Kushtha (Chronic Skin Diseases Including Psoriasis)

In Ayurveda, Kushtha encompasses a broad spectrum of chronic skin diseases, including conditions similar to psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis. It is considered a complex disorder involving the vitiation of all three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—along with the (body tissues) such as skin (Twak), blood (Rakta), muscle (Mamsa), and lymph (Lasika). The root cause is often linked to improper diet, incompatible food combinations (Viruddha Ahara), poor digestion, and accumulation of toxins (Ama).

Kushtha manifests with symptoms like dryness, scaling, discoloration, itching, thickened skin, and sometimes oozing lesions. In psoriasis-like conditions, excessive dryness, silvery scales, and recurrent flare-ups are commonly observed, often associated with Vata and Kapha imbalance.

Ayurvedic management focuses on detoxification (Shodhana) therapies such as Vamana (therapeutic emesis) and Virechana (purgation), followed by Shamana (pacifying) treatments using herbal formulations. Herbs like Neem, Khadira, Manjistha, and Turmeric are widely used for their blood-purifying and anti-inflammatory properties.

Dietary regulation is essential, emphasizing light, easily digestible foods while avoiding dairy-fish combinations, excess salt, and fermented items. Consistent lifestyle practices, stress control, and skin care routines play a vital role in preventing recurrence and maintaining long-term skin health.