PSORIASIS

It is a condition in which skin cells build up and form scales and itchy, dry patches. It is an auto-immune disorder with periods of remission, meaning periods in which the symptoms disappear completely with or without treatment and then recur back after a while. Many patients with psoriasis develop depression as the quality of life is poor.

What happens exactly?

Immune cells which are hyperactivated trigger skin cells to produce more keratin producing cells. This results in the formation of thick plaques, scales and a lot of dryness causing excessive itching.

Signs and Symptoms:

1. Thick silvery scales at many locations on the body mainly back of elbows, back, palms and soles, etc.

2. Excessive and intolerable itching

3. If the scale is removed, there may be pinpoint bleeding present.

4. In some cases, there may be pus or blood coming out of eruptions.

5. If the scales are present on scalp, there can be loss of hair or grey hair.

6. In a condition called as Psoriatic Arthritis, joint pains is also present along with eruptions.

7. If fingernails or toenails are involved, there can be yellowish discolouration of nails or crumbling and breaking of nails.

What triggers psoriasis?

Familial occurrence is present, i.e. can be genetic. Injury in the form of mechanical, chemical, and radiational trauma induces lesions of psoriasis. Certain drugs like chloroquine, lithium, beta-blockers, steroids, and NSAIDs can worsen psoriasis. Generally, summer improves psoriasis while winter aggravates it. Apart from above factors infections, psychological stress, alcohol, smoking, obesity, and hypocalcemia (reduced calcium in blood) are other triggering factors for psoriasis.

Common locations:

1. Scalp

2. Back of elbows, knees

3. Back

4. Palms and soles

5. Nails

Types of Psoriasis:

Based on the appearance, there are different types of psoriasis-

1. Plaque psoriasis:

In this there is plaque formation or a large patch of silvery scales. It is the most common type of psoriasis which affects 85% to 90% patients. It is mainly seen on back of elbows, knees, back and scalp.

2. Guttate psoriasis:

It is commonly seen in children; it is present in the form of small patches usually round or oval in shape.

3. Pustular psoriasis:

In this, there is pus formation and secretion when the scales are disrupted.

4. Erythrodermic psoriasis:

In this, the patches are reddish and raw. It may cover more than 90% of the body surface. There is intense itching, swelling and pain.

5. Inverse psoriasis:

In this, eruptions and scales are seen mainly in groins, armpits, below breasts and between buttocks. It often looks like fungal infection as the locations are quite similar.

6. Sebopsoriasis:

It commonly affects areas with increased sebum (oil) production such as the scalp, forehead, nasolabial folds (between nose and lips), behind the ears, etc.

7. Nail psoriasis:

Nail changes are seen like crumbling, loss of shape, yellowish discolouration, etc.

8. Psoriatic Arthritis:

It affects 30% of patients with psoriasis. Usually joint pain, swelling, etc is present along with the eruptions.

Complications:

If not treated on time, complications may occur.

It may lead to secondary infections, i.e. infections to the wound where scales are scratched. It may also affect heart health in some patients. Psoriatic Arthritis is also a type of complication.

Treatment:

1. Ointments and topical applications which stop the growth of extra cells are given.

2. Moisturizing agents are given to arrest dryness.

Scope of homoeopathy:

Homoeopathy has a great scope in the treatment of Psoriasis. As Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder and quite much related or triggered by mental stress, homoeopathy is seen to be very effective in treating Psoriasis. After a proper history taking, a homoeopathic doctor will prescribe medicines that will act n each and every level of the individual, right from the mind to the body.