Psoriasis is a skin disease in which life cycle of skin cells is altered. Under normal, circumstances new cells take about a month to rise from the lowest skin layer from where they originate, to the outermost layer where they die. This month long cycle is fastened in psoriasis. The entire life cycle takes only few days as compared to a month in normal circumstances. As a result, cells are developed rapidly, which forms thick silvery scales and itchy, dry, red patches on the skin which are sometimes painful. Psoriasis is a chronic disease. There may be periods when the psoriasis symptoms decrease or go into remission. This phase of improvement alternates with times when psoriasis becomes worse. Research indicates that the disease may result from a disorder in the immune system. The immune system makes white blood cells that protect the body from infection. In psoriasis, the T cells (a type of white blood cell) abnormally trigger inflammation in the skin. These T cells also cause skin cells to grow faster than normal and to pile up in raised patches on the outer surface of the skin. Those with a family history of psoriasis have an increased chance of having the disease. Some people carry genes that make them more likely to develop psoriasis. When both parents have psoriasis, the child may have a 50% chance of developing psoriasis. About one third of those with psoriasis have at least one family member with the disease.

Certain factors may trigger psoriasis.

• Injury to the skin

• Sunlight

• Streptococcal infections

Psoriasis symptoms can vary from person to person but may include one or more of the following:

• Red patches of skin covered with silvery scales

• Dry, cracked skin with bleeding spots

• Thickened, ridged nails

• Itching and burning

• Small scaling spots

• Swollen and stiff joints

Several types of psoriasis exist. These include:

• Plaque psoriasis

• Nail psoriasis

• Scalp psoriasis

• Guttate psoriasis

• Inverse psoriasis

• Pustular psoriasis

• Erythrodermic psoriasis

• Psoriatic arthritis

Perhaps the most significant risk factor for psoriasis is having a family history of the disease. About one in three people with psoriasis has a close relative who also has the condition. On the other hand, roughly the same proportion of people carries genes that have been linked to psoriasis yet never develop skin problems, indicating just how complex and perplexing psoriasis is.

Other psoriasis risk factors include:

• Positive family history

• Other medical conditions like HIV, History of recurrent infections in children

• Stress.

• Obesity.

• Smoking.

Self-help measures can give some relief in symptoms: These measures may benefit you:

• Take daily baths.

• Cover the affected areas overnight.

• Use moisturizer.

• Avoid drinking alcohol.

• Expose your skin to small amounts of sunlight.

• Avoid psoriasis triggers, if possible.

Coping with psoriasis can be a challenge, especially if the disease covers large areas of our body or is in places readily seen by other people, such as our face or hands.

How to cope with psoriasis?

• Get total information on your psoriasis

• Follow proper treatment suggested by your doctor.

• Try to cover your patches whenever

Role of Homeopathy in Psoriasis:
Homeopathy has proved its effectiveness in the treatment of psoriasis by giving positive results in millions of cases. We have experienced dramatic results in most resistant cases of psoriasis. Homeopathy helps in cases of psoriasis by correcting immune system and altering the mechanism of increased cell production. There is no need for applying any local skin lotions or steroid preparations for psoriasis while you are on homeopathic treatment. Homeopathic treatment effectively cures psoriasis and also prevents other complication of psoriasis like arthritis. As homeopathic treatment is safe without any side effects you can save your self from dangerous side effects of long term use of steroids and other immune suppressants used in the treatment of psoriasis.