Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes the rapid buildup of skin cells. This buildup of cells causes scaling on the skin’s surface. Inflammation and redness around the scales is fairly common. Typical psoriatic scales are whitish-silver and develop in thick, red patches. Sometimes, these patches will crack and bleed.
Psoriasis is the result of a sped-up skin production process. Typically, skin cells grow deep in the skin and slowly rise to the surface. Eventually, they fall off. The typical life cycle of a skin cell is one month.
Scales typically develop on joints, such elbows and knees. They may develop anywhere on the body, including the :
Less common types of psoriasis affect the
There are six types of psoriasis:
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of psoriasis. The condition have plaque psoriasis. It causes red, inflamed patches that cover areas of the skin. These patches are often covered with whitish-silver scales or plaques. These plaques are commonly found on the elbows, knees, and scalp.
The most common variety of the condition – include :
Psoriasis Plaques of red skin, often covered with silver-coloured scales. These plaques may be itchy and painful, and they sometimes crack and bleed. In severe cases, the plaques will grow and merge, covering large areas. Disorders of the fingernails and toenails, including discoloration and pitting of the nails. The nails may also crumble or detach from the nail bed. Plaques of scales or crust on the scalp. People with psoriasis can also get a type of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis. It causes pain and swelling in the joints.
Guttate psoriasis is common in childhood. This type of psoriasis causes small pink spots. The most common sites for guttate psoriasis include the torso, arms, and legs. These spots are rarely thick or raised like plaque psoriasis.
Pustular psoriasis is more common in adults. It causes white, pus-filled blisters and broad areas of red, inflamed skin. Pustular psoriasis is typically localised to smaller areas of the body, such as the hands or feet, but it can be widespread.
Inverse psoriasis causes bright areas of red, shiny, inflamed skin. Patches of inverse psoriasis develop under armpits or breasts, in the groin, or around skinfolds in the genitals.
Erythrodermic psoriasis is a severe and very rare type of psoriasis.This form often covers large sections of the body at once. The skin almost appears sunburned. Scales that develop often slough off in large sections or sheets. It’s not uncommon for a person with this type of psoriasis to run a fever or become very ill. This type can be life-threatening, so individuals should see a doctor immediately.
Nail psoriasis is plaque psoriasis that affects the fingernails and toenails. Approximately 80 to 90% of people with plaque psoriasis have nail involvement, causing symptoms such as pitting, crumbling, salmon-colored areas called oil-drop patches, and more, depending on what part of the nail is affected.
Psoriatic arthritis causes swollen, painful joints that are typical of arthritis. Sometimes the joint symptoms are the first or only symptom or sign of psoriasis. And at times only nail changes are seen. Symptoms range from mild to severe, and psoriatic arthritis can affect any joint. It can cause stiffness and progressive joint damage that in the most serious cases may lead to permanent joint damage.
No one knows the exact cause of psoriasis, but experts believe that it’s a combination of things. Something wrong with the immune system causes inflammation, triggering new skin cells to form too quickly. Normally, skin cells are replaced every 10 to 30 days. With psoriasis, new cells grow every 3 to 4 days. The buildup of old cells being replaced by new ones creates those silver scales.
Psoriasis tends to run in families, but it may skip generations. For instance, a grandfather and his grandson may be affected, but not the child's mother.
Psoriasis is thought to be an immune system problem that causes the skin to regenerate at faster than normal rates. In the most common type of psoriasis, known as plaque psoriasis, this rapid turnover of cells results in scales and red patches.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition. Autoimmune conditions are the result of the body attacking itself. In the case of psoriasis, white blood cells known as T cells mistakenly attack the skin cells. In a typical body, white blood cells are deployed to attack and destroy invading bacteria and fight infections. This mistaken attack causes the skin cell production process to go into overdrive. The sped-up skin cell production causes new skin cells to develop too quickly. They are pushed to the skin’s surface, where they pile up. This results in the plaques that are most commonly associated with psoriasis. The attacks on the skin cells also cause red, inflamed areas of skin to develop.
Some people inherit genes that make them more likely to develop psoriasis. If you have an immediate family member with the skin condition, your risk for developing psoriasis is higher. However, the percentage of people who have psoriasis and a genetic predisposition is small.
Many people who are predisposed to psoriasis may be free of symptoms for years until the disease is triggered by some environmental factor. Common psoriasis triggers include :
Psoriasis symptoms differ from person to person and depend on the type of psoriasis. Areas of psoriasis can be as small as a few flakes on the scalp or elbow, or cover the majority of the body.
Psoriasis signs and symptoms can vary from person to person. Common signs and symptoms include :
Not every person will experience all of these symptoms. Some people will experience entirely different symptoms if they have a less common type of psoriasis.
Psoriasis patches can range from a few spots of dandruff-like scaling to major eruptions that cover large areas. The most commonly affected areas are the Lower back, Elbows, Knees, Legs, Soles of the feet, Scalp, Face and Palms. Most types of psoriasis go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months, then subsiding for a time or even going into remission.
Two tests or examinations may be necessary to diagnose psoriasis.
Most are able to make a diagnosis with a simple physical exam. Symptoms of psoriasis are typically evident and easy to distinguish from other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. During this exam, be sure to show all areas of concern. In addition, let know if any family members have the condition.
If the symptoms are unclear or if they want to confirm their suspected diagnosis, they may take a small sample of skin. This is known as a biopsy.
The skin will be sent to a lab, where it’ll be examined under a microscope. The examination can diagnose the type of psoriasis you have. It can also rule out other possible disorders or infections.
Most biopsies are done in the office the day of appointment. will likely inject a local numbing medication to make the biopsy less painful. They will then send the biopsy to a lab for analysis.
Homoeopathy offers a holistic approach to managing psoriasis symptoms and addressing underlying imbalances in the body. Several homoeopathic remedies are commonly used to alleviate symptoms and promote skin healing. These remedies are selected based on the individual's specific symptoms, temperament, and overall health.
People likely to respond to this remedy usually are anxious, restless, and compulsively neat and orderly. They are often deeply chilly, experience burning pains with many physical complaints, and become exhausted easily. The skin is dry and scaly and may tend to get infected. Scratching can make the itching worse, and applying heat brings relief.
People needing this remedy often have a long-term history of skin disorders. The skin looks tough or leathery skin with cracks and soreness. Itching is often worse from getting warm, and the person may scratch the irritated places till they bleed. Trouble concentrating, especially in the morning, is also often seen when this remedy is needed.
This remedy is often indicated for people whose physical problems are aggravated by stressful emotional experiences. It is especially suited to individuals with extremely dry skin, and problems that involve the palms and fingertips. The person may feel a cold sensation after scratching, and the skin is easily infected and may look tough and leathery. Itching will be worse at night, and from getting warm in bed. People who need this remedy may also have a tendency toward motion sickness.
This remedy may be helpful to a person who feels dragged out and irritable, often with little enthusiasm for work or family life. The person's skin may be look dry and stiff. Psoriasis may appear in many places on the body, including the nails and genitals. Signs of hormonal imbalance are often seen (in either sex), and problems with circulation are common. Exercise often helps this person's energy and mood.
Intensely burning, itching, inflamed eruptions that are worse from warmth and bathing suggest a need for this remedy. Affected areas often look bright red and irritated, with scaling skin that gets inflamed from scratching. This remedy is sometimes helpful to people who have repeatedly used medications to suppress psoriasis (without success).
This remedy is suited to people who are easily fatigued by exertion, sluggish physically, chilly with clammy hands and feet, and often overweight. Skin problems tend to be worse in winter. Typically solid and responsible, these people can be overwhelmed by too much work and stress. Anxiety, claustrophobia, and fear of heights are common. Cravings for sweets and eggs are often also seen when Calcarea is needed.
People who seem introverted and formal—but are very intense internally, with strong emotions and impulses—may benefit from this remedy. They tend to have swollen lymph nodes and moist or greasy-looking skin, and are very sensitive to changes in temperature. The areas affected by psoriasis may become infected easily.
A person who needs this remedy usually is serious, and often feels strong anxiety in the region of the stomach. Scaly plaques may itch intensely, thickening or crusting over if the person scratches them too much. Cold applications relieve the itching (although the person feels generally chilly and improves with warmth). People who need this remedy often have a craving for fat, and feel best in open air.
When this remedy is indicated for a person with psoriasis, the skin eruptions are red and swollen, and often itch intensely. Hot applications or baths will soothe the itching—and also muscle stiffness, toward which these people often have a tendency. The person is restless, and may pace or constantly move around. A craving for cold milk is often seen when a person needs this remedy.
This remedy may be helpful to individuals whose psoriasis has developed after grief or suppressed emotions. Any part of the body can be involved but the scalp is often affected. People who need this remedy often seem sentimental, meek and quiet, and easily embarrassed — but often have a strong internal anger or deeply-buried hurt.
For personalised treatment and guidance, consulting a qualified Sanjivani homoeopathic practitioner is recommended. The Sanjivani homoeopath will conduct a thorough evaluation of the individual's symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors to prescribe the most suitable remedy or combination of remedies. Additionally, the Sanjivani homoeopath may recommend dietary and lifestyle modifications to complement the treatment plan.
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Homoeopathy is a holistic science which belives in the law of Similia Similibus Curenter i.e Like Cures Like .It was discovered by Dr Samuel Christian Hahnemannn in 1796.
As homoeopathic medicines are made from natural substances this medicines have no side effects and are completely safe to consume
There are no diet restrictions for homoeopathic medicines. One should only avoid eating or drinking any liquid other than water at least 30 minutes before and after taking homoeopathic medicines.
Sanjivani Homoeopathy offers a gentle and natural approach to managing psoriasis, focusing on alleviating symptoms, promoting skin healing, and improving overall well-being. By addressing the root cause of the condition and restoring balance within the body, Sanjivani homoeopathic treatment can provide significant relief for individuals living with psoriasis. However, it's essential to consult with a qualified Sanjivani homoeopath for personalised care and ongoing support in managing this chronic skin condition.
Disclaimer : The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any treatment for Psoriasis or any other medical condition.