Are you tormented from red scaly patches over your skin that fixes peoples eyes at you, causing embarrassment? This could be “Psoriasis”, an inflammatory, unsightly but non-contagious skin condition, that presents itself with intolerable itching and varied physical discomfort.
PSORIASIS AND HOMEOPATHY
Are you tormented from red scaly patches over your skin that fixes peoples eyes at you, causing embarrassment? This could be “Psoriasis”, an inflammatory, unsightly but non-contagious skin condition, that presents itself with intolerable itching and varied physical discomfort. Living with Psoriasis can be a life changing challenge. Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune disorder, which transpires when the immune system starts malfunctioning by accelerating the reproduction of skin cells. Due to this rapid pace these cells congregate on the surface of the skin presenting as patchy lesions, instead of shedding. Psoriasis patches are found on scalp, face, behind ears, chest, elbows, palms, finger nails, lower back, genitals, knees, legs, soles and toenails.
To understand Psoriasis, you have to understand the anatomy and Physiology of the skin. Skin has three layers:
Epidermis
Dermis
Hypodermis
The outer Epidermis is adhered to underlying connective tissues called the Dermis. Below these two layers is the Hypodermis, which is a layer of loose connective tissues containing fat. The Epidermal cells have 90% of Keratinocytes, which produce an insoluble protein named Keratinin. Keratinocytes are generated by cell division. They move upwards to the surface of the skin where they die, and are finally shed out. In normal skin this process takes four weeks, but in Psoriasis this activity gains momentum and the cells rise rapidly, thus heaping up on the surface of the skin in three to four days. This contributes to the redness, heat and a thick scaly layer on the skin which is the foremost symptom of Psoriasis. Living with Psoriasis can be physically and emotionally challenging. In addition, to its physical consequences, Psoriasis can have a devastating influence on an individual’s emotional, psychological and social well being.
There are five different types of Psoriasis:
Plaque Psoriasis: this is the most common form of Psoriasis also known as Psoriasis Vulgaris. It emerges as patches of bumpy reddish skin encased by white silvery scales. These patches form primarily on elbows, knees, lower back, chest and scalp.
Guttate Psoriasis: this cultivates in children and young adults following a Strep infection. It appears as small dot sized red spots on the chest, arms and legs.
Pustular Psoriasis: this appears as tender areas of fiery red skin with white pus-filled blisters mainly on palms and soles. This gets triggered by infections, pregnancy, sunburns or certain medications.
Inverse Psoriasis: this shows as smooth, red lesions in skin folds like armpits, genitals, between the buttocks and under the breasts. This is more prevalent in people who are over weight.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis: this exhibits as extensive redness as if skin is burnt with severe itching and pain. This can be life threatening because the skin loses its defensive function and may not be able to safeguard against heat and fluid loss nor preclude harmful bacteria from entering the body. This can be provoked by illnesses, emotional stress, alcoholism or excessive use of corticosteroids.
Cause or Triggers of Psoriasis:
Inherited from family.
Stress, depression.
Excessive sweating.
Skin injuries like cuts, scrapes, chemical irritation, tattoos, burns, vaccination and shaving.
Food allergies.
Strep infection, upper respiratory viral infection, boils, thrush or HIV.
Certain medications like anti-malarial drugs, Corticosteroids, medications used to treat high blood pressure, arthritis, heart conditions and depression.
Sunburns.
Cold and dry weather.
Hormonal imbalance.
Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption.
In patients with other autoimmune disorders like Rheumatoid Arthritis.
As a side effect of Chemotherapy.
Symptoms of Psoriasis:
- Raised, thick, crusty, pink or red patches of dry and flaky skin.
- Itching and burning.
- Cracked and bleeding skin.
- Blisters with pus.
- Dandruff on the scalp.
- Discomfort and Insomnia due to itching.
- Pain.
- Fever in cases of Pustular Psoriasis.
- Yellow or pitted nails.
- Joint pains with swelling.
- Low self esteem and embarrassment because of its appearance.
- Social isolation.
- Suicidal thoughts.
Homeopathic approach to Psoriasis:
Your skin is a mirror reflecting the state of your internal health. Homeopathy contemplates Psoriasis as an immune interceded condition aroused by faulty signals in the body’s immune system. Homeopathy pursues a curative approach for Psoriasis. The most seeked conventional treatment provides mere palliation or suppression through cortisone and immunosuppressant’s. On the other hand deep acting constitutional Homeopathic remedies cures Psoriasis in depth rendering the patient free from the disease. This constitutional approach works at the root level, by addressing the genetic factors and curing the flawed immune response leading to permanent cure. Homeopathy with its natural medicinal substances used in small quantities cure the disease process without any side effects.
If Homeopathic treatment is attempted early on, it may help in preventing the progress of disease and preventing any complications from occurring, which are usually associated with the disease. The response to treatment can differ from one individual to another. Homeopathic medicines are natural and safe with no probability of any side effects and treats Psoriasis without using any local ointments. The medicines work towards impeding the proliferation of skin cells which inevitably alleviates excessive scaling. Homeopathic remedies stimulate the body’s own healing potential by restoring balance of the immune system and countering the genetic predisposition. Homeopathic treatment will control the number and severity of lesions, minimize flare ups, improve your quality of life, maintain long term remission, reduce disability and in most cases contribute towards a permanent cure.
Homeopathic remedies are gentle and easy to take, are regulated by the FDA and prepared according to the Homeopathic Pharmacopeia .Some Homeopathic remedies that are commonly used to treat Psoriasis are given below. These are just a few of the commonly used Homeopathic remedies and are mentioned only to create awareness about the effectiveness of Homeopathic medicines in Psoriasis. It is not advisable to resort to self-medication for any disease.
Homeopathic remedies for Psoriasis:
Arsenic Album: This remedy is preeminently indicated for dry, rough, scaly eruptions that itch and internally burn like fire leading to severe restlessness. Their burning eruptions feel relieved by heat and after drinking warm drinks. Even though they complain of internal heat, their body feels cold to touch. The eruptions get worse in cold weather, from cold food or drinks, after midnight and from scratching.
Corralium: This is an exceptional remedy for Psoriasis around genitals, on palms and soles that look like red flat ulcers, coral colored then dark red changing to copper colored spots. Their symptoms get worse in open air and when changing from a warm to cold room. These patients have a strong craving for salt.
Graphites: This is a brilliant remedy for Psoriasis in stout individuals with a fair but unhealthy looking skin. The eruptions are very thick, rough, and hard with sticky pus oozing out mainly in folds of limbs, genitals, behind ears. The eruptions get worse from warmth, before and after menstruation, at night. They feel better from wrapping up. These patients have a tendency to constipation and obesity.
Kali Arsenicosum: This is a specific remedy for dry scaly skin eruptions especially in bends of arms and knees with intolerable itching. The eruptions get worse when undressing, with slightest change in weather, warmth and during menses. These patients are restless, nervous and anemic.
Psorinum: This remedy works wonders on Psoriasis that is triggered by profuse sweating, warmth, coffee and slightest exertion. The skin looks dirty, crusty, dry and lusterless with intolerable itching. The eruptions are mainly on scalp, bends of joints, near finger nails. Symptoms are so intense that the patient gets into severe depression with a feeling of hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. These patients sweat profusely, have an extreme sensitiveness to cold and want warm clothing even in summer.
Sulphur: This remedy has a special elective affinity towards the skin. The skin looks dirty, filthy, dry, scaly with pustular eruptions, excoriation in folds, with prominent heat, burning and itching. Every little skin injury becomes septic. These patients have an aversion to bathing. Patients are always irritable due to their symptoms. Standing is the worst and uncomfortable position for these patients. Their symptoms are worse from bathing, warmth of bed, standing, at rest, in the morning at 11 am, from alcohol, warm weather, lying on right side.
Self care measures for Psoriasis:
Exercise regularly.
Reduce stress.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Eat a balanced diet.
Get enough sleep.
Avoid alcohol and smoking.
Use a nontoxic, natural moisturizer regularly.
Avoid scratching and do not pick on lesions.
Apply a cold compress for the itch.
Use Epsom salt and fresh Neem leaves or Neem oil in bathing water to soothe itching.
Oatmeal baths are soothing and may help to loosen scales.
Always bathe in warm water and not hot water.
Always pat dry your skin, do not rub.
Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. Sunlight exposure may help the skin, but do not get sunburned.
Wear cotton clothing, other fabrics may irritate your skin.
Always use a humidifier in the house to add moisture.
Now with the awareness of this Homeopathic approach to your skin condition, you do not have to suffer with embarrasement and symptoms of Psoriasis anymore. Hence, experience substantial improvement in your outlook, physical appearance, and quality of life by considering the natural, safe, gentle, nontoxic, effective and rapid acting Homeopathic medicines
