WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF PSORIASIS ?  

It is thought to be an immune system problem that causes the skin to regenerate at faster than normal rates. In the most common type of psoriasis, known as plaque psoriasis, this rapid turnover of cells results in scales and red patches.

Common psoriasis triggers include

• Stress – emotional and mental 
• Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Infections, such as strep throat or skin infections
• Weather, especially cold, dry conditions, winter 
• Injury such as a cut or scrape, a bug bite, or a severe sunburn 
• Certain medications including lithium, high blood pressure medications and antimalarial drugs
• Rapid withdrawal of oral or systemic corticosteroids

Most common risk factors 

• Stress. Because emotional and mental  stress can impact the  immune system, high stress levels may increase the risk of psoriasis.
• Family history. The condition runs in families. Having one parent with psoriasis increases your risk of getting the disease, and having two parents with psoriasis increases your risk even more.
• Smoking. Smoking tobacco not only increases your risk of psoriasis but also may increase the severity of the       disease.   

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF PSORIASIS ? 

• Plaque psoriasis :- This is the most common form, plaque  causes dry, raised, red skin patches covered with silvery scales. The plaques might be itchy or tender. They usually appear on elbows, knees, lower back and scalp.
• Nail psoriasis :-  can affect fingernails and toenails, causing pitting, abnormal nail growth and discoloration. Psoriatic nails might loosen and separate from the nail bed . Severe cases may cause the nail to crumble.
• Guttate psoriasis :-  This type primarily affects young adults and children. It’s usually triggered by a bacterial infection such as strep throat. It’s marked by small, drop-shaped, scaling lesions on the trunk, arms or legs.
• Inverse psoriasis:- This mainly affects the skin folds of the groin, buttocks and breasts. Inverse psoriasis causes smooth patches of red skin that worsen with friction and sweating. Fungal infections may trigger this type 
• Pustular psoriasis :- This rare form  causes clearly defined pus filled lesions that occur in widespread patches (generalised pustular psoriasis) or in smaller areas on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis :- The least common type erythrodermic  can cover the entire body with a red, peeling rash that can itch or burn intensely.
• Psoriatic arthritis:- Psoriatic arthritis causes swollen, painful joints that are typical of arthritis. Sometimes the joint symptoms are the first or only symptom or sign of psoriasis. And at times only nail changes are seen. Symptoms range from mild to severe, and psoriatic arthritis can affect any joint. It can cause stiffness and progressive joint damage that in the most serious cases may lead to permanent joint damage.  

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PSORIASIS ?

• Red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales
• Dry, cracked skin that may bleed or itch
• Itching, burning or soreness
• Thickened, pitted or ridged nails
• Swollen and stiff joints

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF PSORIASIS? 

• Mental health conditions, such as low self-esteem and depression.
• Psoriatic arthritis .
• Eye conditions, such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis. 
• Obesity.
• Type 2 diabetes.
• High blood pressure.
• Cardiovascular disease.
• Other autoimmune diseases, such as celiac disease.
• sclerosis and the inflammatory bowel disease called Crohn’s disease.  

SCOPE OF HOMEOPATHY  

Homeopathy is a safe and reliable method of treatment for Psoriasis. It uses natural medicine, which is free from side-effects, and a majority of cases can be treated with these remedies.They can be used by people of all age groups. They work by moderating the overactive immune system. The initial aim is to manage the itching and burning sensation in the eruptions. In addition, healing of the current eruptions takes place along with the prevention of further spread of eruptions. Homeopathic medicines also are very beneficial for treating joint pains that are linked with Psoriasis.