Psoriasis: Understanding Causes, Treatments, Home Care, and Diet

What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a persistent skin condition characterized by the rapid buildup of skin cells, resulting in thick, red, and scaly patches. This immune-mediated disease can affect various body parts, including the skin, joints, and nails.

The precise cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, but it is thought to stem from a combination of genetic, immune system, and environmental factors. Common triggers include stress, infections, diet, certain medications, and skin injuries.
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Treatment Options:Medical Treatments:

1. Topical Treatments: Creams and ointments containing corticosteroids, vitamin D, or retinoids to reduce inflammation and slow skin cell growth.
2. Phototherapy (Light Therapy): Controlled exposure to ultraviolet light to manage symptoms and promote healing.
3. Systemic Medications: Oral or injected medications that work throughout the body to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.
4. Biologics: Targeted drugs that alter the immune system response to prevent skin cell overproduction.

Home Care:

1. Moisturize Regularly: Keep the skin hydrated with fragrance-free moisturizers to reduce dryness and itching.
2. Avoid Triggers: Identify and minimize exposure to factors that trigger psoriasis flares, such as stress, certain medications, and skin injuries.
3. Gentle Skin Care: Use mild, fragrance-free soaps and avoid hot water during showers to prevent irritation.
4. Manage Stress: Practice stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.

Psoriasis Diet:

Psoriasis and Diet:While there is no specific psoriasis diet, certain dietary changes may help manage symptoms:

1. Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation. Omega-3 is required by the body to produce signalling molecules that halt the inflammation process and cannot be built by human biochemistry so needs to be consumed regularly.  Consider a good quality supplement if you are not eating Salmon, Mackeral, Tuna or flaxseed at least twice per week. 
2. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to maintain skin hydration.
3. Limit Triggers: Some individuals find that avoiding acertain foods like gluten, dairy, processed foods, red meat, dairy, nightshade family vegetables (tomatoes, eggplants, capsicums, chillis), processed foods, caffeine, tobacco and alcohol helps manage their psoriasis symptoms. These all promote and cause inflammation in the body increasing the stress on body systems.  

Psoriasis Triggers:

Psoriasis is a complex skin condition influenced by a variety of factors. While the precise cause remains unclear, certain triggers can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms or lead to flare-ups. Identifying and managing these triggers is crucial for individuals seeking to minimize the impact of psoriasis on their skin. Here are other common triggers that are associated with psoriasis:
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1. Stress:
   • Psychological stress is a well-known trigger for psoriasis flare-ups.
   • High-stress levels can stimulate the immune system, potentially worsening symptoms.
2. Infections:
   • Bacterial or viral infections, such as strep throat, can trigger guttate psoriasis in some individuals.
   • Skin injuries or infections may lead to the development of psoriasis lesions, a phenomenon known as the Koebner response.
3. Medications:
   • Certain medications, including lithium, beta-blockers, antimalarial drugs, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can trigger or worsen psoriasis symptoms.
4. Weather Conditions:
   • Cold, dry weather may contribute to skin dryness and exacerbate psoriasis.
   • Conversely, excessive sun exposure and hot weather can trigger psoriasis in some individuals.
5. Smoking and Alcohol:
   • Smoking is associated with an increased risk of psoriasis and can exacerbate existing symptoms.
   • Excessive alcohol consumption may also contribute to the severity of psoriasis.
6. Hormonal Changes:
   • Hormonal fluctuations, such as those occurring during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause, can influence psoriasis symptoms.
   • Women may experience changes in symptoms during their menstrual cycles.
7. Obesity and Lifestyle:
   • Obesity is linked to an increased risk of psoriasis and may contribute to its severity.
   • Unhealthy lifestyle factors, including poor diet and lack of exercise, can impact overall health and worsen psoriasis.
8. Skin Trauma:
   • Physical trauma, such as cuts, scrapes, or surgical procedures, can trigger the development of psoriasis lesions in the affected areas.
9. Alcohol Consumption:
   • Excessive alcohol intake has been associated with an increased risk of psoriasis and may exacerbate existing symptoms.
10. Genetics:

• Family history plays a significant role in psoriasis. Individuals with a family history of the condition may be more susceptible to triggers.

Understanding these triggers empowers individuals with psoriasis to make informed lifestyle choices and work closely with healthcare providers to manage and minimize the impact of the condition on their daily lives.

How to Find your Psoriasis Triggers:

A daily food, mood and symptom diary will plot the relationship between foods and your skin and mood.  It is an excellent daily habit of health reflection that provides a valuable data set. Choose one of our free downloadable charts or learn how and why to create and use yours here:

Free Health Diary

It is crucial to consult with a dermatologist or healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan based on the severity and type of psoriasis. They can guide you on appropriate medications, lifestyle changes, and coping strategies.

Remember, managing psoriasis is a lifestyle, with the right approach and  collaborative effort between healthcare providers and individuals, it is possible to lead a fulfilling and comfortable life.

Book Consult

Shairin Farrell 

Ba Health Science - Complementary and Alternative Medicine - Naturopath.

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