Psoriasis - Overview

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis disease is an autoimmune condition that causes cells to build-up rapidly on the surface of the skin. The extra skin cells form scales and red patches that are often associated with itching and flaking. Psoriasis symptoms usually occur on the scalp (scalp psoriasis), elbows, knees, lower back and genitals. In some cases, psoriasis can also affect fingernails.

Psoriasis disease is not contagious and in most people, the rash is limited to a few patches of skin. In severe cases, it can cover large areas of the body. The main goal of an effective psoriasis treatment should therefore be to stop the skin cells from growing rapidly and avoid build-up.

Causes

Skin psoriasis is a chronic disease wherein the cells of the immune system of the body mistakenly attack the body’s own skin cells. Normally, the skin cells are replaced every 28 to 30 days but in case of psoriasis disease, new cells grow and build-up on the surface of the skin every 3 to 4 days. This rapid build-up of new cells creates silvery scales of psoriasis on the skin. Some of the factors that are believed to trigger psoriasis disease are:

Extreme stress
Infections like strep throat (a bacterial infection that causes inflammation and pain in the throat) or skin infections
Cold and dry weather
Friction and injuries to the skin
Excessive intake of alcohol and smoking

Symptoms

Some of the common psoriasis symptoms are:

Red, raised and inflamed patches of skin
Whitish-silver scaly skin or plaques covering the patches (plaque psoriasis)
Soreness around the patches
Dry skin that may crack and bleed
Itching and burning sensation
Thick and pitted nails
Painful and swollen joints

Complications

Psoriasis skin disease can take a toll on physical as well as psychological health. According to a survey conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, it has been found that people with skin psoriasis experience higher rates of depression and anxiety. These people are also found to be twice as likely to have thoughts of suicide as compared to those without psoriasis disease.

Psoriasis has also been linked to a higher risk of psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and eye conditions like conjunctivitis.

Diagnosis

At Dr Batra’s™, our homeopathic doctors can diagnose psoriasis disease based on the visible signs and symptoms. They take into account the patient’s medical history and conduct a detailed examination of the lesions. Dr Batra’s™ homeopathic clinics use India’s first 3-D imaging device for accurate analysis and evaluation of the patient’s skin condition. Based on an advanced optical technology developed by scientists in Dublin, this 3-D imaging device captures the condition up to 10 mm below the surface of the skin. This state-of-the-art technology helps to diagnose the problem at least 12 weeks in advance, even before visible symptoms.

Snapshot of a 3D analysis report for psoriasis ~

Prevention

Mentioned below are some steps to help improve psoriasis outbreaks and symptoms:

Avoid scrubbing the affected skin while bathing
Use a natural moisturizer which soothes the skin and keeps it hydrated
Use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 to prevent sunburn
Avoid using harsh soaps and detergents
Wear loose clothing to lessen the friction
Shower immediately after you finish exercising to avoid build-up of sweat

Homeopathic Treatment for psoriasis disease

Homeopathy offers long-lasting psoriasis treatment without any side-effects. Homeopathic medicine helps build the immunity of the patient, resulting in better management of psoriasis. It also takes into account precipitating factors like infections and stress that can flare up psoriasis disease. Psoriasis treatment in homeopathy also controls the further progression of the disease and reduces the chances of complications.

Case Study

Sumeet Kumar was only 16 years old when he was diagnosed with psoriasis disease. He had red, raised and thick, scaly skin all over his body. Being under constant stress due to his family matters and psoriasis; it became difficult for him to lead his day-to-day life with normalcy. To know more about how Sumeet’s skin was cleared of eruptions, Read More

Psoriasis in family? You can prevent it with Geno Homeopathy.

At Dr Batra’s™, we can predict the occurrence of psoriasis skin disease years before it actually appears with the help of Geno Homeopathy. This test is carried out through a simple saliva test that not only helps us predict the probability of getting psoriasis but also helps in treating the root cause. It reduces the chances of occurrence of psoriasis disease through preventive homeopathic medicine, appropriate diet and necessary lifestyle changes. Since the diagnosis of Geno Homeopathy is based on individualized genetic predisposition, it is, therefore, the most individualized and customized psoriasis treatment in homeopathy.

Snapshot of a genetic test report for psoriasis ~

FAQs

Is psoriasis a serious disease?

According to a research paper published by the International Federation Of Psoriasis Associations, psoriasis skin disease has an overwhelming impact on the patient. The study states that people with psoriasis are at an increased risk for other inflammatory diseases, such as psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, hypertension, lupus, and obesity. These complications can even result in early death.

Where does Psoriasis usually start?

It can appear anywhere on your body, but it often appears in areas like elbows, knees, lower back and scalp.

What diseases are linked to psoriasis?

A study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information has shown that people with psoriasis are at an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, cancer, anxiety, depression and inflammatory bowel disease.

What does psoriasis look like on your skin?

Psoriasis usually appears as red plaques of raised, thick and scaly skin. However, it can also appear as small flat bumps and commonly affect the elbows, knees and scalp.

Is psoriasis of the skin contagious?

Psoriasis skin is not contagious and can’t spread from one person to the other. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that can be caused due to several factors like stress, genetics, cold weather and friction.