Comprehensive Guide to Psoriasis and Eczema: Modern and Ayurvedic Perspectives

Psoriasis and eczema are chronic skin conditions that affect millions worldwide, causing physical discomfort and emotional distress. While modern medicine focuses on symptom management, Ayurveda offers a holistic approach by addressing root causes through dosha balance, diet, and lifestyle. This article provides a detailed exploration of both conditions from modern and Ayurvedic perspectives, including symptoms, causes, lifestyle impacts, pathogenesis, treatments, a 30-day diet plan, do’s and don’ts, and the role of yoga and breathing exercises.

Table of Contents

• Understanding Psoriasis and Eczema
  • Psoriasis: Symptoms and Doshas
  • Eczema: Symptoms and Doshas
• Causes of Psoriasis and Eczema
  • Psoriasis Causes
  • Eczema Causes
• Lifestyle Impact
• Modern Perspective
  • Psoriasis: Pathogenesis
  • Eczema: Pathogenesis
• Ayurvedic Perspective and Samprapti
  • Psoriasis: Samprapti
  • Eczema: Samprapti
• Ayurvedic Treatment Approach
  • Panchakarma Therapies
  • Ayurvedic Medicines and Dosages
    • For Psoriasis
    • For Eczema
• 30-Day Week-Wise Diet Plan
  • Week 1: Detoxification
  • Week 2: Strengthening Digestion
  • Week 3: Skin Nourishment
  • Week 4: Maintenance
• Do’s and Don’ts
• Importance of Yoga and Breathing
  • Benefits of Yoga
  • Benefits of Pranayama
• Conclusion

Understanding Psoriasis and Eczema

Psoriasis: Symptoms and Doshas

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition causing rapid skin cell turnover, resulting in thick, scaly patches. In Ayurveda, it is called Kitibha or Ekakushtha, primarily involving Vata and Kapha doshas, with Pitta in inflammatory cases.

Symptoms:

• Red patches with silvery-white scales.
• Itching, burning, or soreness.
• Dry, cracked skin that may bleed.
• Thickened or pitted nails.
• Joint pain (psoriatic arthritis).
• Common sites: elbows, knees, scalp, lower back.

Doshic Involvement:

• Vata: Dryness, scaling, cracking.
• Kapha: Thick, heavy plaques, itching.
• Pitta: Redness, inflammation, burning (if involved).

Eczema: Symptoms and Doshas

Eczema, or Vicharchika in Ayurveda, is an inflammatory skin condition often linked to allergies. It primarily involves Pitta and Kapha doshas, with Vata contributing to dryness.

Symptoms:

• Intense itching, redness, inflammation.
• Dry, scaly, or oozing skin.
• Blisters or rashes that weep or crust.
• Sensitive, swollen skin from scratching.
• Common sites: hands, feet, elbows, knees, face.

Doshic Involvement:

• Pitta: Inflammation, redness, heat.
• Kapha: Oozing, swelling, moist lesions.
• Vata: Dry, rough, flaky skin in chronic cases.

Causes of Psoriasis and Eczema

Psoriasis Causes

• Modern View:
  • Genetic: Family history increases risk.
  • Immune Dysfunction: T-cells trigger excessive skin cell production.
  • Triggers: Stress, infections, cold weather, skin injuries, smoking, alcohol.
• Ayurvedic View:
  • Nidana: Viruddha ahara (incompatible foods, e.g., milk with fish), mandagni (weak digestion), stress, ama (toxin) accumulation.
  • Dosha: Vata-Kapha imbalance, with Pitta in inflammatory cases.

Eczema Causes

• Modern View:
  • Allergies: Food, pollen, or chemical sensitivities.
  • Immune System: Overactive immune response or weak barrier function.
  • Triggers: Stress, irritants (soaps, fabrics), weather changes.
• Ayurvedic View:
  • Nidana: Improper diet (spicy, sour foods), allergens, stress, poor digestion.
  • Dosha: Pitta-Kapha imbalance, with Vata in dry, chronic cases.

Lifestyle Impact

Both conditions significantly affect daily life:

• Physical: Itching, pain, and sensitivity disrupt sleep and activities.
• Emotional: Visible lesions cause self-consciousness, anxiety, or depression.
• Social: Stigma or fear of flare-ups limits interactions.
• Work: Flare-ups hinder productivity, especially in physical jobs.
• Financial: Ongoing treatments and skincare products are costly.

Modern Perspective

Psoriasis: Pathogenesis

Psoriasis results from an overactive immune system, where T-cells mistakenly attack healthy skin cells, accelerating their production. This leads to:

1. Inflammation: Cytokines (e.g., TNF-alpha, IL-17) cause redness and swelling.
2. Hyperproliferation: Skin cells multiply 10 times faster, forming plaques.
3. Triggers: Stress, infections, or trauma activate the immune response.
4. Chronic Cycle: Persistent inflammation and scaling worsen without intervention.

Modern Treatments:

• Topical steroids, vitamin D analogs.
• Phototherapy (UVB).
• Systemic drugs (methotrexate, biologics).
• Lifestyle changes (stress management, avoiding triggers).

Eczema: Pathogenesis

Eczema involves a defective skin barrier and immune dysregulation, leading to:

1. Barrier Dysfunction: Filaggrin gene mutations reduce skin hydration.
2. Inflammation: Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-13) cause itching and redness.
3. Allergic Response: Allergens penetrate the skin, triggering flare-ups.
4. Chronicity: Scratching worsens inflammation, perpetuating the cycle.

Modern Treatments:

• Emollients, topical corticosteroids.
• Antihistamines for itching.
• Immunosuppressants (tacrolimus, cyclosporine).
• Allergen avoidance and stress reduction.

Ayurvedic Perspective and Samprapti

Psoriasis: Samprapti

Psoriasis is a kushta (skin disorder) affecting rasa (nutrient fluid), rakta (blood), and mamsa (muscle) dhatus. The pathogenesis includes:

1. Nidana: Incompatible foods, stress, or poor lifestyle weaken agni, forming ama.
2. Dosha: Vata and Kapha vitiation disrupts skin homeostasis; Pitta adds inflammation.
3. Dushya: Toxins infiltrate rasa, rakta, and mamsa dhatus.
4. Srotas: Rasavaha and raktavaha srotas are obstructed.
5. Manifestation: Thick, scaly patches with itching or burning.
6. Chronicity: Persistent ama and dosha imbalance cause recurrence.

Eczema: Samprapti

Eczema, also a kushta, is driven by Pitta and Kapha imbalances. The pathogenesis involves:

1. Nidana: Spicy/sour foods, allergens, or stress aggravate Pitta-Kapha.
2. Dosha: Pitta causes heat and inflammation; Kapha adds moisture and swelling.
3. Dushya: Ama accumulates in rasa and rakta dhatus.
4. Srotas: Rasavaha and raktavaha srotas are blocked.
5. Manifestation: Itchy, red, oozing, or dry lesions.
6. Chronicity: Ongoing dosha imbalances and triggers perpetuate flare-ups.

Ayurvedic Treatment Approach

Ayurveda focuses on balancing doshas, detoxifying the body, and addressing root causes through:

1. Panchakarma: Removes ama and restores balance.
2. Herbal Remedies: Reduce inflammation and nourish skin.
3. Diet: Pacifies doshas and supports digestion.
4. Lifestyle: Manages stress and avoids triggers.
5. Yoga/Pranayama: Enhances mental and physical health.

Panchakarma Therapies

• Vamana (Emesis): For Kapha dominance, removes toxins via vomiting.
• Virechana (Purgation): For Pitta, cleanses intestines.
• Raktamokshana (Bloodletting): For rakta impurities.
• Abhyanga (Oil Massage): With sesame or coconut oil to nourish skin.
• Swedana (Steam Therapy): Promotes detoxification.
• Shirodhara: Calms mind, reduces stress.

Ayurvedic Medicines and Dosages

Note: Consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before use. Dosages vary by prakriti and severity.

For Psoriasis

• Internal Medicines:
  • Arogyavardhini Vati: Detoxifies liver.
    • Adults (18+): 1–2 tablets (250–500 mg) twice daily with water.
    • Adolescents (12–17): 1 tablet (250 mg) once daily.
    • Children (6–11): ½ tablet (125 mg) once daily.
  • Kaishore Guggulu: Purifies blood.
    • Adults: 2 tablets (500 mg) twice daily.
    • Adolescents: 1 tablet twice daily.
    • Children: ½ tablet once daily.
  • Triphala Churna: Detoxifies digestion.
    • Adults: 1 tsp (3–5 g) with warm water at bedtime.
    • Adolescents: ½ tsp (2 g) at bedtime.
    • Children: ¼ tsp (1 g) with honey.
  • Neem Capsule: Anti-inflammatory.
    • Adults: 1–2 capsules (500 mg) twice daily.
    • Adolescents: 1 capsule daily.
    • Children: Use under supervision.
• External Applications:
  • Kumkumadi Oil: Soothes skin.
    • Apply 2–3 drops twice daily, all ages.
  • Neem-Turmeric Paste: Antimicrobial.
    • Apply for 20–30 minutes, rinse, all ages.
  • Coconut Oil: Hydrates.
    • Apply 2–3 times daily, all ages.

For Eczema

• Internal Medicines:
  • Manjisthadi Kwath: Blood purifier.
    • Adults: 10–15 ml with water twice daily.
    • Adolescents: 5–10 ml once daily.
    • Children: 2–5 ml with honey.
  • Gandhak Rasayan: Anti-inflammatory.
    • Adults: 1–2 tablets (125–250 mg) twice daily.
    • Adolescents: 1 tablet (125 mg) once daily.
    • Children: ½ tablet (60 mg) once daily.
  • Haridra Khand: Anti-allergic.
    • Adults: 1 tsp (5 g) with milk twice daily.
    • Adolescents: ½ tsp (2.5 g) once daily.
    • Children: ¼ tsp (1 g) with honey.
  • Ashwagandha Churna: Reduces stress.
    • Adults: 1 tsp (3 g) with milk at bedtime.
    • Adolescents: ½ tsp (1.5 g) at bedtime.
    • Children: ¼ tsp (0.75 g) with honey.
• External Applications:
  • Eladi Keram Oil: Soothes itching.
    • Apply 2–3 drops 2–3 times daily, all ages.
  • Aloe Vera Gel: Cooling.
    • Apply fresh gel 2–3 times daily, all ages.
  • Chamomile-Oatmeal Paste: Calms skin.
    • Apply for 15–20 minutes, rinse, all ages.

Precautions:

• Avoid self-medication, especially for children/pregnant women.
• Monitor for allergies or digestive issues.
• Adjust dosages per practitioner’s advice.

30-Day Week-Wise Diet Plan

The diet plan balances doshas, reduces ama, and supports skin health. It emphasizes cooling, bitter foods for eczema and light, hydrating foods for psoriasis.

Week 1: Detoxification

Purpose: Eliminate ama, improve agni, pacify doshas.

• Breakfast:
  • Option 1: Mung dal khichdi + cucumber raita.
  • Option 2: Oatmeal with almond milk + apples.
  • Option 3: Quinoa porridge + berries.
• Lunch:
  • Option 1: Brown rice + bitter gourd sabzi + moong dal.
  • Option 2: Millet roti + zucchini curry + lentil stew.
  • Option 3: Barley khichdi + spinach + carrot soup.
• Dinner:
  • Option 1: Vegetable soup + steamed broccoli.
  • Option 2: Pumpkin soup + sautéed kale.
  • Option 3: Bottle gourd stew + green beans.
• Snacks: Apples, pears, coconut water, chamomile tea.
• Beverages: Warm water with lemon, neem tea, aloe vera juice.

Week 2: Strengthening Digestion

Purpose: Enhance agni, reduce inflammation.

• Breakfast:
  • Option 1: Sprouted mung salad + herbal tea.
  • Option 2: Rice porridge with turmeric + peaches.
  • Option 3: Amaranth porridge + grapes.
• Lunch:
  • Option 1: Quinoa + ridge gourd curry + red lentil dal.
  • Option 2: Whole wheat roti + bottle gourd sabzi + mung dal.
  • Option 3: Brown rice + ash gourd curry + split pea soup.
• Dinner:
  • Option 1: Steamed veggies + barley soup.
  • Option 2: Zucchini noodles + tomato soup.
  • Option 3: Cauliflower rice + vegetable stew.
• Snacks: Pumpkin seeds, cucumber, watermelon, fennel tea.
• Beverages: Coriander water, buttermilk, aloe vera juice.

Week 3: Skin Nourishment

Purpose: Hydrate skin, reduce scaling.

• Breakfast:
  • Option 1: Chia pudding with coconut milk + kiwi.
  • Option 2: Mung dal pancakes + mint chutney.
  • Option 3: Buckwheat porridge + blueberries.
• Lunch:
  • Option 1: Millet rice + spinach curry + chickpea dal.
  • Option 2: Brown rice + pointed gourd sabzi + mung soup.
  • Option 3: Quinoa + kale curry + lentil broth.
• Dinner:
  • Option 1: Steamed asparagus + vegetable soup.
  • Option 2: Broccoli soup + sautéed zucchini.
  • Option 3: Cauliflower mash + green bean stew.
• Snacks: Figs, celery, pomegranate, rose tea.
• Beverages: Cucumber water, licorice tea, pomegranate juice.

Week 4: Maintenance

Purpose: Sustain balance, prevent flare-ups.

• Breakfast:
  • Option 1: Green smoothie (spinach, apple) + almonds.
  • Option 2: Rice idli + coconut chutney.
  • Option 3: Oatmeal with flaxseeds + pears.
• Lunch:
  • Option 1: Barley rice + bitter melon curry + moong dal.
  • Option 2: Whole wheat roti + daikon sabzi + lentil soup.
  • Option 3: Quinoa + pumpkin curry + mung dal.
• Dinner:
  • Option 1: Vegetable broth + steamed carrots.
  • Option 2: Spinach soup + green beans.
  • Option 3: Bottle gourd soup + veggie stir-fry.
• Snacks: Melon, roasted chickpeas, cherries, mint tea.
• Beverages: Aloe vera juice, fennel water, coconut water.

Notes:

• Use minimal spices (turmeric, cumin).
• Prefer fresh, organic ingredients.
• Avoid processed, spicy, sour foods.
• Drink 8–10 glasses of water daily.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s

• Sleep regularly (10 PM–6 AM).
• Use natural soaps/moisturizers (aloe vera, coconut oil).
• Wear cotton clothing.
• Manage stress via yoga/meditation.
• Maintain hygiene to prevent infections.
• Moderate sunlight exposure (10–15 minutes) for psoriasis.
• Consult an Ayurvedic practitioner.

Don’ts

• Avoid spicy, sour, processed foods.
• Don’t scratch lesions.
• Avoid harsh soaps, synthetic fabrics.
• Limit alcohol, smoking, caffeine.
• Don’t suppress natural urges.
• Avoid extreme weather.
• Don’t skip meals or overeat.

Importance of Yoga and Breathing

Benefits of Yoga

• Stress Reduction: Poses like Balasana calm the nervous system.
• Circulation: Tadasana and Bhujangasana improve blood flow.
• Flexibility: Trikonasana reduces joint stiffness.
• Immunity: Strengthens defenses.

Poses (10–15 minutes daily):

• Balasana: Soothes stress.
• Bhujangasana: Enhances circulation.
• Trikonasana: Improves flexibility.
• Savasana: Promotes relaxation.

Benefits of Pranayama

• Calms Mind: Anulom Vilom balances doshas.
• Detoxifies: Kapalbhati removes toxins.
• Cools Pitta: Sheetali reduces inflammation.
• Stabilizes Vata: Reduces dryness, anxiety.

Practices (5–10 minutes daily):

• Anulom Vilom: 5 minutes.
• Sheetali: 2–3 minutes.
• Kapalbhati: 1–2 minutes.
• Bhramari: 2 minutes for anxiety.

Precautions:

• Practice under guidance.
• Avoid vigorous poses in flare-ups.
• Use a calm, ventilated space.

Conclusion

Psoriasis and eczema require a comprehensive approach. Modern treatments manage symptoms, while Ayurveda addresses root causes through dosha balance, detoxification, and lifestyle changes. The 30-day diet plan, medicines, and yoga/pranayama offer a holistic framework for relief. Consult professionals for personalized care to achieve healthier skin and a balanced life.