Homoeopathic Remedies for Psoriasis
Also indexed as: Skin (Psoriasis)
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition producing patches of silvery scales that cover areas
of reddish skin. These often appear on the scalp, knees, elbows, buttocks, and back; sometimes
the armpits, genitals, eyebrows, navel, nails, or other regions are involved. Psoriasis is a
deep condition, and eruptions should not be suppressed with medications; they are best treated
by restoring balance to the system. Descriptions below give brief information on some of the
remedies that help a person with psoriasis when the remedy fits the individual on many levels.
Like other chronic skin disorders, the treatment of psoriasis takes times and patience, and is
best addressed with the guidance of an experienced practitioner.
For dosage information, please read the information at the end of this section. See also
“Using Homoeopathy With Professional Guidance” in What Is Homoeopathy?
Arsenicum album: People likely to respond to this remedy usually are anxious,
restless, and compulsively neat and orderly. They are often deeply chilly, experience burning
pains with many physical complaints, and become exhausted easily. The skin is dry and scaly
and may tend to get infected. Scratching can make the itching worse, and applying heat brings
relief.
Calcarea carbonica: This remedy is suited to people who are easily fatigued by
exertion, sluggish physically, chilly with clammy hands and feet, and often overweight. Skin
problems tend to be worse in winter. Typically solid and responsible, these people can be
overwhelmed by too much work and stress. Anxiety, claustrophobia, and fear of heights are
common. Cravings for sweets and eggs are often also seen when Calcarea is needed.
Graphites: People needing this remedy often have a long-term history of skin
disorders. The skin looks tough or leathery skin with cracks and soreness. Itching is often
worse from getting warm, and the person may scratch the irritated places till they bleed.
Trouble concentrating, especially in the morning, is also often seen when this remedy is
needed.
Mercurius solubilis: People who seem introverted and formal—but are very
intense internally, with strong emotions and impulses—may benefit from this remedy. They
tend to have swollen lymph nodes and moist or greasy-looking skin, and are very sensitive to
changes in temperature. The areas affected by psoriasis may become infected easily.
Mezereum: A person who needs this remedy usually is serious, and often feels strong
anxiety in the region of the stomach. Scaly plaques may itch intensely, thickening or crusting
over if the person scratches them too much. Cold applications relieve the itching (although
the person feels generally chilly and improves with warmth). People who need this remedy often
have a craving for fat, and feel best in open air.
Petroleum: This remedy is often indicated for people whose physical problems are
aggravated by stressful emotional experiences. It is especially suited to individuals with
extremely dry skin, and problems that involve the palms and fingertips. The person may feel a
cold sensation after scratching, and the skin is easily infected and may look tough and
leathery. Itching will be worse at night, and from getting warm in bed. People who need this
remedy may also have a tendency toward motion sickness.
Rhus toxicodendron: When this remedy is indicated for a person with psoriasis, the
skin eruptions are red and swollen, and often itch intensely. Hot applications or baths will
soothe the itching—and also muscle stiffness, toward which these people often have a
tendency. The person is restless, and may pace or constantly move around. A craving for cold
milk is often seen when a person needs this remedy.
Sepia: This remedy may be helpful to a person who feels dragged out and irritable,
often with little enthusiasm for work or family life. The person’s skin may be look dry
and stiff. Psoriasis may appear in many places on the body, including the nails and genitals.
Signs of hormonal imbalance are often seen (in either sex), and problems with circulation are
common. Exercise often helps this person’s energy and mood.
Staphysagria: This remedy may be helpful to individuals whose psoriasis has
developed after grief or suppressed emotions. Any part of the body can be involved but the
scalp is often affected. People who need this remedy often seem sentimental, meek and quiet,
and easily embarrassed — but often have a strong internal anger or deeply-buried
hurt.
Sulphur: Intensely burning, itching, inflamed eruptions that are worse from warmth
and bathing suggest a need for this remedy. Affected areas often look bright red and
irritated, with scaling skin that gets inflamed from scratching. This remedy is sometimes
helpful to people who have repeatedly used medications to suppress psoriasis (without
success).
Homoeopathy Dosage Directions
Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where
self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X,
6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually
printed on the label.
Many homoeopathic physicians suggest that remedies be used as follows: Take one dose and
wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the remedy work. If
improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The
frequency of dosage varies with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be
required several times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and
in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient.
If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different remedy.
For more information, including references, see What is Homoeopathy? and Understanding Homoeopathic Potencies.
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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes
only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical
experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not
necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
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making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.