriasis of Modern Medical diagnosis.

Ans: As per Ayurveda causes of all varieties of skin diseases are common. Intake of mutually contradictory food like fish and milk, intake of unctuous and heavy drinks, suppression of natural urges like vomiting, sleep, thirst etc.; physical exercise in excess heat climate or after taking heavy meal, violation of laws of Ayurveda in exposing to heat, cold, fasting and taking food; intake of cold water immediately after exposing to scorching sun; intake of uncooked food and food before the previous meal is digested; violation of laws of pañcakarma (5 purification procedures); excess intake of foods fresh grains, curd, fish, salt and sor substances; excess intake of black gram, radish, pastry, seasame seeds, milk, jaggery; sexual act in the state of indigestion; day sleep, performing sinful acts etc. are the causes. As a common law of Nidānaparivarjan (abstinence of aetiolofical factors) these aetilogical factors can also be considered as triggering factors/ preventive mesures and to be avoided in the course of treatment.

Ans: As per conventional system of medicine the exact causes of psoriasis are not known. Genetic factors play important role in its aetiology (7-36%). Immune response is responsible for psoriasis. Local and systemic trauma, seasons (worsens in winter), emotional stress, upper respiratory tract infections, drugs like beta blockers, lithium, chloroquin, withdrawal of systemic steroids triggers the disease. The incidences of this disease are more in people of fair skin and are rarely seen in dark colored individuals.

Ans: Psoriasis affects people of all age group. However, the adult population is most affected. People with a family history of psoriasis are at an increased risk. Male and female groups are
equally suffered. Peak age groups are 15 to 40 and 50 and 60 years.

Ans: Dry skin and raised, rough, red areas on the skin covered with fine silvery scales,
erythematous, well defined dry scaly papules and plaques ranges from pin head to palm size

Ans: No, psoriasis is not a contagious disease.

Ans: Seasonal changes play a role in psoriasis outbreaks. The extra sunlight during summer improves the health and decreases the symptoms while the cold and dry air of winter triggers.

Ans: There aren’t any special blood tests or diagnostic tools to diagnose psoriasis. Only based on symptoms it is diagnosed. Skin biopsy may be useful for definite diagnosis.

Ans: Psoriasis commonly appears on the scalp, knees, elbows and torso. Psoriasis can develop anywhere including the nails, palms, soles, genitals and face (which is rare). The lesions often appear in a symmetrical fashion, and in the same place on the right and left sides of the body.

Ans: In conventional system of medicine there is no known permanent cure for psoriasis. Even through in Ayurveda also permanent cure may or may not be achieved. It depends on many factors. But comparatively more symptomatic relief and increased relapsing time can be achieved through Ayurveda. Non relapsing cases through Ayurveda are also observed.

Ans: Normal diet is indicated in all types of skin diseases. Sour, salty, heat producing items like pepper etc.; curd, milk, jiggery, meat of marshy animals, sesame seeds, black gram are contraindicated; alcoholic drinks are to be avoided