Psoriasis is a long-lasting autoimmune disease characterized by patches of abnormal skin. These skin patches are typically red, dry, itchy, and scaly. On people with darker skin the patches may be purple in colour. Psoriasis varies in severity from small, localized patches to complete body coverage. Injury to the skin can trigger psoriatic skin changes at that spot, which is known as the Koebner phenomenon.

There are five main types of psoriasis: plaque, guttate, inverse, pustular, and erythrodermic. Plaque psoriasis, also known as psoriasis vulgaris, makes up about 90 percent of cases. It typically presents as red patches with white scales on top. Areas of the body most commonly affected are the back of the forearms, shins, navel area, and scalp. Guttate psoriasis has drop-shaped lesions. Pustular psoriasis presents as small non-infectious pus-filled blisters. Inverse psoriasis forms red patches in skin folds. Erythrodermic psoriasis occurs when the rash becomes very widespread, and can develop from any of the other types. Fingernails and toenails are affected in most people with psoriasis at some point in time. This may include pits in the nails or changes in nail colour.

Psoriasis is generally thought to be a genetic disease that is triggered by environmental factors. In twin studies, identical twins are three times more likely to be affected compared to non-identical twins. This suggests that genetic factors predispose to psoriasis. Symptoms often worsen during winter and with certain medications, such as beta blockers or NSAIDs. Infections and psychological stress can also play a role. Psoriasis is not contagious. The underlying mechanism involves the immune system reacting to skin cells. Diagnosis is typically based on the signs and symptoms.[1]

We use various naturopathic principles to treat the cause and look for the disharmony in your body and mind to bring your body back to balance. Please see below a brief treatment (Rx) protocol and reference guide, with choices to help improve your health and wellbeing. Click on the headings and links within for more treatment information. Listed below are some of my favourite products that have seen excellent results. Each case needs to be assessed and prescribed individually.

Aims of Treatment:

ACUTE

• Reduce TH1 CYTOKINE RESPONSE
• Reduce Type 1 Innate INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE

CHRONIC

• ANTIGEN REDUCTION – INTEGRATED DETOXIFICATION
• BALANCE Th1/Th2 IMMUNE RESPONSE

MAINTENANCE


• • BALANCE Th1/Th2 IMMUNE

RESPONSE

HEEL:

Cutis compositum – for symptomatic relief

Detox Kit – to assist with detoxification and promote the body’s elimination function.

Kit includes: 1 x Reneel

1 x Lymphomyosot N

1 x Nux Vomica-Homaccord

Metabolic Kit – to support cellular respiration pathways

Glyoxal compositum – to assist with intracellular detoxification

Galium Heel – for intracellular detoxification and stimulation of the nonspecific defensive mechanisms of the body