There are over 80 auto-immune diseases known to science and with a total of 125 million cases around the world psoriasis is the most common amongst them. There has been a steady rise on the cases of psoriasis over the past three decades with the burden of psoriasis increasing from 4.8 % to 11.4% worldwide. It affects people of all ages and in all countries. The prevalence of psoriasis in India is estimated between 0.44% to 2.8%. Despite being a common skin disease the stigma around psoriasis persists.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic immune mediated disease characterized by well-defined red patches of skin, topped with silver scales especially on the elbows, knees, shin and scalp. About 20% psoriasis patients later on develop psoriatic arthritis which leads to symptoms of joint pain, swelling and stiffness. Research points out that the cause of psoriasis lies in genetic factors, environmental triggers and epi-genetic factors. Psoriasis and Psoriatic arthritis may lead to emotional and behavioral changes such as anger, anxiety, embarrassment and affects overall quality of life. The treatment of this multi-factorial disease must therefore not focus just on alleviating skin symptoms but also aim at improving the quality of life of the patient.
Types of Psoriasis
There are different types of psoriasis depending upon the location and type of lesions. A few features of these different types of psoriasis are discussed in the table below
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Inverse Psoriasis |
Stable Plaque Psoriasis |
Guttate Psoriasis |
Erythrodermic Psoriasis |
Pustular Psoriasis |
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Is sometimes called as hidden psoriasis as it occurs in the fold of skin. |
Most common type of psoriasis. |
Commonly seen in children and adolescents; often follows throat infection. |
This type of psoriasis is associated with temperature regulation dysfunction and chances of high body temperature or hypothermia exists. |
Two varieties of pustular psoriasis exist. The lesions often appear suddenly and in large numbers. |
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Inverse psoriasis is known for red, shiny smooth rashes. The patches are much smaller as compared to plaque psoriasis |
Individual well-demarcated lesions ranging from few millimetres to few centimetres in diameter. |
The rash appears rapidly and there are individual droplet shaped, small lesions with peeling and scaling. |
The skin becomes red and scaly all over. |
The eruptions are sterile pustules erupting on a red base. The patient may develop fever.The lesions often end in brown spots with scaling on palms and soles. |
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The patches of inverse psoriasis are moist to touch. |
Elbows knees, lower back.
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Bouts of guttate psoriasis may clear in a few months. Most patients of guttate psoriasis develop plaque psoriasis later on in life. |
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The second variety has eruptions localized to the palms and soles. |
Homoeopathy in the picture
We are fortunate to have a holistic system of medicine in form of homoeopathy which investigates and considers not only the physical symptoms of psoriasis but also the emotional and psychological impact that comes along with it. Homoeopathic system studies the genetic influences, environmental triggers the person has been subjected to and the patient’s response to them while selection of the remedy. Type of psoriasis, the presenting symptoms and the mental health of the patient is considered and a tailored dose of homoeopathic is prescribed.
Case Studies
A female of 37 years was suffering from psoriasis for over 4 years. She visited Home of Homeo in 2013. Her presenting symptoms consisted of red plaque over her shins and behind her ears. The symptoms were not just limited to her skin but also involved mood swings and anxiety. Her history revealed repeated episodes of migraine and marital discord. The medicine Natrum Mur was selected basis this. Her follow up revealed reduced itching scaling of all her lesions on the leg. She never had a single migraine episode after the second dose of Natrum Mur. Despite significant clearance of the skin symptoms after 6 months her symptoms of anxiety persisted. Considering her health status at that point the medicine in relation to Natrum Mur was given. A yearly follow up reveals a symptom free and happy patient for 7 long years.
A male of 46 years was suffering from psoriasis for 10 years. He had multiple lesions on neck, behind his years, elbows, knees and feet. He was on regular treatment for psoriasis all these years but with temporary relief. His father and sister were psoriasis patients too. After his first consultation at Home of Homeo a constitutional medicine Silicea was selected for him basis his mental make-up. His first follow up revealed complete disappearance of the lesions on neck and elbows. The itching had reduced up to 75%. He is still under treatment at Home of Homeo and continues to show progress.
A female of 43 years visited Home of Homeo in 2014. She had circular, itching lesions on her arms and there was significant amount of scaling too. They had developed suddenly over a period of 2 weeks. She was diagnosed as guttate psoriasis on examination of the lesions. She also complained of white vaginal discharge occasionally. The physical symptoms and associated symptoms helped in prescription of Graphites. She had complete remission of her skin symptoms. She is regularly monitored at Home of Homeo to prevent development of new skin lesions.
All the above cases benefited from individualized homoeopathic treatment. The patients also experienced general feeling of well-being and better health.
Self-Care in Psoriasis
- Be informed about psoriasis. Understand the possible triggers and avoid them. Do not scratch or irritate the lesions. Injuries to the skin, stress, intense sun exposure can aggravate the psoriasis lesions.
- Educate and share information regarding psoriasis with your friends and family it will help them support you and other patients better. It will help reduce the stigma around psoriasis
- Find a support group to share your struggles and challenges with people facing similar complaints. Sharing will reduce the stress and in turn help you recover.
- Your homoeopathic physician will require details and information regarding you physical and mental make-up. Sharing this information will be beneficial in your treatment. Do not apply any external medicated creams without talking to your homoeopath. Ask questions and clear all your queries as being aware about the illness is first step to cure.
- Avoid drinking coffee as coffee consumption affects the action of certain homoeopathic medicines.
- Take regular baths with warm water as it helps reduce the scales and itching.
- Use coconut oil or moisturizers to reduce the dryness especially in winters.