Natural vs Conventional Psoriasis Treatment
Comparing Approaches
Naturopathic Approach
Naturopathic treatment addresses psoriasis as an immune-mediated inflammatory condition through anti-inflammatory nutrition protocols (eliminating common triggers like gluten, dairy, nightshades), gut health optimization to reduce systemic inflammation, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D supplementation, botanical medicine with anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties, stress management, and liver support for detoxification. Treatment aims to reduce immune dysregulation and inflammation while supporting skin healing.
Conventional Approach
Conventional treatment is stepped based on severity starting with topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, and tar preparations for mild disease, progressing to phototherapy (UV light) for moderate disease, and systemic treatments including methotrexate, cyclosporine, or biologics (anti-TNF, anti-IL agents) for moderate to severe disease. Treatment focuses on suppressing immune-mediated inflammation.
Benefits & Considerations
Naturopathic Treatment
Benefits
- +Addresses underlying immune dysfunction and inflammation
- +Identifies dietary triggers unique to individual
- +Supports overall health without immunosuppression
- +Can reduce flare frequency
- +No medication side effects
Considerations
- −Takes several months to see significant improvement
- −Not sufficient as sole treatment for moderate to severe disease
- −Requires strict dietary adherence during elimination phases
- −Variable individual response
Conventional Treatment
Benefits
- +Biologics highly effective for moderate to severe psoriasis
- +Phototherapy well-established and effective
- +Topical treatments provide localized relief
- +Can achieve significant clearing
- +Covered by insurance
Considerations
- −Systemic immunosuppressants increase infection risk
- −Biologics expensive and require injections
- −Topical steroids can thin skin with prolonged use
- −Does not address underlying triggers or immune dysfunction
- −Symptoms often return when treatment stops
When to Consider Naturopathic Treatment
Naturopathic care is appropriate for mild to moderate psoriasis, identifying dietary and lifestyle triggers, reducing flare frequency, or as complementary care alongside conventional treatment. It's particularly valuable for patients wanting to address root immune dysfunction and potentially reduce need for systemic immunosuppression.
When to Seek Conventional Care
Seek immediate medical evaluation for psoriasis covering large body surface area (>10%), psoriatic arthritis (joint pain, swelling, stiffness), pustular psoriasis (pus-filled blisters), erythrodermic psoriasis (widespread redness and scaling requiring emergency care), severe itch or pain interfering with daily function, or signs of infection. Moderate to severe psoriasis requires dermatological care with systemic treatments to prevent joint damage and improve quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are food triggers really causing my psoriasis?
For some patients, yes. Common triggers include gluten, dairy, nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, eggplant), and alcohol. The connection likely involves increased intestinal permeability ("leaky gut") and systemic inflammation. Not everyone has food triggers, but systematic elimination and reintroduction can identify your personal triggers. This requires 6-12 weeks minimum. Work with a practitioner experienced in elimination diets to avoid unnecessary restrictions while thoroughly testing potential triggers.
Can I stop my psoriasis medication with natural treatment?
Some patients with mild psoriasis can reduce or eliminate topical treatments with comprehensive naturopathic care. However, moderate to severe psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis typically requires ongoing conventional treatment to prevent disease progression and joint damage. Naturopathic care can complement conventional treatment and potentially reduce medication needs over time, but medication changes should only be made under medical supervision with monitoring for disease flare.
References
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Dr. Sanika Kshirsagar, ND
Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine (ND)
Bastyr University, Kenmore, WA
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