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Research has shown that cells which heal the skin following an injury play an important role in the development of the skin disease psoriasis. In people with psoriasis, the skin peels much faster than normal so that it flakes and becomes inflamed. The scientist investigated the transit amplifying cells in the uppermost layer of the skin. These cells develop from stem cells and specialize into skin cells when new skin cells are needed. The transit amplifying cells are involved in the healing of the skin following an injury and in the regular renewing of the skin.

Normally these cells wait until they receive a signal to develop into skin cells. Scientists discovered that in people with psoriasis, some of the transit amplifying cells divide without waiting for a signal. As a result of this, too many skin cells develop and the skin is renewed more quickly than normal.

Psoriasis is a skin problem that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks its own system. It is also called the auto immune disorder. The auto immune systems mistake your skin cells as. In the case of psoriasis, not only is there a more rapid renewal of the skin, but the number of cell layers on the surface also increases. The skin condition causes red marks that are rich in blood and often inflamed. These red marks are covered with shiny white flakes of skin and sometimes itch.

Scalp psoriasis could be especially embarrassing because of its visibility. Not like psoriasis on other elements of your body, this sort of psoriasis is difficult to cover up. It might spread for the surrounding areas in the neck, forehead, and ears. Its not at all only uncomfortable and itchy, but it could be a supply of anxiety for psoriasis sufferers at the same time. Psoriasis appears as raised, red patches or lesions covered with dead skin cells on the skin. Scalp psoriasis can be mild, with fine scaling or thick with crusted plaques, covering the entire scalp. The areas of the skin grow very rapidly and form red, scaling patches. Patients experience severe itchiness, a feeling of tightness and soreness, accompanied by hair loss. Scalp psoriasis is a common form of psoriasis.

These spots may be very small at first and are often confused with dandruff. However, unlike dandruff, these spots will have a silver tint. In the absence of treatment, this disease advances, spots and sores enlarge and can impede the growth of new hair or they may even become dormant until triggered again. In extreme cases can cause permanent loss or thinning in affected areas.
Why do I have Psoriasis?
While science hasn’t been able to pinpoint the exact cause as yet, a significant genetic predisposition has been seen (which means if any of your close relatives suffer from any autoimmune disease, not particularly Psoriasis), it might have been passed on to you via the genes. It is an autoimmune disease where the defense cells of the body start attacking their own skin cells by mistake. The skin cells when attacked, respond to it by starting to multiply abnormally leading to thickened skin and shedding of scales. This causes raw, red, peeling areas on the skin.

Homeopathy has been known to help. A study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, a conventional medical Journal, showed that psoriasis patients experienced significant improvement in their quality of life and reduction in their psoriasis symptoms with Homeopathy. And this was without any kind of side-effects whatsoever. Of the 82 patients involved in the study that went on for 2 years, many had suffered psoriasis for as long as 15 years and had previously unsuccessfully tried conventional treatments.

How can Homeopathy help me with my Psoriasis?”
In Psoriasis, our immunity needs to be strengthened from within and should be able to identify all our body cells as its own. Homeopathy assesses the individual as a whole and does not only treat symptoms. The environment, the person’s temperament and the presenting symptoms are all considered before prescribing the ‘remedy’ to the patient. Thus, no two people with psoriasis might have the exact same remedy. Homeopathy works on the principle ‘Like treats like’. Very small, infinitesimal dose of the substance which causes symptoms similar to the disease is diluted and packed into the sugar pills. With these doses, the body’s immunity recognizes its skin cells as it own, thus reducing the severity of the condition.

What Is Psoriatic Arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis is a type of chronic inflammatory arthritis associated with the chronic skin condition psoriasis, which is believed to be an inherited condition. Psoriasis, which affects about 2 percent of the population, most often causes patches of thick, reddened, irritated skin with flaky, silver-white patches called scales. Psoriatic arthritis typically appears about 10 years after the onset of psoriasis, which can manifest at any age, though most people are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 35. The main symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are painful, swollen joints, tenderness where muscles or ligaments attach to bones, particularly the heel and bottom of the foot, back pain, nail changes such as separating from the nail bed, or becoming pitted or infected-looking, morning stiffness, general fatigue, reduced range of motion
What are the effects?
Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease that for unknown reasons causes the body’s own immune system to turn against itself. Inflammation can occur causing the synovium tissue that lines the joint capsule and produces synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint and keeps it moving smoothly—to thicken resulting in a swollen joint. Over time, the synovium invades the cartilage, elastic tissue that covers the ends of the bones in a joint. The cartilage in turn erodes, causing bones to rub together. As the joint weakens, so do its the surrounding structures, such as muscles, ligaments and tendons. Because this joint damage can occur early in the disease process, diagnosing psoriatic arthritis as quickly as possible and treating it properly are important.

Here are many foods and beverages that get mentioned often by people as possibly causing their psoriasis aggravation. Some of the major food triggers as

Alcohol
“First and foremost, stop drinking,” Alcohol opens the blood vessels in the skin. When your blood vessels are dilated, white blood cells, including the T cells that are believed to be responsible for psoriasis, can sneak into the outer layers of your skin more easily and you don’t need to be inviting more T cells. “Your psoriasis symptoms may worsen even if you’re a light-to-moderate alcohol user,”

Junk foods
Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition. Junk foods tend to be high in saturated and trans fats and refined starches and sugars, all of which can promote inflammation. Another reason to avoid junk foods is that that they are high in calories with little nutritional value, and people with psoriasis often have weight problems. “If you have psoriasis, you have an increased risk of heart and vascular diseases,”

Red meat
Red meats contain a polyunsaturated fat called arachidonic acid. “This type of fat can worsen psoriasis symptoms because it can easily be converted into inflammatory compounds,”

Dairy products
Like red meat, dairy products contain the natural inflammatory arachidonic acid. “Cow’s milk is one of the biggest culprits because it also contains the protein casein, which has been linked to inflammation. Egg yolks, too, are high in arachidonic acid, so consider nixing them from your diet. Dietary changes: Follow an anti-inflammatory diet, making sure to get plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly those rich in carotenoids (mangoes, corn, sweet potatoes, carrots and squash, as well as leafy greens and tomatoes).

Exercise: Regular physical activity may help.

Homoeopathic treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are.. should be taken under strict medical supervision

The normal ups and downs of life mean that everyone feels sad or has "the blues" from time to time. But if emptiness and despair have taken hold of your life and won't go away, you may have depression. Depression makes it tough to function and enjoy life like you once did. Just getting through the day can be overwhelming. But no matter how hopeless you feel, you can get better. Understanding the signs, symptoms, causes, and treatment of depression is the first step to overcoming the problem.

What is depression
Sadness or downswings in mood are normal reactions to life’s struggles, setbacks, and disappointments. Many people use the word “depression” to explain these kinds of feelings, but depression is much more than just sadness. Some people describe depression as “living in a black hole” or having a feeling of impending doom. However, some depressed people don't feel sad at all they may feel lifeless, empty, and apathetic, or men in particular may even feel angry, aggressive, and restless. Whatever the symptoms, depression is different from normal sadness in that it engulfs your day-to-day life, interfering with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and have fun. The feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness are intense and unrelenting, with little, if any, relief.

Are you depressed
If you identify with several of the following signs and symptoms, and they just won’t go away, you may be suffering from clinical depression. you can’t sleep or you sleep too much you can’t concentrate or find that previously easy tasks are now difficult you feel hopeless and helpless you can’t control your negative thoughts, no matter how much you try you have lost your appetite or you can’t stop eating, you are much more irritable, short-tempered, or aggressive than usual you’re consuming more alcohol than normal or engaging in other reckless behavior you have thoughts that life is not worth living.

Signs and symptoms of depression
Depression varies from person to person, but there are some common signs and symptoms. It’s important to remember that these symptoms can be part of life’s normal lows. But the more symptoms you have, the stronger they are, and the longer they’ve lasted the more likely it is that you’re dealing with depression. When these symptoms are overwhelming and disabling, that's when it's time to seek help.
Common signs and symptoms of depression
Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.
A bleak outlook nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation. Loss of interest in daily activities. No interest in former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. You’ve lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure.
Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight loss or weight gain a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month. Sleep changes. Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping.
Anger or irritability.
Feeling agitated, restless, or even violent. Your tolerance level is low, your temper short, and everything and everyone gets on your nerves.
Loss of energy
Feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained. Your whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks are exhausting or take longer to complete.
Self-loathing
Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes.
Reckless behavior.
You engage in escapist behavior such as substance abuse, compulsive gambling, reckless driving, or dangerous sports.
Concentration problems
Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.
Unexplained aches and pains
An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.
Depression and suicide
Depression is a major risk factor for suicide. The deep despair and hopelessness that goes along with depression can make suicide feel like the only way to escape the pain. Thoughts of death or suicide are a serious symptom of depression, so take any suicidal talk or behavior seriously. It's not just a warning sign that the person is thinking about suicide: it's a cry for help.
Warning signs of suicide include:
Talking about killing or harming one’s self Expressing strong feelings of hopelessness or being trapped An unusual preoccupation with death or dying Acting recklessly, as if they have a death wish Calling or visiting people to say goodbye
Saying things like “Everyone would be better off without me” or “I want out” A sudden switch from being extremely depressed to acting calm and happy If you think a friend or family member is considering suicide, express your concern and seek professional help immediately.
If You Are Feeling Suicidal...
When you’re feeling extremely depressed or suicidal, your problems don’t seem temporary they seem overwhelming and permanent. But with time, you will feel better, especially if you reach out for help. If you are feeling suicidal, know that there are many people who want to support you during this difficult time.
The faces of depression
Depression often looks different in men and women, and in young people and older adults. An awareness of these differences helps ensure that the problem is recognized and treated.
Depression in men
Depression in teens Depression is a loaded word in our culture. Many associate it, however wrongly, with a sign of weakness and excessive emotion. This is especially true with men. Depressed men are less likely than women to acknowledge feelings of self loathing and hopelessness. Instead, they tend to complain about fatigue, irritability, sleep problems, and loss of interest in work and hobbies. Other signs and symptoms of depression in men include anger, aggression, violence, reckless behavior, and substance abuse. Even though depression rates for women are twice as high as those in men, men are a higher suicide risk, especially older men.
Depression in women
Depression in teens Rates of depression in women are twice as high as they are in men. This is due in part to hormonal factors, particularly when it comes to premenstrual syndrome, premenstrual dysphoric disorder postpartum depression, and perimenopausal depression. As for signs and symptoms, women are more likely than men to experience pronounced feelings of guilt, sleep excessively, overeat, and gain weight. Women are also more likely to suffer from seasonal affective disorder.
Depression in teens
Depression in teens While some depressed teens appear sad, others do not. In fact, irritability rather than depression is frequently the predominant symptom in depressed adolescents and teens. A depressed teenager may be hostile, grumpy, or easily lose his or her temper. Unexplained aches and pains are also common symptoms of depression in young people.
Left untreated, teen depression can lead to problems at home and school, drug abuse, self loathing even irreversible tragedy such as homicidal violence or suicide. But with help, teenage depression is highly treatable.
Depression in older adults
Depression in older adults The difficult changes that many older adults face such as bereavement, loss of independence, and health problems—can lead to depression, especially in those without a strong support system. However, depression is not a normal part of aging. Older adults tend to complain more about the physical rather than the emotional signs and symptoms of depression, and so the problem often goes unrecognized. Depression in older adults is associated with poor health, a high mortality rate, and an increased risk of suicide, so diagnosis and treatment are extremely important.
Postpartum depression
Bipolar Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, and Causes of Manic Depression Many new mothers suffer from some fleeting form of the “baby blues.” Postpartum depression, in contrast, is a longer lasting and more serious depression triggered, in part, by hormonal changes associated with having a baby. Postpartum depression usually develops soon after delivery, but any depression that occurs within six months of childbirth may be postpartum depression.
Types of depressionM

Major depression
Major depression is characterized by the inability to enjoy life and experience pleasure. The symptoms are constant, ranging from moderate to severe. Left untreated, major depression typically lasts for about six months.
Dysthymia
Dysthmia is a type of chronic “low-grade” depression. More days than not, you feel mildly or moderately depressed, although you may have brief periods of normal mood. The symptoms of dysthymia are not as strong as the symptoms of major depression, but they last a long time.
Seasonal affective disorder: When winter brings the blues
Many people feel sad when summer wanes, but some actually develop depression with the season’s change. Known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), this form of depression affects about 1% to 2% of the population, particularly women and young people. SAD seems to be triggered by more limited exposure to daylight; typically it comes on during the fall or winter months and subsides in the spring.
Depression causes and risk factors
Some illnesses have a specific medical cause, making treatment straightforward. If you have diabetes, you take insulin. If you have appendicitis, you have surgery. Depression, however, is more complicated. Depression is not just the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain, and it’s not simply cured with medication. Experts believe that depression is caused by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. In other words, your lifestyle choices, relationships, and coping skills matter just as much if not more so than genetics. However, certain risk factors make you more vulnerable to depression.
Causes and risk factors for depression
Loneliness
Lack of social support
Recent stressful life experiences
Family history of depression
Marital or relationship problems
Financial strain
Early childhood trauma or abuse
Alcohol or drug abuse
Unemployment or underemployment
Health problems or chronic pain

Understanding the underlying cause of your depression may help you overcome the problem. For example, if you are depressed because of a dead end job, the best treatment might be finding a more satisfying career, not taking an antidepressant. If you are new to an area and feeling lonely and sad, finding new friends at work or through a hobby will probably give you more of a mood boost than going to therapy. In such cases, the depression is remedied by changing the situation.
Make healthy lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes are not always easy to make, but they can have a big impact on depression. Lifestyle changes that can be very effective include:
Cultivating supportive relationships
Getting regular exercise and sleep
Eating healthfully to naturally boost mood
Managing stress
Practicing relaxation techniques
Challenging negative thought patterns
Are antidepressants right for you?
Medication can help relieve the symptoms of depression in some people, but they aren’t a cure and they come with drawbacks of their own. Learning the facts about antidepressants and weighing the benefits against the risks can help you make an informed and personal decision about whether medication is right for you.
Homeopathic management
If someone comes for depression, the homeopath will first take the client’s medical history and understand his lifestyle. The aim will be to understand if there was a major trigger to the depressed state, and also more minor issues that prevents the patient to feel happy. The aim is not “to treat” but to strengthen the client’s ability to deal with emotional issues – by supporting the mind, the nervous system and other weakness in the patient.
Can it be used instead of anti-depressants?
Homeopathy can work alongside anti-depressants. It works also well alongside other therapies like psychotherapy. Homeopathic remedies are selected to match the exact symptoms of the client. The main commanding factor is to find a remedy that fits what caused the depression (divorce, death of a close one, loss of job, bad diet, abuse, drug abuse).
Every client has a different way to “experience depression”. It is the Physician role to get a good picture of his/her client’s depression: some people do not sleep at night, some people sleep all day or can’t get out of bed. Some people stop eating, some people binge, and so on…. When you get a good picture, you can then select the right remedy. Some of commonly used remedies should be used under strict medical supervision

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