A decade of battling with psoriasis finally resolved

44 years Shalaka was suffering from flaky skin all over the body including the palms and soles since 10years. She had tried all sorts of treatment to get rid of the flaky skin but it would get a little better and would remit with more severity every time. Her family life was disturbed because of her flaking as she could not cook fearing the flakes would fall in the food. On advice of her neighbour she then visited a homoeopath. After a detailed case history she was given homoeopathic medicines along with diet instructions. Slowly and steadily her condition improved. The flaking had stopped and the cracks on the palms and soles had resolved completely. She once again took charge of the kitchen and her happiness knew no bounds. She continued taking treatment for almost 5 years and ever since Psoriasis had never recurred.

Psoriasis is a skin condition where the immune system is disturbed which causes the skin cells to multiply 10 times faster than normal skin. Normal skin cycle is of 28days. Every 28days are skin is replaced with a new skin but in a person suffering from Psoriasis the skin is produced rapidly every 3-4days which causes flaking of the skin. Psoriasis most often occurs on the elbows, knees, scalp, face, palms, soles, trunk, chest, abdomen and genital areas.

The exact cause of Psoriasis is unknown but the following factors could aggravate the condition:

• Psoriasis could be aggravated in cold dry weather.
• Infections such as strep-throat could cause scalp psoriasis to aggravate.
• Injuries to the skin caused by scratching the skin can trigger Psoriasis.
• Use of conventional medicines such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or drugs related to anxiety disorders and anti-hypertensive for a long time could aggravate Psoriasis.
• Stress, depression, anxiety can aggravate Psoriasis.

Healing with Homoeopathy

Conventional modes of treatment are based on immunosuppressant. They may clear the skin in a few days to few weeks but it would recur as soon as the effect of the medicine wears off. Homoeopathy helps to stimulate body’s natural healing capacity and restores the deviated immunity back to normalcy. Artificial ultra-violet lights therapies are known to cause burns but homoeopathy has no such side-effects as the medicines are oral medicines. Homoeopathy is non-addictive and can also eliminate the need to consume conventional medicines. Crude medicines contain high amounts of lead, arsenic and mercury which are known to damage the vital organs. Homoeopathic medicines are made from natural substances in potentised form and treat psoriasis gently without damaging the vital organs. Homoeopathy helps to deal with ‘Stress’ more effectively and helps to control the intensity of complaints during seasonal variations. If homoeopathy is considered as a treatment option in the early stages of the disease, then the overall control of the disease in future is much better.

Self Help

To prevent the triggering of psoriasis a good self care regime goes hand in hand with its treatment.

• Keep your skin moist. Use a natural moisturizer which heals and soothes the skin. This should be an important part of one’s self care for psoriasis. Dry skin makes psoriasis itchiness worse than it needs to be.
• Never scrub you’re your skin when you bathe. Friction is a triggering factor for psoriasis. A new patch can appear when psoriasis is in its active phase. So never use a luffa or scrubber when you bathe. Use soaps made from glycerin or cream based soaps which keep the skin moist after you bathe.
• The ultra-violet light in sunlight is a proven treatment for psoriasis, but sunburns can make psoriasis worse. Use a sunscreen with SPF 30 to prevent sunburn damage.
• Quit smoking. People who smoke more than a packet per day were twice likely to have severe psoriasis. The negative effect of smoking is believed to be stronger in women with psoriasis than in men.
• Drink moderately or not at all. Psoriasis is more common in people who drink excess alcohol.
• Consider diet change. Many people with psoriasis have claimed improvement after cutting down on foods such as sugar, refined flour, gluten and caffeine. Consume flaxseeds as they help to reduce the flaking and dryness of the skin. Obesity is known to trigger psoriasis, so weight management is important to prevent psoriasis. Red meat is a big no as it could make the flaking and psoriatic arthritis worse.