Psoriasis is a chronic auto immune skin condition. The disease causes scaly, red patches on the skin that are noncontagious. The human body grows new skin cells at the lowest skin layer which gradually move up to add to the uppermost layer through the layers underneath. This process takes about 28 days maximum and then the skin flakes die but in Psoriasis, the cycle takes between 2 to 6 days; resulting in faster skin cell development causing thick red crusty patches, which are then shed. The scales are followed by red streaky lines most commonly on the scalp, in the ears, elbows, knees, genitals and buttocks. These rashes cause inflammation where the thicker skin layer in the affected area is less likely to be shed and hence, scales develop. This gives it a silvery-white appearance.

It can behave erratically in people because some have minor psoriasis while others have longer symptoms all the time. Some find it seriously disabling. Psoriasis is more pronounced on the joints also, commonly found on the extensor aspect of a joint.

There is no specific level to which psoriasis can spread, however, its severity can be measured from minor localized patches to greater area density all over the body. Giving inflammation to the joints, it psoriasis also affects certain parts of the body and affects patients who have psoriasis already. Common conditions that are triggered are psoriasis nail dystrophy where the fingernails and toenails are affected. In psoriasis arthritis, there is severe joint pain which affects about 10% to 15% of all psoriasis patients.

Psoriasis can be a genetic condition inherited from the parents but it’s not definitely proven. Even the cause of psoriasis has not been identified in modern medicine although there is some hard hitting therapy in Ayurveda.

Stressful conditions and indigestion seems to be major triggers in psoriasis according to Ayurveda .

Psoriasis can be triggered by a prolonged injury to the skin. The National Health Service, UK believes that over 2% of the British, 3% USA and 1% Indian population has psoriasis. The age factor for this disease can be from 11 and 45 years, but any prerequisite to its start is not confined.

Although it is not directly related to food habits, but some social factors like high alcohol intake, regular smoking and withdrawal of systemic corticosteroid medications can aggravate this disease. Moreover, mental stress can also cause it to flare.

Kayakalp treatment is a refined treatment which gives quick recovery in psoriasis patients.