Psoriasis is a skin condition characterized by red patches on the skin covered with scales/ flakes. It is an autoimmune disease that means the immune cells start to damage the healthy skin out of a misdirected response. Psoriasis can affect any area of the skin including hands. Palms of the hands, back of hands, fingers, knuckles and nails may get affected in case of hand psoriasis. The skin patches can be itchy, painful and can be attended with swelling.

Dryness and cracks may also occur on the hands that may bleed sometimes. Skin peeling or skin thickening may also be noticed. In some cases, fluid-filled bumps (blisters) or pus-filled bumps (pustules) can form on the hands. Discomfort may be felt while using hands due to these signs and symptoms. When nails are affected, discoloration of nails occurs. Nails become dark in color — yellowish brown or yellowish red. The other signs can be the thickening of nails, pits on the nails, crumbling of nails and separation of nail from the nail bed. Persons having psoriasis are also at risk of arthritis (joint inflammation) known as psoriatic arthritis.

Homeopathic medicines can treat cases of hand psoriasis naturally. Homeopathy is a holistic mode of treatment to address skin issues including psoriasis and its medicines aim at moderating the immune system to bring natural recovery. They treat hand psoriasis safely and effectively with zero side effects. Homeopathic medicines help in managing signs and symptoms of hand psoriasis like dry patches with scales, cracks on skin, eruptions on skin, itching, pain, oozing fluid/bleeding from eruptions. These are also helpful in managing nail psoriasis. They also work wonderfully in cases of psoriatic arthritis.

Homeopathic medicines optimise the overactive immune system in cases of hand psoriasis to provide excellent results. In this way, it aims to cure this complaint rather than suppress it for temporary relief. As the problem is not suppressed, the future outbreaks of this condition in a harsher way is prevented to a great degree. It is effective for acute as well as chronic cases of hand psoriasis. The results vary from case to case as per the case severity and individual response to homeopathic medication. For effective outcomes, it is recommended to follow a complete course of treatment for a time duration as guided by a homeopathic physician.

There are numerous medicines for treating hand psoriasis in homeopathy and in every case, the most suitable medicine has to be selected after detailed analysis of the case. This individualized medication promotes long term healing from within.  It is advised to take any homeopathic medicine after consulting a homeopathic physician and avoid self–medication in any case.

Homeopathy is a gentle healing mode for complaint of psoriasis. Homeopathic medicines are highly diluted non-toxic medicines without any harmful effects. They work in the most gentle and harmless manner for effective recovery. It does not have any harsh side effects, unlike the conventional mode of treating skin issues.

Top 8 Homeopathic Medicines For Hand Psoriasis

The top recommended homeopathic medicines for hand psoriasis are Petroleum, Graphites, Arsenic Album, Rhus Tox, Sulphur, Malandrium, Sarsaparilla and Antimonium Crudum.

1. Petroleum – Top Remedy

Among the different homeopathic medicines for hand psoriasis, petroleum tops the list. The leading symptom guiding its use is rough skin with cuts and cracks on the palms of hands. The cuts and cracks can be quite deep. They have a tendency to bleed at times. There is intense itching and burning on the hand that hinders work done with hands. Roughness and cracks are also marked on the finger tips. Besides, it is also indicated when thick crusts form on the hands. This medicine is also the topmost medicine for psoriasis that gets worse in winters.

When to use Petroleum?

Petroleum should be considered to manage cases of hand psoriasis with marked roughness of skin and cuts, cracks on palms that can bleed as well. Also its use should be preferred for hand psoriasis getting worse in winters.

How to use Petroleum?

It is advised to take this medicine in 30C potency once a day.

2. Graphites – For Hand and Nail Psoriasis

Graphites is the next most beneficial medicine for psoriasis on hands and nails. It is firstly indicated for cases where there is hard and cracked skin on the palms. Secondly, it is of great help when tiny eruptions filled with fluid (blisters) develop on the skin. These blisters tend to ooze out a sticky, gluey discharge. Besides, it can be used where nails are involved. This medicine is indicated when nails get thick, rough and blackish. They may turn brittle and crumble (break into small pieces). The nails get deformed. Nails become painful and tender to touch.

When to use Graphites?

This medicine is recommended to deal with hand psoriasis with hard, cracked skin and when blisters with sticky fluid discharge are present. Its use is also advised for psoriasis of nails with thick, rough, blackish nails that break easily.

How to use Graphites?                  

Various potencies are available for this medicine among which 3X potency is highly effective. Graphites 3X can be used once or twice a day.

3. Arsenic Album – With Scale Formation

This medicine is well-indicated for psoriasis with scales. Dry rough patches appear on the hands covered with scales. Itching and burning is felt in these patches. Cold tends to worsen itching and warm applications help to relieve it. It is also useful when nails are discoloured. Affected nails are blackish and tend to crumble.

When to use Arsenic Album?

Arsenic Album suits well cases of hand psoriasis with dry rough patches on hands covered with scales.

How to use Arsenic Album?

One may take this medicine once a day in 30C power.

4. Rhus Tox – When Back Of Hands Are Affected

Rhus Tox is a highly suitable medicine for psoriasis covering the back of hands. The affected skin is hard and rough. It is also cracked. There may be peeling of the skin. The hands have heated sensation on the backside. Intense itching is felt on the affected area on hands. This medicine can also be considered in cases where joint inflammation is present along with pain, swelling and stiffness of joints.

When to use Rhus Tox?

This medicine works well for cases when psoriasis affects the back of hands with hard, rough cracked skin with peeling of skin at times.

How to use Rhus Tox?

Rhus Tox can be used in different potencies from low to high but initially it is advised to use it in 30C potency once or twice a day.

5. Sulphur – With Marked Itching and Burning

Sulphur is a prominent medicine to manage hand psoriasis cases with marked itching and burning. In cases needing it, the skin in the hands is dry and hard. Cuts and cracks form on the  palms and on joints and between fingers. These are painful to touch. Excessive itching is felt especially when hands get warm. Scratching makes itching better but it is followed by a burning sensation.  Sometimes bleeding occurs. It is also helpful for cases where dry scaly eruptions or vesicular (fluid-filled) eruptions form on the back of the hand.  Excessive sweating on palms may be noticed.

When to use Sulphur?

Sulphur is the best choice of medicine for hand psoriasis with itching and burning sensation.

How to use Sulphur?

Initially this medicine can be used in 30C potency once a week.

6. Malandrium – For Cracks On Hands Worse In Winters

Like petroleum, Malandrium is also indicated when cracks appear on the hands which get worse in winters. Hands become dry. Scaling appears, itching may be felt in the cracks. Washing hands increases the problem.

When to use Malandrium?

Malandrium is a well-indicated medicine to manage hand psoriasis with dry, cracked skin that gets worse in winters.

How to use Malandrium?

This medicine can be taken once or twice in a week.

7. Sarsaparilla – For Cracks Especially On Sides Of Fingers

This medicine helps to heal cracks on the hands, especially on the sides of fingers. The cracks can be deep, and burning is felt in these cracks. The cracks are painful. The skin on the hand becomes hard. In some cases needing it, itchy, scaly spots appear on the skin.

When to use Sarsaparilla?

Sarsaparilla is an important medicine for hand psoriasis with cracks appearing on the sides of fingers with pain and burning sensation.

How to use Sarsaparilla?

It is suggested to take Sarsaparilla once a day in 30C power.

8. Antimonium Crudum – When Nails Are Affected

This medicine is effective when nails are affected. In cases needing it, the nails become discolored and brittle (tend to break easily). They are cracked, deformed, and get out of shape. The skin under the nails is painful. Besides these, this medicine is of great use when there is inflammation in finger joints.

When to use Antimonium Crudum?

Antimonium Crudum should be selected for nail psoriasis with discoloured, cracked, deformed and brittle nails with pain.

How to use Antimonium Crudum?

Among its various available potencies, the most frequently used is 30C potency that can be taken one to two times a day as per severity of complaint.

 Cause

The exact cause behind psoriasis has not been understood completely yet. However, it is considered to be a disease of autoimmune origin where the healthy skin is being damaged by immune cells out of a mistake. Here the skin cells begin to divide and grow at a higher speed than normal pace. This makes the immature skin cells appear on the surface of the skin at a faster rate than what the skin can clear off. This leads to a pile-up of skin cells resulting in the thickening of skin covered with scales. Persons having a family history of psoriasis are at risk of hand psoriasis. Other than this, several environmental factors can trigger it. Some of these factors include skin injury, extreme weather (both cold and hot), stress, skin infection and use of certain medicines like anti-depressants, excessive smoking and alcohol intake, and infections like strep throat.

 

 

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a type of arthritis that may occur to people already suffering from psoriasis. Here ‘psoriatic’ refers to psoriasis which is an autoimmune skin disease where red spots form on the skin capped with silvery white scales/flakes. Arthritis means inflammation of the joints. It has been estimated that 30 per cent of the people suffering from psoriasis have a tendency to get psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis develops out of an autoimmune activity characterised by damage to the joints by immune cells (defence cells that help fight any infection in the body) by mistake, along with excessive production of skin cells. As per the recent research, high level of TNF (tumour necrosis factor) is noted in the joints and the skin area involved. Genetic and environmental (some viral or bacterial infection) factors contribute to an autoimmune response of the body which results in psoriatic arthritis. Those suffering from psoriasis, or a family history of psoriatic arthritis or psoriasis, are at high risk to suffer from psoriatic arthritis as well. People between 35- 55 age group are at risk though any group may get affected. In most cases, psoriasis begins first followed by many years by joint inflammation while in some people, the opposite happens which means arthritis psoriasis occurs before a person gets affected by psoriasis.

Homeopathic medicines offer a very natural, safe and effective treatment for psoriatic arthritis cases. Homeopathic medicines halt further progression of joint inflammation and relieve the symptoms remarkably. Homeopathic medicines effectively manage symptoms including pain, swelling and stiffness of joints and improve joint mobility. The modern system of medicine uses NSAID’s (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), DMARDs (disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs), steroidal injection in the affected joints in cases of psoriatic arthritis. This offers relief but for short-term and may lead to side-effects with prolonged use. On the other hand homeopathic medicines are free from any side effects and offers long term relief.

Homeopathy moderates immune activity

The homeopathic approach in cases of psoriatic arthritis involves moderating the over activity of immune system and preventing further joint inflammation and damage. This not only relieves symptoms initially but also offers long term symptom management thus improving the quality of life and sense of general well-being. It is advised to follow a complete course of homeopathic treatment under guidance of homeopathic expert to get best results.

Medication as per characteristic symptoms

Homeopathic medicines for psoriatic arthritis are prescribed as per the presenting symptoms in every individual case. As the medicines are customised as per the case requirements it results in magnificent recovery.

Homeopathic medicines are suitable for both acute as well as chronic cases of psoriatic arthritis. It is recommended that any homeopathic medicine in case of psoriatic arthritis should be taken after case evaluation by a homeopathic physician, self-medication should be avoided.

Safe, natural medicines

Homeopathic medicines to treat psoriatic arthritis are prepared from natural substances. Hence these have zero side-effects and completely safe to use. These stimulate body’s natural healing process and helps in overcoming the disease in a very safe and natural manner. These medicines can be considered for people of any age group without any risk.

Top 7 Homeopathic Medicines For Psoriatic Arthritis

The most suitable homeopathic medicines to manage cases of Psoriatic Arthritis are Rhus Tox, Bryonia, Actaea Spicata, Guaiacum, Caulophyllum, Aesculus and Arnica.

1. Rhus Tox – Top Remedy

Rhus Tox is a top-recommended medicine to manage cases of psoriatic arthritis. It acts on the joints, and helps reduce joint pain and stiffness. It is administered when there is severity of the complaint at rest, and upon movement of the affected part. Relief sets in after continued motion and also from warm application over the affected joints. Along with above symptoms, heat and swelling are well-marked in joints. Rhus Tox is also highly recommended to manage cases of lower back pain.

When to use Rhus Tox?

This medicine is an ideal choice to manage psoriatic arthritis when joint pain gets worse at rest and better from movement.

How to use Rhus Tox?

Among its various available potencies, the most frequently used is 30C potency. In the beginning, Rhus Tox 30C can be administered two to three times a day as per severity of the complaint.

2. Bryonia – For Pain In Joints, Neck And Lower Back

Bryonia is an effective medicine for managing joint pain, neck pain or lower back pain. It is used when joint pain gets worse even after slight movement. It can be administered for any of the joints involved. Pain gets better after rest. Those who suffer from this pain have reddened joints, which are also swollen, and the affected area feels hot. Bryonia is equally effective for neck pain and lower back pain which gets worse upon movement and gets better with rest. In such cases, back pain gets worse due to standing, stooping and turning in bed besides other movements, and walking. Along with pain stiffness in neck and lower back is also felt.

When to use Bryonia?

This medicine should be administered to manage pain in joints, neck and lower back in cases of psoriatic when the pain gets worse from even the least movement and it gets better from rest.

How to use Bryonia?

This medicine can be used in both low and high potencies. However it is suggested to start with low potency like 30C once or twice a day.

3. Actaea Spicata – For Small Joint Inflammation

This medicine is best suited for treating joint inflammation in small joints. It gives magnificent results if there is pain in small joints like in the hand, wrist, fingers, ankle and toes. The joints too are swollen. There is worsening of pain from movement and touch.

When to use Actaea Spicata?

Actaea Spicata should be used for psoriatic arthritis when small joints like of wrist, fingers, hands, ankles and toes are painful along with swelling.

How to use Actaea Spicata?

This medicine can be taken once or twice a day in 30C power.

4. Guaiacum – For Neck Pain & Stiffness

This medicine works well in cases where neck joints are involved. There is marked pain in the neck. Pain may extend from the neck to the back of the head and shoulders. Also, stiffness is felt in the neck especially on one side and may go down the back on that side.

When to use Guaiacum?

Guaiacum is a top medicine to manage pain in the neck attended with stiffness in cases of psoriatic arthritis.

How to use Guaiacum?

It is advised to use Guaiacum 30C once a day.

5. Caulophyllum – For Shifting Small Joint Pains

This medicine is well known when there is shifting type of pains in small joints. For those who need it, there is pain in the joints of hands, feet, fingers, toes, ankles and wrist. The pain keeps shifting from one joint to another. It may sometimes shift from one joint to another every few minutes. The affected joints also become stiff. Along with pain, restlessness is felt at night.

When to use Caulophyllum?

Caulophyllum is a wonderful medicine for psoriatic arthritis cases when there is shifting sort of pain in small joints that keep shifting from one joint to another quickly.

How to use Caulophyllum?

Various potencies are available for this medicine among which 30C potency is highly effective and can be used once or twice a day.

6. Apis Mellifica – For Swollen, Painful Knee Joint

Use of Aesculus is considered when there is hip pain and lower back pain from the inflamed sacroiliac joint. Stiffness is also felt. Walking and stooping enhances the severity of the pain. The pain from hip can radiate down the thighs. There is a feeling as if the lower back would break along with a weak feeling in the back.

When to use Aesculus?

Aesculus is great choice of medicine to manage joint inflammation affecting sacroiliac joint from psoriatic arthritis.

How to use Aesculus?

It is recommended to use it in 30C power one to two times a day.

7. Arnica – For Sore, Tender (Pain On Touch) Joints

Arnica is a prominent medicine for cases where joints are sore and tender (painful to touch). There can be pain in any joint of the body and also the back. Its use is also highly applicable when pain begins in the joints of the lower limbs followed by upper limbs joint pain.

When to use Arnica?

This medicine works very well in cases of psoriatic arthritis when there is markedly sore and tender joints highly painful to touch.

How to use Arnica?

Arnica gives excellent results in 30C potency that can be used two to three times a day.

Signs and Symptoms

Psoriatic arthritis leads to symptoms including painful, swollen joints along with redness, heat and tenderness (pain on touch). Stiffness (worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity/rest) also occurs in the joints. There is limited movement of joints. Joint inflammation can be sudden or gradual. One or multiple joints may get affected varying from case to case. The joint involvement can be one-sided or both-sided. The joints usually affected are of the hands, feet, neck, wrist, ankle, lower back, knees and the sacroiliac joint (it is a joint between iliac crest of hip bone and sacrum which is a triangular bone at the bottom of spine). The fingers and toes can get swollen, this condition is called sausage digit or dactylitis. If left untreated, joints may get damaged permanently. Nails and eyes can also get infected in some cases. Pits may form on the nails along with crumbling of nails and their separation from the nail bed. Eye inflammation in the form of uveitis can occur. The symptoms may vanish for a brief time period. Several complications can arise that include permanent joint damage especially of hands and fingers, diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension) and heart complaints.

 Top Five homeopathic medicines for Guttate Psoriasis

Are you suffering from dryness, scaling and itching of the skin? You could be afflicted by Guttate Psoriasis. Though it may not come across as an incapacitating condition, it can disrupt the affected person’s daily routine by virtue of the pain, irritation and discomfort it causes.Homeopathy can not only alleviate the symptoms of Guttate Psoriasis but also tackle the root cause of the affliction. Homeopathic medicines assure an advantage over other systems of treatment in assuaging Guttate Psoriasis, as they are minus side-effects and are derived from natural substances.

Signs of Guttate Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an auto-immune disease of the skin, characterized by dryness, scaling and itching of the skin. It may occur in any part of the body. The guttate variety is marked by small, circular reddish lesions, particularly in the exposed parts of the body, such as the forearms, legs and rarely the trunk and back.

Best homoeopathic remedies for Guttate Psoriasis

I would recommend the following to be the top five homeopathic remedies for psoriasis, as they offer a holistic line of treatment that covers all forms of Guttate Psoriasis:

NATRUM MUR:- Homoeopathic medicine  Natrum Mur is the leading remedy for treating cases of guttate psoriasis. The patient suffers from dry psoriatic patches mostly in the scalp, hairy margin, behind the ears, bends of joints and most of the exposed areas of skin. The lesions are dry and the skin peels easily. People needing Natrum Mur may exhibit an unusual craving for salt and salty things. This usually aggravates the itching. The persons may also experience an increase in the symptoms when they go to a hot, humid climate as found in coastal regions.

ARS IOD:-  Ars Iod is also an excellent homoeopathic medicine for curing cases of guttate psoriasis characterized by an extremely dry skin which peels off easily. The patient may be very weak. Ars Iod promises relief from guttate psoriasis in people who also have respiratory complaints. The skin shows excessive scaling. As the skin peels, the underlying skin is exposed and there may be a thin watery discharge. Ars Iod can be prescribed to patients who are thin, emaciated and easily fatigued. They may also have profuse sweating at night.

SEPIA:- Homoeopathic medicine Sepia is  especially suited for guttate psoriasis in females in who are in the menopausal or post-menopausal phase.  There may be an uncontrollable desire to scratch as there is an excessive itching. Though the patient keeps on scratching, she does not get any relief and continued scratching gives rise to a sore, burning sensation in the affected part. Guttate psoriasis is associated with an extremely bad smell emanating from the skin. Sepia can be given to women who don’t demonstrate any feelings or emotions towards their family members, have lost all interest in their profession and take umbrage easily. The patient may cry at every little thing and is extremely moody and irritable.

SILICEA:- I find Silicea is another homoeopathic medicine which works well for guttate psoriasis. It is best prescribed for patients who have lesions that are tiny and look rosy red in color. As the lesions become old, the color changes to dark brown and then form into dry and white scales. Persons who require silicea may give off an offensive foot sweat. Silicea can be given in people who feel extremely cold and cannot tolerate even the mildest form of cold. The skin lesions may itch only in the day time and the patients feel better in the evening and night.

GRAPHITES:- I would pick homoeopathic medicine Graphites for treating skin ailments, especially in patients who may have a tendency to take cold easily. Graphites may be recommended for patients who are shy, timid and indecisive. The skin is rough and hard. Graphites can also be given in psoriasis of the nails where the nails are crippled and break easily. Nails are deformed and there may be cracks around the finger tips. In these cases, guttate psoriasis with lesions spreads all over the body.