Psoriasis

The very common skin disease known as psoriasis usually starts in adult life and is very chronic, recurring over a period of many years at irregular intervals. The cause of the condition is unknown, but in many cases there is a strong familial factor. Especially where it occurs on exposed areas of the skin, psoriasis can be a source of great unhappiness.

Features of the eruption

• The sites characteristically affected are the extensor aspects of the elbows and knees, the scalp and the trunk. The hands, particularly the nails, may also be affected, but rarely the face.
• The typical lesion is a red papular eruption surrounded by scales which when scraped off have a silvery colour. The lesions are dry and infection rarely develops. Itching is not a feature.
• The extent of the lesions varies considerably, from a small patch on a knee or elbow to large confluent patches covering large areas. The patches often have a circular ringed outline.
• Psoriasis of the nails causes deep pitting in some cases, whilst in others it causes separation of the nails from the nail beds, the nail ultimately breaking off.

Chronic psoriasis is sometimes associated with arthritis involving the distal inter-phalangeal joints of the fingers and the sacro-iliac joints.

Treatment

The presence of psoriasis on exposed areas of the skin in a source of social embarrassment, especially when shedding of scales occurs. It should be emphasized that psoriasis is not contagious and that the lesions can disappear. An active life is to be encouraged, though during an acute phase with extensive lesions, a period of bed rest may be beneficial.

Various applications may be used on the skin to assist the patient, though they may must be used sparingly because of the danger of causing secondary skin infection [pustular psoriasis.]

Allopathic, Methotrexate is an immunosuppressive drug which can inhibit the formation of psoriasis and can be administered orally or by intravenous or intramuscular injection. Although it can be very effective in severe cases, it can lead to toxic effects on the liver.

Homoeopathic treatment

Medicine to assist the psoriasis and assist with the discomfort of the skin together with creams made, to apply to infected areas. Isotherapy medication is also a consideration.