Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a common skin ailment characterized by scaling,thickening of skin, redness and itching. Although this disease truly manifests it’s features on the skin but it can also target other organs of body like nails, hair, joints etc. It is associated with conditions like depression, diabetes and heart disease. It affects people of all age group with no preference for any sex or caste in particular. Although people with weak immune system are more prone to it eg. AIDS patients, people on cancer chemo-therapies and auto-immune diseases.

What urged me to write this post were my patients. Some of them have  been suffering from psoriasis since as long as twelve years and some with severe psoriasis (>10%of body involvement) showed remarkable improvement with homeopathic medicines and I thought of sharing this article in an attempt to help a few more.


Psoriasis can truly be described as an obstinate disease because it keeps on remitting, relapsing, periodically improving and worsening, flares up over a period of time. 90% of  the patients have tried everything from cortico steroids, Topical steroids eg. tazorac, topical antipsoriatics, keratolytic products, anti-histamines etc. Cetrizine is one of the most abused drug for the same.
There is no specific cure for psoriasis As one can only term it as cured after it doesn’t relapse at all after treatment (for which patient needs to be observed for years). With homeopathy we can lead you to a longer remission and with continued treatment can help you to get rid of this dreaded disease. Unlike steroids, homeopathic medicines provide a safe and effective treatment.


Psoriasis is an auto immune disease and is not contagious but is seen to pass down through families. It generally presents as

1. Itchy
2. Red scaly patches
3. Silvery white scales
4. Nail changes (generally after years) - Pitting and ridges are seen in finger nails and toe nails.

It can occur on any part of body although it commonly affects elbow, knees, scalp, ear (can even lead to temporary hearing loss,due to scales covering the ear drum). It is generally seen to worsen during winters,but this varies. Many patients have aggravation in summers and rainy season. Also, sun exposure tend to worsen the symptoms but there are patients who are better after exposure to sun. Now this is where homeopathy differs in approach and where the beautiful theory of individualization comes into practice as the medicine required for each patients would differ according to the different symptoms they exhibit.

Thus, it is very important to give a detailed account of your symptoms, MODALITIES (what worsens or improves your symptoms eg. stress, sun, medicines), CAUSATION (for instance injury to skin, Stress, too much of alcohol, sunlight exposure, sudden weight loss or gain, drugs like anti-malarial have been linked with psoriasis). It is also very important to give a picture of all your habits and your mental state to your doctor.

 Types of psoriasis :

1. PLAQUE psoriasis : It is the most common form of psoriasis. It presents as raised red inflamed lesions covered with scales which are silvery white in color. Most frequent break-outs occur on elbows, knees, lower back and scalp.
2. GUTTATE Psoriasis : It commonly affects children , presenting as small red drop like lesions.
3. INVERSE Psoriasis : It is found in armpits,groin,under breasts and other skin folds. It presents itself as smooth shiny bright red lesions.
4. PUSTULAR Psoriasis : It is characterized by blisters of non-infectious pus (white blood cells). It begins with reddish discoloration followed by pustule formation and scaling.
5. ERTHYRO-DERMIC psoriasis : It is a particularly inflammatory form of psoriasis that affects most of the body surface. It is characterized by widespread fiery redness of the skin and shedding of scales in sheets unlike flakes in other forms. This is associated by severe itching pain, increased heart rate and fluctuating body temperature. It causes protein and fluid loss which can lead to severe illness.
6. PSORIATIC ARTHROPATHY : It is often preceded by a skin disease for years. The painful,inflamed joint which is swollen,hot and red. Joint inflammation in the fingers or toes can cause swelling of the entire digit,giving them the appearance of a “sausage.” Joint stiffness is common and is typically worse early in the morning but again this may vary from patient to patient hence again helping in individualizing patients stressing the importance of a proper narration of symptoms by you to your doctor.

TESTS :  There is no specific blood test to diagnose Psoriasis. The diagnosis is often made by observation and examination of skin. Although your doctor might advice a skin biopsy in case skin changes are not typical. X-Ray for joint pain may be advised.

DO’S AND DONT’S FOR PATIENT OF PSORIASIS

• Quit smoking and check alcohol use - It may precipitate and at the same time may hinder the potency of medication.

• Healthy diet - Increased intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.Eat several small meals each day.Drink lots of water.Use salt and sugar in moderation.Reduce lean meat intake.Avoid junk foods.

• Maintain healthy weight - Avoid sudden weight loss or weight gain.

• Wear sun-screen when outdoors if exposure to sun worsens your symptoms.

• Avoid factors that cause stress or anxiety

• Keep skin well moisturized (Apply coconut oil to affected parts).

Homeopathic Medicines that helps in Psoriasis would be discussed in detail in Part2 of the series.