Homoeopathy in the management of Psoriasis

Dr Smrity Bhatia

Psoriasis is a constitutional, non contagious disease of the skin, characterized by reddish thickened patches  covered with whitish or yellowish white mother of pearl colored  scales.

Synonyms – Lepra vulgaris , Alphos, Dry or  scaly tetter¹ 

Risk factors- A combination of elements, including genetic predisposition and environmental factors, are involved². 

Symptoms ³

• Erythrodermic psoriasis

Psoriasis signs and symptoms are different for everyone. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales
• Small scaling spots (commonly seen in children)
• Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
• Itching, burning or soreness
• Thickened, pitted or ridged nails
• Swollen and stiff joints

Psoriasis patches can range from a few spots of dandruff-like scaling to major eruptions that cover large areas. Most types of psoriasis go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months, then subsiding for a time or even going into complete remission.There are several types of psoriasis. These include:

• Plaque psoriasis. The most common form, plaque psoriasis causes dry, raised, red skin lesions (plaques) covered with silvery scales. The plaques might be itchy or painful and there may be few or many. They can occur anywhere on your body, including your genitals and the soft tissue inside your mouth.
• Nail psoriasis. Psoriasis can affect fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, abnormal nail growth and discoloration. Psoriatic nails might loosen and separate from the nail bed (onycholysis). Severe cases may cause the nail to crumble.
• Guttate psoriasis. This type primarily affects young adults and children. It’s usually triggered by a bacterial infection such as strep throat. It’s marked by small, water-drop-shaped, scaling lesions on your trunk, arms, legs and scalp.

The lesions are covered by a fine scale and aren’t as thick as typical plaques are. You may have a single outbreak that goes away on its own, or you may have repeated episodes.

• Inverse psoriasis. This mainly affects the skin in the armpits, in the groin, under the breasts and around the genitals. Inverse psoriasis causes smooth patches of red, inflamed skin that worsen with friction and sweating. Fungal infections may trigger this type of psoriasis.
• Pustular psoriasis. This uncommon form of psoriasis can occur in widespread patches (generalized pustular psoriasis) or in smaller areas on your hands, feet or fingertips.

It generally develops quickly, with pus-filled blisters appearing just hours after your skin becomes red and tender. The blisters may come and go frequently. Generalized pustular psoriasis can also cause fever, chills, severe itching and diarrhea.

• Erythrodermic psoriasis. The least common type of psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis can cover your entire body with a red, peeling rash that can itch or burn intensely.

Homoeopathic Management¹–

Ammonium carb – White pea sized spots upon the cheek, which continually exfoliate. Skin very      sensitive to cold. Aversion to being washed. In weak nervous individuals.

Arsenicum alb. –Skin dry and scaly. Great restlessness with weaskness and prostration. Burning itching. Oppression of breathing. Aggravated by eating fruit, ice cream,etc.

Arsenicum iodide- Dry scaly burning itching eruptionon various parts. Persistent itching on the back. In obstinate cases.

Calcarea carb – Scurfy spots on the leg. Burning and itchintg. Skin cracks. Profuse sweat from the slightest exertion. Large abdomen. Blue eyes, blonde hair, fair skin.

Fluoric acid – Roughness on the forhead like a rough line with its convexity upwards. Reddish spots above the eyebrows.

Desquamation on the eyebrows. Nails brittle,edges bent in.

Hydocotyle- Circular spots with slightly raised scaly edges.

Iris versicolor – irregular psoriatic patches on the knees and elbows, covered with shining scales.skin fissured. Manganum- in inveterate cases

Mercurius-  Psoriasis of the hands. Psoriasis in spots all over the body. Scaling off and exfoliation of the finger nails. The scalp is painful to the touch. Easy perspiration without relief.

Mezereum – scurf like scales on the back, chest, scalp, and thighs. Roughness and scaling here and there. Pruritus increased by scratching or when undressing.

Muriatic acid- Psoriasis of hands. Great sensitiveness to damp weather.

Natrum mur. – thin whitish scales, which when removed leave the skin slightly reddened.

Petroleum – Skin of the hands cracked and rough. Unhealthy skin. Aversion to the open air. Extreme sensitiveness to slight touch. Falling off of the hair .

Phosphorus – psoriasis of the arms and hands, and on the knees at night in bed. Falling out of the hair in large bunches. Dry cough with soreness in the chest.

Phytolacca- surface of the skin shrunken and of a leaden color, squamous eruption. Rheumatic pains in the extremities.

Selenium- dry scaly eruption on the palms of the hands,with slight itching.

Sepia- psoriasis on the face. Red roughness of the skin. Falling off the hair & During pregnancy and nursing . dark complexioned individuals.

Silicea- Elevated scurfy spots near the coccyx. Small white scales on the face and neck. White spots on the cheeks .brittleness of nails.

Teucrium- Psoriasis on the index finger of the right hand.                                         

References 

• 1. Kippax R.John Handbook of Diseases of the skin and their Homoeopathic treatment.5^th ed. New Delhi: B. Jain Publishers; (P) Ltd.,1994.
  2. Psoriasis Treatment Causes, pictures,Symptoms, types& diet.[Internet]2018[cited 2018 Aug 23^rd]Available at-  https://www.medicinenet.com/psoriasis/article.html 28 Aug 2018

• 3. Psoriasis-Symptoms and signs [Internet]2018 [cited 2018 Aug 24^th]. Available at- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/symptoms…/syc-20355840

Dr Smrity Bhatia
PG Scholar
Dr. M.P.K. Homoeopathic Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre under Homoeopathy University , Saipura (sanganer ) Jaipur   302029
Email id – bhatiasmritydr@gmail.com