The Basics:
Psoriasis is a chronic, and long-lasting, inflammatory skin disease characterized by red, flaky, and often itchy patches on the skin usually found on elbows, knees, scalp and lower back (although they can appear anywhere). About 2% of the population is affected by this condition which is typically regarded as a disorder of the immune system. Psoriasis speeds up the growth of cells, which results in the patches on the skin. It is not contagious. This skin condition can have a profound effect on one’s quality of life.
Types of Psoriasis:
Plague: This is the most common type of psoriasis and is characterized by raised, red patches covered with silvery scales (plaques).
Guttate Psoriasis: Small, dot-like lesions scattered on the skin, often triggered by bacterial infections like strep throat.
Pustular Psoriasis: White, pus-filled blisters surrounded by red skin, often on the hands and feet.
Inverse Psoriasis: Smooth, red patches in skin folds, such as under the breasts, in the armpits, or around the genitals.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis: Widespread redness, peeling, and inflammation that can cover the entire body.
Psoriatic Arthritis: A type of inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis, causing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Triggers:
Genetics: If a parent has psoriasis, there’s a 14% chance the child will have it as well.
Medications: Medications can trigger psoriasis such as lithium, beta-blockers, antimalarials, IFNs, and rapid tapers of systemic corticosteroids.
Environmental: Smoking is clearly implicated in the onset and severity of psoriasis – decreasing after successful smoking cessation.
*Sunlight is often helpful is reducing symptoms – and it’s free!
Nutrition & Psoriasis:
Anti-Inflammatory Diet:
Increased consumption of extra virgin olive oil, vegetables, fruit, legumes, fish, and nuts are all positively correlated with better outcomes on PASI (a psoriasis survey) and CRP levels on labs (a marker of inflammation). Whereas, red meat consumption negatively increases these. Additionally, the largest improvements were seen when extra virgin olive oil and fish were combined. For those worried about the contaminated waters with heavy metals and PCBs, studies have shown that the benefits of fish consumption far exceed the potential risks.
Foods to Consider Removing:
*Either do food sensitivity testing through your healthcare provider to determine this OR try removing for 4 weeks to see if there is a change in your symptoms.
- Dairy
- Nightshades: tomato, tomatillos, potatoes (red and white, sweet potato are not nightshades), eggplant, all peppers, red spices ( curry powder, chili powder, cayenne powder, red pepper, paprika), pimentos, tobacco, ashwagandha.
- Gluten: For those that test positive for celiac or gluten sensitivity, removing gluten can definitely benefit their symptoms.
- Alcohol
- Processed Foods
Supplements for Psoriasis:
Many supplements can provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin D, probiotics, and curcumin have been studied in depth with psoriasis and have proven to clinically help with symptom management. It is important to work with a healthcare provider that will recommend therapeutic doses of these supplements as well as check with you current intake of medications and other supplements to ensure there are no interactions.
Mind-Body Therapy:
Psoriasis has a profound emotional, social, and physical effects on quality of life. Additionally, stress has been shown to have a strong correlation with the onset and exacerbation of psoriasis. Meditation and hypnosis have both been shown to help with symptom management.
Working with an understanding healthcare provider is key number one to managing your psoriasis. Key number two is understanding that no one’s path to health is the same and being open and willing to try many suggestions to help manage your symptoms.
References:
- Rakel, D. (2018). Integrative medicine. Elsevier.
- Chung M, Bartholomew E, Yeroushalmi S, Hakimi M, Bhutani T, Liao W. Dietary Intervention and Supplements in the Management of Psoriasis: Current Perspectives. Psoriasis (Auckl). 2022 Jun 22;12:151-176. doi: 10.2147/PTT.S328581. PMID: 35769285; PMCID: PMC9234314.
- Katsimbri P, Korakas E, Kountouri A, Ikonomidis I, Tsougos E, Vlachos D, Papadavid E, Raptis A, Lambadiari V. The Effect of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Capacity of Diet on Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Phenotype: Nutrition as Therapeutic Tool? Antioxidants (Basel). 2021 Jan 22;10(2):157. doi: 10.3390/antiox10020157. PMID: 33499118; PMCID: PMC7912156.
- Conde T, Lopes D, Łuczaj W, Neves B, Pinto B, Maurício T, Domingues P, Skrzydlewska E, Domingues MR. Algal Lipids as Modulators of Skin Disease: A Critical Review. Metabolites. 2022 Jan 20;12(2):96. doi: 10.3390/metabo12020096. PMID: 35208171; PMCID: PMC8877676.