What is Psoriasis?
A common, chronic, non-infectious skin disease characterized by well-defined slightly raised, dry red patches with silvery scales like "peeling of onions", mostly found in areas of the scalp, back of elbows, shin, knees, lower part of the back of the trunk, nails, palms and soles of the feet (in places where the skin is in contact with the bones).

It is found worldwide and is more common among the Indian population. It is chronic, and auto immune in origin. It has its recurrences, more often in the winter season, and is less seen during summer, hence the rashes clear up during the summer season.

The exact cause of it not known, but it can be hereditary. It could also be triggered by undue stress, mental trauma, physical injury, improper digestion etc. on the genetic constitution of the patient.

Transmission of the disease is due to a single "defaulted dominant gene". Eruptions are more often seen at the pressurized and traumatic points.

In psoriasis, the epidermis of the skin is rapidly replaced by scaling in three to four days, which normally takes 28 days. The scales on the psoriatic area appears like "candle crease" and which peeled off can produce pinpoint bleeding known as Auspitz sign. Except in some rare cases there is normally no itching seen in the psoriatic area. Occasionally psoriatic eruptions may appear in scratch areas, called as Koebners phenomenon.

Psoriasis of the nails, thickening of the nail, or separation of he nail. From the nail bed. In psoriasis the face area normally remains unaffected.

Treatment and prognosis

A permanent cure is not really known, due to its dominant gene transmission and auto immune origin. Most of the psoriatic patients are helped with regular treatment. Psoriasis is NOT INFECTIOUS, hence there is no fear of transmitting the infection to others. The life span and general health of the psoriatic patient is generally not affected. The eruptions keep on appearing on and off in one’s lifetime. But one should not give up the treatment (with the treatment physician) till all the eruptions have disappeared. The scares of the eruptions gradually fade off with time.
Since modern medicine has a limited role to play in psoriasis.

Psoriasis is NOT INFECTIOUS, hence there is no fear of transmitting the infection to others. The life span and general health of the psoriatic patient is generally not affected. However, one should not give up the treatment (with the treatment physician) till all the eruptions have disappeared.

Homoeopathy comes to the rescue in most of the cases, not only as a palliative, but as a curative in a vast majority of cases. The following points should be noted:
	The homeopathic treatment should be continued till the last eruption has disappeared.
	The general health of the patient should be maintained by proper constitutional medicines.
	The patient's life should be regulated to avoid undue stress on the mind and body.
	A good sun bath before the onset of the winter season helps greatly in the prevention of a relapse of psoriatic rash.

Dr. John D Rodrigues, Classical Homoeopath is on the Professional Committee of the Health Promotion Trust and can be contacted on 9821173894 /55228505.