Tuesday, August 9, 2011

PSORIASIS - What will you get treated with?


Typical presentation of Psoriasis
  • Is psoriasis really curable? 
  • Can its recurrence be permanently stopped? 
  • Why use homoeopathy for psoriasis? 
  • How is it so that a disease which is termed incurable by the orthodox system of medicine can be cured with homoeopathy?
 These intriguing questions are very commonly faced by homoeopaths all over the world, dealing in skin disorders. 
Firstly, one needs to know that research shows that Homoeopathic medicines work by optimising our defence mechanisms. Psoriasis is a result of an overreaction of an immune response, and homeopathy cures it by optimising the immune over-response. It does not suppress the immune system. So, homoeopathic healing is not a miracle or a lucky exception but a fact of biology; the result of the optimum utilisation of the body?s natural healing system which is curative and non-suppressive in nature.
Secondly, it is important to realise that the statement by the conventional system of medicine that ?psoriasis cannot be permanently cured? is only their own opinion, based according to the results achieved with their treatment.
The safety aspect also strengthens the case for homoeopathic medicines to be used for treating psoriasis. While using them, the patient is not exposed to the risk of toxicity as homeopathic medicines are given in a infinitesimal dose  and side-effects are very uncommon.
Psoriasis is a chronic non-contagious skin disorder. 
It is a common skin condition that causes skin redness and irritation. Most people with psoriasis have thick, red skin with flaky, silver-white patches called scales.
How can someone whose skin is chronically marked with scaly , red patches r lesions not feel stressed? They cant! which explains why the usually lifelong skin disease psoriasis is inextricably linked to stress. 
But, STRESS isnt the by-product  of psoriasis - Its also one of its principal triggers.
COMMON PARTS AFFECTED
  • scalp
  • elbows
  • knees
  • hands
  • feet and 
  • genitals. 

SYMPTOMS
  • present itself with severe itching and physical discomfort. 
  • The skin patches or dots may be:
    1. Itchy
    2. Dry and covered with silver, flaky skin (scales)
    3. Pink-red in color (like the color of salmon)
    4. Raised and thick
  • Although there are many types of psoriasis, the most common type is characterised by raised and thickened red patches covered with silvery scales. 
  • Many skin disorders may portray such symptoms, but three main features which differentiate psoriasis from other skin disorders are: psoriasis has well-defined borders. The surface has silvery scales that easily come off and the skin under the scales has a shiny red appearance

Also, some of  the psoriasis show some changes in their nails .There may be pitting, yellow – pink discoloration or complete loss of nail due to the involvement of nail matrix and nail-bed.
What causes psoriasis?
One of the most important discoveries about psoriasis is that it's more than just a skin disease; it's a chronic inflammatory disorder of the immune system. By understanding how the immune system works, you can learn more about why psoriasis appears and how to better understand what treatment options are available.
How does immune system work?
One of the many ways your immune system protects your body against infection, viruses, and bacteria is through inflammation—the increased flow of blood and immune cells to a threatened part of the body. For example, when you scrape your knee, your skin may swell and turn red. This is because your immune system responds to the injury by sending blood and immune cells to the skin to prevent infection and to begin the healing process. This is known as the inflammatory response.
Psoriasis and Immune system of our body
Psoriasis is a skin disorder caused by the over-reaction of our immune system. 
T-cells (a type of white blood cells) usually protect our body from certain infections and diseases, but in psoriasis they are put into an over-action mode along with other immune responses. 
This immune over-response leads to inflammation and fast production of immature skin cells. Usually, the production of skin cells takes about a month before they mature, but in psoriasis it may occur within 3-4 days. 
One-third of all the cases have a strong family history of psoriasis.
Common medications prescribed in modern medicine :
Cortisone creams and ointments (Immuno-suppressants, steroids) 
Creams / ointments containing coal tar or anthralin
Creams to remove scaling, Anti dandruff shampoos
Oral Steroids helps relieve symptoms
Rarely steroidal injections are advied
STEROID and the IMMUNE SYSTEM :
Steroids work by decreasing inflammation and reducing the activity of the immune system. 
Steroids reduce the production of inflammatory chemicals in order to minimize tissue damage. 
Steroids also reduce the activity of the immune system by affecting the function of white blood cells, leading to side-effects like, Increased appetite, weight gain,Sudden mood swings,Muscle weakness,Blurred vision,Increased growth of body hair,Easy bruising,Lower resistance to infection,Swollen, "puffy" face,Acne,Osteoporosis (bone weakening disease),Worsening of diabetes,High blood pressure,Stomach irritation,Nervousness, restlessness,Having difficulty sleeping,Cataracts or glaucoma.Water retention, swelling to name a few.
Homoeopathy for psoriasis
Homeopathy treats diseases gently, thus not causing any imbalance to your natural health structure. 
It helps correct psoriasis, by correcting the disturbance in ones immune system not not merely suppressing the symptoms. example, if a tap burst out flooding water, you cannot merely hold it from outside to stop the flow. This can burst open anytime. 
Every person is different and so is your body and its response to various disorders!
A very common cause discussed above is STRESS! For anyone who has psoriasis, the circular relationship between the  Stress and Psoriasis complicate things. One needs to break this cycle. Homeopathic prescription after detailed study of the patient helps break this cycle.  
The link between mind and body i well examined and studies of each patient and this is how it differs from other modern medications
Deep constitutional analysis : The history of the disease, the family medical history, physical and mental characteristics of the patient, the likes and dislikes, medication details are all taken into consideration. This approach stands in consonance with the homoeopathic convention,Treat the patient, not the symptom!

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