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Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an obstinate skin condition in which red patches of various sizes develop on the skin that are covered with dry, silvery scales. Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease that got its name from the Greek word meaning, "itch."

In psoriasis the skin becomes inflamed and red eruptions appear on the surface of the skin that begin to itch excessively. These areas form thickened areas (plaques) that are covered with silvery scales over the reddened lesions. The skin at the joints may crack

Symptoms and Types of psoriasis

Although psoriasis may be almost unnoticeable in its early stages, patients often report an itching and/or burning sensation as the disease progresses.

Types of psoriasis: Psoriasis has many variants. The common ones are as follows:

• Plaque psoriasis is the most common type of the disease and is characterized by raised, thickened patches of red skin covered with silvery-white scales. Its scientific name is psoriasis vulgaris.
• Scalp psoriasis is a common variant of Psoriasis, which is relatively more difficult to treat.
• Pustular psoriasis is characterized by pus-like blisters. Attacks of pustular psoriasis may be triggered by medications, infections, emotional stress, or exposure to certain chemicals. Pustular psoriasis may affect either small or large areas of the body. Psoriasis video shows this variety.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis characterized by intense redness and swelling of a large part of the skin surface, is often accompanied by itching or pain. Erythrodermic psoriasis may be precipitated by severe sunburn, use of oral steroids (such as cortisone), or a drug-related rash.
• Guttate psoriasis is characterized by small, drop-like lesions on the trunk, limbs, and scalp. Guttate psoriasis is most often triggered by bacterial infections (for example, Streptococcus).
• Palmo-planter psoriasis is a common variant of Psoriasis affecting either the palms or soles or palms as well as soles. Palmo-plantar psoriasis is a chronic, recurring condition that affects the palms of hands and soles of feet. Palmo-plantar psoriasis is characterized by appearance of red patches of skin topped with scales typical of psoriasis on the palms and elsewhere on the body. There is thickening and scaling of the skin accompanied with the formation of deep, painful fissures on the palms and soles. It is commonly seen that some substances, such as detergents, washing up liquid and cleaning products, irritate lesions and prevent them from healing. One should be careful not to wash hands too often, and not to use water which is too hot, as this dries the skin. Psoriasis video shows this variety.
• Inverse psoriasis is characterized by smooth red lesions in the folds of the skin like in the folds of the skin near the genitals, under the breasts, or in the armpits. Inverse psoriasis is related to increased sensitivity to friction and sweating and may be painful or itchy.

For the most part people with psoriasis can function normally. Sometimes people experience low self-esteem because psoriasis appears unsightly. Psoriasis is often misunderstood by the public, and this can make social interactions awkward. This may lead to emotional problems such as anxiety, anger, embarrassment, and depression.

Leucoderma / Vitiligo

Vitiligo also known as leucoderma, which simply means white (leuco) skin (derma), i.e. a disorder where the skin loses its normal color. Estimated 1.2% of American and world population, about 8% of Indian and Mexican population suffer with this disorder.

Largely, there are two process at work towards producing Vitiligo.

a. Destruction of melanin (color pigment)

b. Lack of formation of melanin

Both these processes are governed by know, partly known and unknown causes. The probable causes of vitiligo are explained elsewhere on this site. In brief, genetic and immunological factors are considered responsible for vitiligo.

Vitiligo can hardly be called as a disease but a skin-disorder that has more social than medical significance, especially amongst the dark skinned people. Due to destruction of the melanin (pigment) cells due to lesser known processes (largely what is called as an auto-immune disorder) the normal skin starts loosing pigments from various parts of the skin, in a varying speed and extent. Our clinical experience based on the treatment of over 4500 cases, suggests that there is a strong genetic factor in the background of most cases, especially those who have extensive vitiligo or those who have vitiligo affecting the finger-tips, toes, lips or the genitals. The indication of strong genetic factor is observed in the form of family history of one or more of the auto-immune diseases such as vitiligo, diabetes, hypothyroid, alopecia areata, cancer, rheumatoid arthritis or allergies.

Symptoms and spread of Vitiligo

The typical appearance of Vitiligo is a milky white de-pigmented spot or spots. It may vary from a single white spot to multiple spots. The shape too is a variable. In some cases generalized de-pigmentation observed all over the body. It has a tendency to start as a single spot and gradually grow in size and number. It may present with a single or several spots on limbs or abdomen or back and then spreading to other parts of the body.

Some cases showing affection of the mucocutaneous junctions such as finger-tips, corners of the mouth, private parts, around eyes. The spread of the disorder is usually slow and progressive. Symmetrical appearance on both the sides of the body (say, on the legs, hands, etc.) is common. In rare cases one finds vitiligo spreading all over the body.

Spread of vitiligo: The spread of vitiligo is governed by various factors such as 1. Genetic activity 2. Hormonal factors 3. Continued Stress factors 4. Exposure to chemicals, etc. Many patients may start with just a single spot and may not get more spots for many years or for throughout life time. Some patients may show rapid spread, as fast as from one spot to hundreds, in a few months time. It is not possible to predict the pace of spread. Also, some patients may show intermittent spread. It may be noted form experience that those who pace certain body areas affected such a finger tips, are at higher risk of having an aggressive spread; it is not a rule though. Some patients may present with grey hair, suggesting loss of pigment in the hair.

Treatment for Leucoderma / vitiligo

Homeopathy offers proven treatment for the cases of vitiligo which do not have extensive spread.
Homeopathic treatment works in the following manner:

• Controlling the spread of Vitiligo by attempting to correct the immune system
• Enhancing the natural melanocyte formation (melanogenesis)

What does the treatment do? The scientific and documented study shows that the homeopathic treatment helps achieve:

• Enhances melanocyte formation by stimulating the natural process called melanogenesis
• Controls genetic disposition by using miasmatic medicines
• Treats after effects of environmental factors such as exposure to chemicals
• Treats aftereffects of emotional stress which may have triggered the disease process of vitiligo
• Corrects the hormonal imbalance such as Under active thyroid (hypothyroid)
• Helps body cope up with stress and emotional pressures
• Individualistic approach whereby every patient is treated based on one's case

Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a condition where small bead-like patches of inflamed cells -- called granulomas -- show up in the body, usually in the lungs and nearby lymph nodes. Sarcoidosis can also affect other parts of the body, including the muscles, eyes, and skin.

Many people with sarcoidosis may have no symptoms at all. But in others, the condition can cause long-term organ damage. An example is the formation of fiber-like scar tissue in the lung, which can cause breathing problems. Sarcoidosis may develop over time and cause symptoms that last for years, or it may show up and go away quickly.

People who have a variation of sarcoidosis, called Lofgren's syndrome, may have symptoms that include swollen lymph nodes, fever, painful, reddened nodules, and joint pain. Lofgren's syndrome generally tends to clear up on its own within 1 - 2 years.

Sarcoidosis affects more African-Americans than Caucasians in the United States. About 36 in 100,000 African-Americans, while 11 in 100,000 Caucasians have the condition.

Signs and Symptoms:

Many people with sarcoidosis have no symptoms at all.

Some people with pulmonary (lung) sarcoidosis may have the following signs and symptoms:

• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue and weakness
• Weight loss
• Chest pain
• Dry cough
• Enlarged lymph nodes around the lungs

When sarcoidosis affects areas of the body other than the lungs, symptoms can include:

• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Red bumps on arms, face, buttocks
• Fever
• Swelling and pain in the ankles and knees
• Infections of the eye, including pink eye (conjunctivitis)
• Enlarged or inflamed
• Enlarged or inflamed liver

Causes

Researchers don't know exactly what causes sarcoidosis. Some think it's due to an overactive immune system that responds too strongly to an invading organism. Other researchers have proposed that sarcoidosis may be inherited, caused by an infection, or caused by allergens that are breathed in or toxins found in the environment.

Risk Factors

Anyone can develop sarcoidosis, although it's more common among the following:

• People of Scandinavian, Irish, African, or Puerto Rican descent
• People in their 30s or 40s
• Women

Diagnosis

Sarcoidosis can be hard to diagnose. You may have to see several different doctors, including a pulmonologist (lung specialist). To begin, your doctor will rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms, such as rheumatoid arthritis. The following tests may help diagnose the condition:

• Chest x-ray
• Lung function tests
• Biopsy
• Blood tests
• Bronchoscopy -- examines the inside of your lungs
• CT scan, MRI, or other imaging tests
• ECG (electrocardiogram)