Psoriasis – modern and traditional treatment approaches

Abstract

Psoriasis is one of the most common immune‐mediated skin disorders. In allopathic medicine the first‐line therapy for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis is the application of topical agents, followed by phototherapy for more extensive disease. Second‐line agents include PUVA, acitretin, methotrexate, cyclosporine or other immunosuppressive agents. New biologics like infliximab, etanercept, alefacept, ustekinumab have revolutionized the management of severe psoriasis. These agents act by blocking the action of T cell, TNF‐alpha or IL‐ 12 and 23. These medical approaches do not offer a complete cure for this disorder especially when initiated long after the occurrence of lesions. These treatment options are associated with moderate to serious adverse drug reactions. With strict dietary and life style modifications Ayurvedic and Siddha medicine treatment approaches, both of which are practiced in India for hundreds of years, offer an alternative approach in the management of psoriasis. Compounds derived from herbs such Wrightia tinctoria, Cynadon dactylon, Melia azadirachta, Aregemone Mexicana, Chirattai thailam, curcumin and almond oil have proved to be beneficial and offer complete cure. Further research to investigate the possible mechanism of action of these drugs and long term case controlled studies are warranted to assess the effectiveness of these treatment methodologies.