Psoriasis & Eczema that worsen in winters

Although winters are a big relief from the scorching heat that we face in this part of the country, cold weather brings its own set of miseries. Some skin disorders tend to increase in winters. Psoriasis and eczema are two of the kind.  Many patients with Psoriasis and Eczema see a drastic increase in the cold weather. It is not necessary that all cases of psoriasis and eczema aggravate in winters, some case just behave the opposite – they aggravate in summers. Cold weather related flare ups can range from mild to severe. Also in some cases these skin disorders may appear only in winters, having summers as a totally symptom free period. Homeopathy Medicines can provide an effective treatment against these cold weather flare ups of psoriasis and eczema. Along with the symptomatic relief, homeo- medicines also ensure a gradual eradication of the disease from the body.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin problem. Psoriasis is commonly depicted by Skin lesions in the form of patches which are red at the base and are covered by silvery scales. Such shiny silvery scales are very typical of psoriasis. Itching is a common symptom of psoriasis. Cracks and cuts in the skin are also a part of psoriasis. The extent to which Psoriasis can affect an individual can range from very small patches to nearly the whole body being involved.  Nails of fingers and toes also do get affected.

Our skin is formed of tiny mature cells. They usually take about a month to mature and to show up at the surface of the skin; but in psoriasis the cells are pushed to the surface at a much faster speed. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder. This means that defense cells that protect our body from infections, start attacking the skin which leads to inflammation on the skin and also the production of immature skin cells.  These are pushed to the surface of the skin. These cells then show up as silvery scales on the skin. Psoriasis generally has a strong family inheritance and about a third of them have a close relative suffering from it.

Eczema (Dermatitis) is inflammation of the upper layers of the skin, which leads to itching, blisters, redness, swelling, and often oozing, scabbing, and scaling on the skin. Some forms of eczema like Seborrhic Dermatitis and Atopic dermatitis (commonly found in small children) tend to aggravate in when skin gets dry.

Psoriasis and the above mentioned forms of eczema, have a tendency to increase in winters. This is usually due to the fact that cold weather causes drying of the skin. Indoor heating can further deplete the skin of the moisture leading to an increase in the symptoms of psoriasis and eczema.

Homeopathy has a very effective solution for psoriasis and Eczemas that aggravates during cold weather .There are specific medicines in homeopathy that are there specially for treating winter flare-ups. One such Homeopathic medicine ‘Petroleum’ requires a special mention here for its effectiveness in treating skin problems that aggravate in winters. Not only do Homeo medicines treat the ‘winter increase’ in psoriasis but also help in stopping the recurrence of psoriasis and Eczemas, they help in permanently eradicating the disorder from the body.  Please note that the above mentioned medicine should not be used without a professional help.

The author is a Chandigarh based Homeopath. Email  vikas@drhomeo.com