OVERVIEW:
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition which leads to rapid buildup of skin cells causing scales on the skin surfaces.
Psoriatic scales are silvery in appearance which develops in thick, red patches and at times these patches tend to crack and bleed.
Normally, the life cycle of skin is around 28-30 days. But, in people suffering from psoriasis the production of skin cells fasten up and may occur in just 2-4 days. As a result, there is rapid overproduction which leads to the buildup of skin cells.
The commonest sites of scaling are found over knee and elbow joints. Other than that psoriasis lesions may be found on any part of the body. Psoriasis is commonly associated with conditions like TYPE 2 DIABETES, INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE, HEART DISEASE, PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION.
TYPES OF PSORIASIS
There are 5 types of Psoriasis:
PLAQUE PSORIASIS which causes red, inflamed patches, often covered with whitish-silvery scales or plaques. They are commonly found on elbows, knees, scalp
GUTTATE PSORIASIS which causes small red guttate spots and are commonly found on torso, upper and lower limbs.
PUSTULAR PSORIASIS lesions are commonly found in adults which causes pus-filled blisters along with broad areas of red and inflamed skin.
INVERSE PSORIASIS which causes shiny , red inflamed lesions on the under arms, breasts, groins, around the genitals
ERYTHRODERMIC PSORIASIS is the most severe form which often covers large sections of the body. Skin is often found to be sun burnt and large sections of scales tend to slough off.
CAUSES OF PSORIASIS
Since psoriasis is an Auto-Immune condition exact cause is not known.
However, the followings may act as triggering factors:
· STRESS
· ALCOHOL
· INJURY
· MEDICATIONS like anti-malarials, certain hypertensive drugs and NSAID’s
MANAGEMENT OF PSORIASIS
Since psoriatic lesions are mostly dry and tend to flare up in dry climates, the 1st line of recommended management is TO MOISTURISE YOUR SKIN REGULARLY.
Certain life style and Dietary changes can help like
· Indulge yourself in weight management program if you are overweight
· Restrict intake of saturated fats like meats and dairy and increase intake of omega- 3 fatty acids such as FLAX SEEDS, WALNUTS
· Consider taking VITAMINS in form of pills and VITAMIN RICH DIET.
FOODS TO AVOID
Certain food items may cause increase in inflammation of psoriasis
· RED MEAT
· REFINED SUGAR
· PROCESSED FOODS
· ALCOHOL consumption can increase the flare up of psoriasis
DE-STRESS yourself by MEDITATION, TRAVELLING, DEEP BREATHING, YOGA.
HOMEOPATHY AND PSORIASIS:
Since Homeopathy medicines have been found to be effective in improving the immune response of the body, it is found to be very effective form of treatment of Psoriasis.
Here are some common Homeopathy medicines which are used in treatment of Psoriasis
· SEPIA
· ARESENICUM ALBUM
· GRAPHITES
· MEZEREUM
· SULPHUR
· PETROLEUM
· CALCAREA CARBONICA
· STAPHYSAGRIA
· RHUS TOXICODENDRON
· MERCURIUS SOLUBILIS
NATURAL REMEDIES
· TURMERIC is an known anti-inflammatory agent thus, helps in reducing severity of Psoriasis
· APPLE CIDER VINEGAR is found to reduce itchiness on scalp
· TEA TREE OIL helps in reducing inflammation of psoriasis
· EARLY MORNING SUNSHINE acts as a form of UV-light therapy and reduces scaling
· FISH OIL is rich in Omega 3 Fatty acids which helps in reducing inflammation
Lastly, the most essential point that needs the people of the society to be educated with is that PSORIASIS IS A NON-CONTAGIOUS Condition