Understanding Psoriasis Subtypes

May 19, 2025

Understanding Psoriasis Subtypes: A Holistic Ayurvedic Perspective

Psoriasis isn’t just one disease—it’s a complex, multifaceted condition with various subtypes, each with its own characteristics, challenges, and treatment needs. Recognizing these subtypes is crucial, especially when designing a personalized Ayurvedic plan aimed at true reversal rather than just symptom control.

At EliteAyurveda, we go beyond labels and dive deep into the root imbalances behind each variant of psoriasis.

🔍 Why Knowing the Subtype Matters

Different subtypes of psoriasis affect:

Location of lesions
Pattern of flare-ups
Associated conditions like arthritis or infections
Treatment responsiveness
Emotional and physical impact on daily life

In Ayurveda, this aligns with understanding how doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) interact with each person’s Prakriti (body constitution) and Dhatu (tissue) involvement.

📘 The Main Psoriasis Subtypes Explained

Let’s visually map the different types:

Subtype	Appearance	Common Areas	Ayurvedic View
Plaque Psoriasis	Raised, red patches with silvery scales	Scalp, elbows, knees, back	Pitta-Vata dominance, Rakta and Rasa Dushti
Guttate Psoriasis	Small, drop-like lesions	Trunk, limbs	Acute onset due to Ama and viral triggers
Inverse Psoriasis	Shiny, red lesions in folds, no scaling	Armpits, groin, under breasts	Kapha-Pitta imbalance, hidden heat
Pustular Psoriasis	White blisters filled with pus	Palms, soles, generalized	Intense Pitta aggravation with toxic buildup
Erythrodermic Psoriasis	Widespread redness, scaling, feverish	Entire body	Systemic imbalance, low Ojas, emergency type
Scalp Psoriasis	Scaly plaques on the scalp	Hairline, behind ears, scalp	Rasa-Rakta imbalance, aggravated Pitta
Nail Psoriasis	Pitting, discoloration, thickened nails	Fingernails, toenails	Dhatu-level disruption, often Vata-related

🎯 Each subtype requires a distinct Ayurvedic line of treatment, not just a topical or internal approach.

💡 Visual Snapshot: Psoriasis Subtypes & Dosha Imbalance

       ┌────────────────────────────┐
       |     PSORIASIS SUBTYPES     |
       └────────────────────────────┘
                 ↓
┌─────────────┬─────────────┬─────────────┐
│   Pitta     │   Vata      │   Kapha     │
├─────────────┼─────────────┼─────────────┤
│ Plaque      │ Nail        │ Inverse     │
│ Guttate     │ Scalp       │ Pustular    │
│ Erythroderm.│             │             │
└─────────────┴─────────────┴─────────────┘

🌿 Ayurvedic Pathogenesis: What’s Really Going On?

Psoriasis is rooted in:

Rasa and Rakta Dhatu Dushti – impaired blood and plasma channels
Agni Mandya – weakened digestion leading to Ama (toxins)
Viruddha Ahara – consumption of incompatible foods
Emotional Suppression – long-standing unprocessed anger, grief, or trauma
Dhatu disconnection – improper tissue formation, especially skin and blood

Each subtype reflects a unique combination of Dosha involvement and Dhatu damage. Our approach adapts accordingly.

🧪 Personalized Herbal Formulations for Psoriasis Reversal

At EliteAyurveda, we formulate patient-specific herbal combinations—never generic creams or internal medicines. Our unique formulations are based on:

Type and location of psoriasis
Dosha dominance and Prakriti
Associated symptoms (itching, bleeding, burning)
Systemic involvement (joints, nails, scalp, emotions)
Presence of ama (toxins) or ojakshaya (immunity depletion)

💡 These customized medicines aim to:

✅ Detoxify the blood and lymph
✅ Balance doshas at the skin and systemic level
✅ Rejuvenate skin tissues (Twak dhatu)
✅ Prevent relapse by restoring metabolic strength

⚠️ We never disclose specific herbs to avoid patient self-medication. All formulations are supervised and adjusted by our Ayurvedic physicians.

👣 Our 3-Phase Treatment Approach

1. Elimination Phase

Pacifies active inflammation
Clears Ama and detoxifies Dhatus

2. Balancing Phase

Corrects Agni and doshic imbalance
Rebuilds healthy Rasa-Rakta formation

3. Rasayana Phase

Restores tissue strength and immunity
Prevents recurrence of flare-ups

🧘‍♀️ Lifestyle, Diet & Emotional Health

Each subtype also calls for personalized support in:

Avoiding viruddha ahara (incompatible food combinations)
Following dinacharya (daily routines) to support skin health
Addressing suppressed emotions that aggravate Pitta or Vata
Introducing mind-body practices like Abhyanga, meditation, and pranayama

✅ Key Takeaway

Understanding your psoriasis subtype is the first step to designing a truly effective, holistic treatment plan. At EliteAyurveda, we don’t just look at the skin—we look at the entire ecosystem of your body and mind, customizing your treatment from the inside out.