AYURVEDIC CONCEPTUALIZATION OF PLAQUE PSORIASIS UNDER EKAKUSHTA: A SYSTEMATIC CRITICAL REVIEW

Psoriasis is a long-term, complicated, inflammatory, multifactorial disease. It is distinguished by an elevated rate of epidermal cell turnover and hyperproliferation of keratinocytes in the epidermis. One of the most common skin disorders impacting people nowadays is psoriasis. In Ayurveda, the majority of dermatological conditions are classified under the Kushta branch. This article compares the knowledge found in classical Ayurvedic writings with that found in modern medical science addressing psoriasis by carefully examining ancient Indian literature on dermatological illnesses. It is evident from studying Kushta in ayurvedic literature that Psoriasis is largely identical to two types of kshudrakushta, namely Eka and Kitibha kushta. The study also shows that the etiopathogenesis and symptomatology of psoriasis are quite similar to the Panchanidan, or Nidan, Purvarupa, Rupa, Upasaya, and Samprapti of Kushta. This review's goal of contrasting psoriasis and Kushta with particular attention to Ekakushta is successfully accomplished. Because of the similarities, this work also attempts to explore the possibility of applying the therapeutic methods and different formulations indicated in ayurvedic skin disorders to psoriasis, opening up new avenues for the management of such conditions.