Causes of psoriasis

The exact cause of psoriasis is not known, but it may be a reaction by the immune system.

Symptoms of psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis, the most common type of psoriasis, usually starts as one or more small red, silvery, shiny patches (plaques) on the scalp, elbows, knees, back, or buttocks. The eyebrows, underarms, navel, the skin around the anus, and the cleft where the buttocks meet the lower back may also be affected. Many people with psoriasis may also have deformed, thickened, and pitted nails.

The first patches may clear up after a few months or remain, sometimes growing together to form larger patches. Some people never have more than one or two small patches, and others have patches covering large areas of the body. Thick patches or patches on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or folds of the genitals are more likely to itch or hurt, but many times the person has no symptoms. Although the patches do not cause extreme physical discomfort, they are very obvious and often embarrassing to the person. The psychological distress caused by psoriasis can be severe.

Psoriasis persists throughout life but may come and go. Symptoms of psoriasis are often diminished during the summer when the skin is exposed to bright sunlight. Some people may go for years between occurrences.

About 5 to 30% of people with psoriasis develop arthritis (psoriatic arthritis). Psoriatic arthritis causes joint pain and swelling.

Flare-ups

Psoriasis may flare up for no apparent reason or as a result of a variety of circumstances. Flare-ups often result from conditions that irritate the skin, such as minor injuries and severe sunburn. Sometimes flare-ups occur after infections, such as colds and strep throat. Flare-ups are more common in the winter, after drinking alcohol, and after stressful situations. Many drugs, such as antimalarial drugs, lithium, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, terbinafine, interferon-alpha, and beta-blockers, can also cause psoriasis to flare up. Flare-ups are also more common among people who are heavier in weight, infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or who smoke tobacco.

Uncommon types of psoriasis

Some uncommon types of psoriasis can have more serious effects.

Erythrodermic psoriasis causes all of the skin on the body to become red and scaly. This form of psoriasis is serious because, like a burn, it keeps the skin from serving as a protective barrier against injury and infection.

Pustular psoriasis is another uncommon form of psoriasis. In this form, large and small pus-filled blisters (pustules) are scattered widely on the body.

A palmoplantar psoriasis is a form of pustular psoriasis in which pustules occur primarily on the hands and feet. It is sometimes called palmoplantar psoriasis of the palms and soles.

Diagnosis of psoriasis

A doctor’s thorough evaluation includes physical; mental; emotional; social health and environmental influence. Through this evaluation doctors try to identify the causes, factors modifying and the impact of symptoms on the daily life quality of a person.

Doctors ask how the person feels; eats; sleeps and goes through a routine day. Identifying these changes is critical because they are unique to each individual and, if present, must be considered to treat them effectively.

Doctors base the diagnosis of psoriasis on how the scales and plaques look and where they appear on the body.

Sometimes, doctors take a sample of skin tissue and examine it under a microscope to rule out other disorders (such as skin cancer).

Homeopathic Treatment of psoriasis

After a thorough evaluation, each case is worked upon and a set of similar medicines is derived, from which one single medicine which fits the patient’s presentation at that time, in relevant intensity and repetitions is given.

The medicine for flare-up episodes and symptom-free periods may be different. As the improvement goes on you may need different medicine from the previous one, based on your presenting symptoms.

Some need only one medicine throughout the duration of treatment and some need a few in sequence one after another across the treatment.

Timely follow-ups are essential to keep moving forward toward the goal of treatment and to identify, manage and overcome any obstacles to the outcome.

Outcome of Individualized Homeopathic Treatment

With Individualised Homeopathic treatment focused on the person who is suffering, the outlook is as follows:

• Reduces scales
• Normalises immunity
• Reduces flare-ups
• Improves sleep
• Relieves pain
• Increases disease-free periods
• Boosts metabolism
• Reduces recurrence
• Improves activity
• Relieves fatigue
• Restores function
• Better moods
• Improves quality of life

Each person is unique and hence the time taken for treatment and the results achieved are also unique. 

Try to consult a well-qualified professional homeopath who practices adhering to the tenets of Hahnemannian Homeopathy for the Best Outcomes.