Plaque Psoriasis (Psoriasis Vulgaris)

What is Plaque Psoriasis (Psoriasis Vulgaris)

In homeopathy, Plaque Psoriasis is understood as a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune skin disorder where the vital force (inner energy) becomes deranged — often due to suppressed emotions, stress, heredity, or suppression of other skin eruptions.
This inner disturbance expresses itself externally as thick, raised, red patches (plaques) covered with silvery-white scales — the body’s way of eliminating internal disorder through the skin.

Causes

1. Immune Dysfunction The body’s defense system starts attacking its own skin cells, leading to rapid skin cell turnover (almost 10x faster than normal).
2. Genetic Factors If parents or close relatives have psoriasis, there’s a higher chance of developing it.
3. Emotional Triggers Stress, anger, anxiety, or prolonged worry disturb the mind and body balance — often triggering flare-ups.
4. Environmental Factors Cold or dry climate, skin injury, infections, and excessive exposure to sunlight.
5. Lifestyle Causes Smoking, alcohol, lack of sleep, irregular eating, or junk food can worsen psoriasis.
6. Suppression Use of chemical ointments, steroids, or strong allopathic creams may suppress the eruption temporarily but push the disease deeper.

Symptoms

Thick, red, raised patches (plaques) on the skin, often covered with silvery scales

Common sites: elbows, knees, scalp, lower back
Itching, burning, or mild pain in the affected areas
Cracked skin, sometimes bleeding when scratched
Dryness and tightness of skin
During flare-ups, the patches increase in size and may merge
May worsen in winter, stress, or after infections

Homeopathic Understanding

Plaque psoriasis is not just a skin disorder — it reflects a constitutional imbalance or miasmatic influence (often psoric-sycotic).
The goal in homeopathy is to restore balance in the vital force, not to suppress eruptions.
When treated constitutionally, skin clears gradually, and overall well-being (mind, digestion, immunity) improves simultaneously.

Commonly Indicated Homeopathic Remedies

(Selected according to the totality of symptoms — not just the skin)

Remedy Indications

Arsenicum Album Dry, scaly, burning eruptions that worsen at night and from cold; patient is anxious, restless, and perfectionist.
Graphites Thick, cracked, oozing eruptions with sticky discharge; worse in folds (behind ears, knees); suited to obese, chilly patients.
Sulphur Dirty-looking skin, excessive itching and burning, worse from heat or in bed; philosophical but lazy temperament.
Petroleum Dry, cracked skin, especially in winter; bleeding after scratching; worse from cold weather.
Lycopodium Psoriasis on elbows and knees with digestive weakness and bloating; patient is confident outwardly but lacks self-esteem.
Natrum Muriaticum After grief or emotional upset; dry eruptions, especially along hairline and joints.
Sepia Psoriasis linked with hormonal imbalance (menstrual irregularities); indifference to family; better with exercise.

(Note: Remedy selection is individualized after a detailed case-taking.)

Precautions & Lifestyle Guidance

Avoid scratching — it worsens scaling and may cause infection.
Apply natural moisturizers (coconut oil, aloe vera, olive oil).
Take a lukewarm bath; avoid very hot water.
Eat light, anti-inflammatory diet — include fruits, green vegetables, flaxseeds, turmeric, and omega-3s.
Avoid alcohol, smoking, red meat, and processed foods.
Manage stress — practice meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
Maintain regular sleep and hydration.

Role of Homeopathy in Plaque Psoriasis

Works from inside out, balancing the immune system and vital force.
Gradually reduces itching, scaling, and recurrence.
Improves skin health without harmful side effects or suppression.
Aims for long-term remission rather than short-term relief.