Psoriasis Symptoms, Cause, Diagnosis, Homeopathic Remedies & Treatment for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, non-contagious autoimmune disease which affects the skin and joints. It commonly causes red scaly patches to appear on the skin. The scaly patches caused by psoriasis, called psoriatic plaques, are areas of inflammation and excessive skin production. Skin rapidly accumulates at these sites and takes on a silvery-white appearance. Plaques frequently occur on the skin of the elbows and knees, but can affect any area including the scalp and genitals. Psoriasis is a prolonged inflammation of skin. The causes of psoriasis are still unclear. This condition is neither infectious (Does not spread from one person to another) nor does it affect the general health. It affects both the genders and may start at any age.

Psoriasis is quite common, affecting around two per cent of the population, although people with very mild symptoms may not be aware they have it. Psoriasis can begin at any age but usually starts either around the age of 20 or between 50 and 60.

The disorder is a chronic recurring condition which varies in severity from minor localized patches to complete body coverage. Fingernails and toenails are frequently affected (psoriatic nail dystrophy) and can be seen as an isolated finding. Psoriasis can also cause inflammation of the joints, which is known as psoriatic arthritis. In contrast to eczema, psoriasis is more likely to be found on the extensor aspect of the joint.

Cause of Psoriasis

As said earlier according to modern medical science the causes of psoriasis are unknown. But the following factors can trigger psoriasis.

Heredity - If one parent is affected then there is 15% of chances for the child to suffer from psoriasis. If both the parents are affected then the possibility of child getting the psoriasis is 60%.
Throat infections trigger psoriasis.
Trauma or hurt on skin like cuts, bruises or burns may cause psoriasis.
Some medicines or skin irritants initiate psoriasis.
Smoking and alcohol are other two factors which activate psoriasis.
Mental stress or psychological trauma may also set off psoriasis.
Due to abnormality in the mechanism in which the skin grows and replaces itself causes psoriasis.
Abnormality with the metabolism of amino acids.
Use of certain medicines.
Due to infections.
Heredity factors are also responsible.
Physical and emotional stress.
Diet- common in non-vegetarians.
Weather- exacerbations in winters & remissions in summers.
Hormonal- worse at or after menopause & remission during pregnancy.

Types of Psoriasis

The symptoms of psoriasis can manifest in a variety of forms. Variants include plaque, pustular, guttate and flexural psoriasis.

Plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris)

Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of psoriasis. It affects 80 to 90% of people with psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis typically appears as raised areas of inflamed skin covered with silvery white scaly skin. These areas are called plaques.

Flexural psoriasis (inverse psoriasis)

Flexural psoriasis appears as smooth inflamed patches of skin. It occurs in skin folds, particularly around the genitals (between the thigh and groin), the armpits, under an overweight stomach (pannus), and under the breasts (inframammary fold). It is aggravated by friction and sweat, and is vulnerable to fungal infections.

Guttate psoriasis

Guttate psoriasis is characterized by numerous small round spots (differential diagnosis-pityriasis rosea-oval shape lesion). These numerous spots of psoriasis appear over large areas of the body, such as the trunk, limbs, and scalp. Guttate psoriasis is associated with streptococcal throat infection.

Pustular psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis appears as raised bumps that are filled with non-infectious pus (pustules). The skin under and surrounding the pustules is red and tender. Pustular psoriasis can be localised, commonly to the hands and feet (palmoplantar pustulosis), or generalised with widespread patches occurring randomly on any part of the body.

Psoriasis of a fingernail

Nail psoriasis produces a variety of changes in the appearance of finger and toe nails. These changes include discolouring under the nail plate, pitting of the nails, lines going across the nails, thickening of the skin under the nail, and the loosening (onycholysis) and crumbling of the nail.

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis involves joint and connective tissue inflammation. Psoriatic arthritis can affect any joint but is most common in the joints of the fingers and toes. This can result in a sausage-shaped swelling of the fingers and toes known as dactylitis. Psoriatic arthritis can also affect the hips, knees and spine (spondylitis). About 10-15% of people who have psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis.

Erythrodermic psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis involves the widespread inflammation and exfoliation of the skin over most of the body surface. It may be accompanied by severe itching, swelling and pain. It is often the result of an exacerbation of unstable plaque psoriasis, particularly following the abrupt withdrawal of systemic treatment. This form of psoriasis can be fatal, as the extreme inflammation and exfoliation disrupt the body's ability to regulate temperature and for the skin to perform barrier functions.

Clinical classification

Psoriasis is a chronic relapsing disease of the skin, which may be classified into nonpustular and pustular types as follows-

Nonpustular psoriasis

Psoriasis vulgaris (Chronic stationary psoriasis, Plaque-like psoriasis).
Psoriatic erythroderma (Erythrodermic psoriasis).

Pustular psoriasis

Generalized pustular psoriasis (Pustular psoriasis of von Zumbusch).
Pustulosis palmaris et plantaris (Persistent palmoplantar pustulosis, Pustular psoriasis of the Barber type, Pustular psoriasis of the extremities).
Annular pustular psoriasis.
Acrodermatitis continua.
Impetigo herpetiformis.

Additional types of psoriasis include

Drug-induced psoriasis.
Inverse psoriasis.
Napkin psoriasis.
Seborrheic-like psoriasis.

CLINICAL FEATURES

ONSET

Insidious

LOCATION

Scalp, extensor surfaces of arms, forearms, legs, trunk, joints, nails, palms and soles.

SYMPTOMS of PSORIASIS

Red and irritated skin with bright silvery scales.
Itching characteristically absent.

LESION

SKIN:

Start as dry, well defined erythematous papules.
Symmetrical distribution.
Coin shaped (nummular psoriasis).
Layers of silvery scales form.
Papules increase peripherally and coalesce (psoriasis gyrate).
Become thicker (due to accumulation of scales) to form plaques.
Candle-grease sign positive: - when psoriatic lesion is scratched, candle grease like scale is produced even from non-scaling lesions.
Scales looser towards periphery of patch, firmly adherent at centre.
Auspitz sign positive: - complete removal of scale produces pin-point bleeding.
Koebner phenomenon positive in acute phase: - psoriatic lesions appear at site of scratching or trauma.
When patches reach a diameter of 5 cm: - central clearing occurs producing ringed lesions (annular psoriasis).
Lesions heal with faint staining which disappears slowly.

NAILS:

Pits of 1 mm diameter.
Transverse ridging of nail plate.
Onycholysis.
Separation of distal portion of nail from nail bed and walls.
Subungual hyperkeratosis causing thickening of nails.
Oil drop sign: - brownish-red areas of discolouration adjacent to nail plate. Oil spots are 2-4 mm in diameter.

COMPLICATIONS

Psoriatic arthropathy.
Exfoliative dermatitis.
Hypoproteinaemia.

COURSE

Chronic, inconstant course.
Remissions and exacerbations.
Disease may remain localised to original site of affection for indefinite period, or completely disappear, recur or spread to other parts.
Nail lesions are resistant to treatment.
Prognosis variable.

DIAGNOSIS

A diagnosis of psoriasis is usually based on the appearance of the skin. There are no special blood tests or diagnostic procedures for psoriasis. Sometimes a skin biopsy, or scraping, may be needed to rule out other disorders and to confirm the diagnosis. Skin from a biopsy will show clubbed Rete pegs if positive for psoriasis. Another sign of psoriasis is that when the plaques are scraped, one can see pinpoint bleeding from the skin below (Auspitz's sign).

GENERAL MANAGEMENT

Education.
Reassurance.
Avoid exposure to cold.
Moderate, warm climate is beneficial.
Adequate exposure to sunlight.
Avoid undue stress.
Diet: - Avoid fats, highly seasoned and salty dishes.

High protein diet (cut down animal protein).

Avoid tea, coffee, alcohol.

Maintain good hygiene.
Hot bath in winter, drying and oiling.
Avoid all factors which trigger psoriasis.
Reduce stress levels through meditation and Yoga.
Do not prick, peel or scratch skin. This may trigger psoriasis.
After bath or wash pat dry the skin. Do not rub the towel vigorously on skin.
Avoid soap. Instead use gram flour (besan flour) as soap dries the skin.
After washing, pat the skin dry, don't irritate it by rubbing vigorously.
Apply moisturizing creams liberally on affected areas after.
Opt for cotton clothes over synthetic ones.
Take a well balanced diet including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and grains.
Apply a moisturizer to lubricate and soften scaly patches of skin.
Take a daily bath in warm water to soak off the scales.
Try deep breathing and relaxation exercise to reduce stress.
Do not take tea, coffee, all animal fats, and processed foods.
Don't scratch or rub patches of thickened skin.
Avoid harsh skin products and lotions that contain alcohol. They may dry the skin and make psoriasis worse.
Keep your towel, clothes separate and clean.

Homeopathic Remedies & Homeopathy Treatment for Psoriasis

REPERTORY

KENT- SKIN- ERUPTIONS- PSORIASIS

BOERICKE- SKIN- PSORIASIS OF

KNERR- SKIN- ERUPTIONS- PSORIASIS

Arsenic.
Ars.iod.
Borex.
Calc.sulph.
Chrysarobinum.
Graph.
Kali.ars.
Kali.brom.
Lyco.
Merc.sol.
Nit.acid.
Petro.
Psorinum.
Sulph.

ARS-ALB.

The appearance of the skin is dry, rough, scaly, dirty and shrivelled. The eruptions are frequently acuminate with excessive scaling. There is severe burning sensation in the eruption which is worse in the evening, at night and by cold application, it is better by warm application. Psoriasis has a tendency to alternate with internal affections.

Great Prostration, with rapid sinking of the vital forces; fainting. The disposition is:

a. Depression, melancholy, despairing, indifferent.

b. Anxious, fearful, restless, full of anguish.

c. Irritable, sensitive, peevish, easily vexed.

The greater the suffering the greater the anguish, restlessness and fear of death. Mentally restless, but physically too weak to move. Indicated by its periodicity and time aggravation: after mid-night, and from 1-2 a.m. And by its intense restlessness, mental and physical: its anxiety and prostration.

ARS-IOD

The psoriasis is characterised by marked exfoliation of skin in large scales leaving an exudating surface beneath it. There is intense burning with itching. The patient scratches violently till it bleeds. The psoriasis is worse in dry cold weather, even though ars-iod is a hot patient, skin symptoms are better by local application of heat.

BORAX

The skin of hands and face is covered with multiple psoriatic eruption. There is furfuraceous peeling off of epidermis. The psoriatic lesions ulcerate easily, especially from slightest injury. Here the psoriasis is worse in warm weather and better in cold weather. There is a sensation of cobweb on the skin. It typically affects individuals who are excessively nervous, frightened easily and sensitive to sudden noise.

Dread of downward motion in nearly all complaints.

CALC-SULPH

The psoriasis eruptions are chiefly located on the scalp, extremities, back. The appearance is scarlet red with lichenification of the surrounding skin. There is severe itching and burning which is worse in warm room, from warm bath and better by cold application and cold bath. Due to presence of secondary infection, the psoriatic eruptions suppurate, which heal with the formation of thick yellow scabs. There may be a greenish-yellow, acrid and offensive discharge.

CHRYSAROBINUM

Psoriatic eruption especially around eyes and ears. There is presence of violent itching with tendency to formation of thick crust. The lesions may get infected and can form an eczematous patch which is associated with acrid, foul smelling, pustular discharge.

GRAPHITES

Folds of the skin. e.g., ears, buttocks, groins, bends of joints are the important site for eruption. The eruptions are absolutely dry with little desquamation and more cracking. The cracks bleed very easily and exude a gluey moisture. The eruptions are typically agg. With local application of heat. The presence of psoriasis in persons who are obese, chilly and constipated. Psoriatic eruption alternating with digestive complaints.

Suited to - Excessive cautiousness; timid, hesitates; unable to decide about anything. Fidgety while sitting at work. Sad, despondent; music makes her weep; thinks of nothing but death.

KALI-ARS

It is one of the most chilly patient to develop psoriasis. The patient is extremely chilly that he wants to warm himself enough even in summer. There is severe sensation of burning in lesion accompanied by intolerable itching which is worse undressing, night, walking, warmth. The eruption tends to be better during monsoon season. It typically affects individuals who are restless, nervous, anaemic and they may have a family or past history of malignant disease.

KALI-BRO

The eruptions are present on chest and back. The causative factor in the above case is ill-effects of worry, loss of business, loss of reputation and embarrassment, or illness of near or dear ones. As kali brom also has an affinity for sexual sphere, ill effects of lascivious fancies, satyriasis or nymphomania, could produce psoriatic eruption. The skin of the patient, is cold and numb to feel. The patient, in general, feels well when he is busy mentally as well as physically.

Adapted to large persons inclined to obesity; acts better in children than in adults. Loss of sensibility, fauces, larynx, urethra, entire body; staggering, uncertain gait; feels as if legs were all over sidewalk. Nervous, restless; cannot sit still, must move about or keep occupied; hands and fingers in constant motion; fidgety hands; twitching of fingers. Fits of uncontrollable weeping and profound melancholic delusions. Loss of memory; forgets how to talk; absent-minded; had to be told the word before he could speak it. Depressed, low-spirited, anxious person.

LYCOPODIUM

The appearance of the skin is dry, thick and indurated. The psoriatic eruptions are full of fissures with little itching and desquamation. The eruption tries to ulcerate early during the course of sickness. It typically affects individuals who grow old prematurely, who are intellectually keen, and who have ill-effects of fear, fright, anxieties, loss of vital fluids. Patient gets a good sense of relief whenever cold applications are applied on the lesion. However one should remember that burning sensation of lycopodium is always better by local application of heat. The psoriasis is associated with urinary, gastric and hepatic disorders.

For persons intellectually keen, but physically weak; upper part of body emaciated, lower part semi-dropsical; predisposed to lung and hepatic affections; especially the extremes of life, children and old people. Deep-seated, progressive, chronic diseases. Pains: aching-pressure, drawing; chiefly right-sided, <. four to eight p.m. affects right side, or pain goes from right to left.

MERC-SOL

The skin has a general tendency to free perspiration, but the patient is not relieved thereby, the skin is always moist. The skin around psoriatic eruptions is excoriated like raw meat. The eruption are prone to early suppuration and ulcerations. There is a sense of itching which is worse at night in bed. Presence of psoriasis in individuals who have history of suppressed gonorrhoea.

Nervous affections after suppressed discharges especially in psoric patients. Glandular and scrofulous affections of children.

NIT. ACID

The skin is dry, eroded and cracked in every angle. Multiple psoriatic eruptions are present with zig-zag and irregular margin. The appearance of the lesion is like raw flesh. The cracks within the lesions ulcerate easily and are extremely sensitive to pain and touch. There may be presence of burrowing pus within the lesion. The skin is extremely unhealthy and may have large jagged warts at various places. There may be itching in the lesions which are worse on undressing. It is suitable for individuals who have yellow discoloration, who are of spare habits and who have a tendency to catch cold or diarrhea. Bad effects of, maltreated syphilis and gonorrhoea.

PETROLEUM

One of the chilly remedies with tendency to develop deep cracks, in angles, nipples, finger tips. Psoriatic eruptions develop in winter season and get aggravated periodically. Early formation of thick, hard, yellowish green crust is the most characteristic symptom. The eruption itches violently and one must scratch until they bleed. The parts become cold after scratching. Psoriatic eruptions typically affect the occiput and the groins. The psoriasis is associated with long lasting and lingering gastric complaints. Psoriasis usually follows after unusual mental strains, fright and grief. Also psoriasis develops after skin diseases are suppressed by local applications.

Adapted to persons with light hair and skin; irritable, quarrelsome disposition; easily offended at trifles; vexed at everything. Ailments: from riding in a carriage, railroad car, or in a ship. Ailments which are worse before and during a thunderstorm. Symptoms appear and disappear rapidly. During sleep or delirium: imagines that one leg is double; that another person lies along side of him in same bed; that there are two babies in the bed. Vertigo on rising; in occiput as if intoxicated; like seasickness.

PSORINUM

The psoriatic eruptions disappears in summer only to occur in winter. The skin is dirty, rough, scabby and greasy. Nape of the neck, scalp, folds of the skin and groins are typically affected. Eruptions itch intolerably which are worse by heat of bed. The patient scratch till it becomes raw and bleeds. It is usually indicated when well related remedies fail to relieve or permanently cure or when sulphur seems indicated but fails to relieve. Psoriatic eruptions developing after maltreated infectious diseases or long lasting grief reactions. The patient is extremely chilly and hungry with foul carrion-like odour.

Especially adapted to the psoric constitution. In chronic cases when well selected remedies fail to relieve or permanently improve; when Sulphur seems indicated but fails to act. Lack of reaction after severe acute diseases. Appetite will not return.

SULPHUR

The skin is dry, rough, wrinkled and scaly. The eruptions break out on almost any part of the body having following characteristics. There is voluptuous violent itching which is aggravated at night, in bed, < scratching and washing. The skin burns whenever the patient scratches. The skin surrounding eruption is excoriated. The psoriasis usually gets worse during spring time and in damp weather. Psoriasis develops after any other skin disease is suppressed by local measures. Psoriasis alternates with various other internal ailments e.g. asthma. It typically affects individuals who are stoop shouldered, unwashed, tall and lean, untidy with offensive body odour. It is to be thought of in chronic and obstinate cases of psoriasis or it should be given after an acute exacerbation of a psoriatic attack to prevent relapse.

Adapted to persons of a scrofulous diathesis, subject to venous congestion; especially of portal system. Persons of nervous temperament, quick motioned, quick tempered, plethoric, skin excessively sensitive to atmospheric changes. For lean, stoop-shouldered persons who walk and sit stooping like old men. Standing is the worst position for sulphur patients; they cannot stand; every standing position is uncomfortable. Dirty, filthy people, prone to skin affections. Aversion to being washed; always <. after a bath.