Unveiling the Truth: Understanding Kitibha Kushta (Psoriasis)

Does your skin feel itchy or do you feel a burning sensation marked by scale-like texture? Do
they feel dry or cracked to the extent that it bleeds? Are your nails pitted? You may be having
Psoriasis. Before you make conclusions on your own, let’s see what Psoriasis is and what could
be the causes of it. In this blog we will be understanding this skin condition with scientific
evidence and explore ayurvedic granthas about Kitibha Kushta.

So what is Psoriasis?

The word ‘Psoriasis’ is derived from the Greek word ‘spora’ that means itchiness, the most
reported symptom of Psoriasis.
It can be understood as a chronic condition of the immune system marked by overactive
multiplication of skin cells. Common areas where symptoms can be observed first include knees
and elbows. The nature of manifestation of symptoms include itchiness, redness, scale-like
appearance with silver or white marked borders.

Kitibha is the word used for Psoriasis in Ayurveda. Charaka Acharya (2013) defines Kitibha
Kushta as a Raktapradoshaja Vikara (Bleeding) caused by nullification of Vata and kapha Doshas
increase with symptoms like Shyava Varna (blackish brown color), Kina Kara Sparsham (rough
on touch), Parusham (Dryness), Ruksha Pidika (skin eruption) and Kandu (itching) (View of
Ayurvedic Management of Kitibha Kushta – a Case Study, 2022).

What causes Psoriasis?

There are no conclusive findings as to what causes Psoriasis in modern medicines even though
studies suggest that a combination of genetic and environmental factors contribute to the weak
excessive cell production triggers. Most patients with Psoriasis show family history of the
condition suggesting its influence on the genetic makeup. The external causes that may increase
the occurrence of Psoriasis are Infections, drugs, smoking and obesity.

As per Ayurvedic Granthas, the causes of all the dermatological conditions are common it
includes:

• Eating foods that go against each other, such as milk and fish, drinking heavy, decadent
  beverages, and stifling normal cravings like thirst, vomiting, and sleep.
• Exercise in excessive heat or after a big meal, as well as breaking Ayurvedic rules about
  fasting, eating, and exposing oneself to the elements, are all considered improper.
• After being exposed to the intense sun, drink cool water right away.
• Consumption of raw food and food before the digestion of the preceding meal.
• Violating the rules of karma (the five cleansing rituals).
• Overconsumption of foods such as raw grains, curd, seafood, salt, and acidic substances;
  overindulgence in black lentil, radish, pastry, sesame seeds, milk, and jaggery
• When experiencing dyspepsia, engaging in sexual activity and engaging in day sleep.

strong>Lets Understand the types, signs and symptoms of Psoriasis

According to modern medicine the different types of psoriasis include:

• 1. Plaque Psoriasis: This is the most common kind, and it shows as elevated, red areas of
  skin surrounded by silvery-white scales. Patches often form in a symmetrical pattern on
  the body, appearing on the scalp, trunk, and limbs, particularly the elbows and knees.
• 2. Guttate psoriasis: This variety commonly arises in children or young adults and is
  characterized by tiny, red spots on the chest or limbs. Upper respiratory tract infections,
  such as strep throat, are frequently the source of outbreaks.
• 3. Pustular Psoriasis: This kind is characterized by pus-filled pimples called pustules that
  are surrounded by red skin. It often affects the hands and feet, although there is a variety
  that covers the majority of the body. Medication, illnesses, stress, or exposure to specific
  substances can all cause symptoms.
• 4. Inverse Psoriasis: This variety is characterized by smooth, red patches in skin folds such
  as behind the breasts, the crotch, or the armpits. Rubbing and sweating might make
  matters worse.
• 5. Erythrodermic Psoriasis: This is an uncommon but severe type of psoriasis characterized
  by red, scaly skin covering the majority of the body. It can be caused by a severe sunburn
  or by taking certain drugs, such as corticosteroids. Erythrodermic psoriasis frequently
  develops in persons with poorly managed psoriasis, and it can be severe.

According to ayurvedic granthas

• 1. Kiṭibha (psoriasis) is one of the eleven kṣudra kuṣṭha (skin disorders that are less
  damaging and easier to heal).
• 2. The clinical symptoms include blackish dark skin discolouration, rough skin texture
  similar to scar tissue, and rigid skin.

Let’s Summarize

Kitibha Kushta is the Ayurvedic term for Psoriasis. This condition has been termed and treated in
ayurveda since decades and it involves correction of the causes rather than its symptoms.
Correcting the dosas through herbs, diets and Panchakarma (Ayurvedic cleansing), a sustainable
solution Psoriasis can be achieved through ayurvedic practices. Contact the best Ayurvedic
doctor near you for your Psoriatic Condition.

REREFERNCe

1. View of Ayurvedic management of Kitibha Kushta – A Case Study. (n.d.).
https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/1631/167