Psoriasis: A comparative study as per ayurvedic and modern classics

Psoriasis is a complex, chronic, multifactorial, inflammatory disease which involves hyper proliferation of the keratinocytes in the epidermis, with an increase in the epidermal cell turnover rate. At present time, Psoriasis is one of the most common human skin diseases. Majority of the dermatological disorders have been described under the roof of Kushtha in Ayurveda. In this article, ancient Indian literature regarding dermatological disorders is studied thoroughly to make a comparison between the information given in ayurvedic classical texts and those given in modern medical science in relation to psoriasis. After studying Kustha in ayurvedic literature, it is clear that the disease Psoriasis is mostly comparable with two varieties of kshudrakustha ie. Eka kustha and Kitibha kustha and also with a variety mahakustha i.e., Sidhma kustha. It is also clear from the study that there is vast resemblance between the Panchanidan i.e., Nidan, Purvarupa, Rupa, Upasaya, Samprapti of Kustha and the etiopathogenesis and symptomatology of psoriasis. The objective of this review is successful in comparing psoriasis with kustha with special reference to Ekakustha and Kitibha kustha. Due to the close resemblance, it is also tried in this work that the treatment procedures along with various formulations mentioned in skin disorders of ayurveda can be applied in psoriasis which adds new dimensions in management of such a chronic and complex disease.