Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition affecting approximately 8 million Americans, characterized by rapid skin cell turnover leading to thick, scaly plaques. While psoriasis manifests in the skin, it is a systemic inflammatory condition with genetic, immune, and environmental components. The condition occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, accelerating their production cycle from about 28 days to just 3-4 days. This rapid turnover causes cells to accumulate on the skin surface, forming characteristic raised, red, scaly patches. Psoriasis often coexists with other inflammatory conditions including psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and increased cardiovascular risk.
Symptoms
- •Raised, red patches of skin covered with silvery-white scales (plaques)
- •Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
- •Itching, burning, or soreness in affected areas
- •Thickened, pitted, or ridged nails
- •Swollen and stiff joints in psoriatic arthritis
- •Flares triggered by stress, infections, injury, medications, or weather
Causes & Risk Factors
- •Autoimmune dysfunction with T-cell activation triggering excessive skin cell production
- •Genetic predisposition with multiple genes associated with psoriasis risk
- •Chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation affecting multiple body systems
- •Gut dysbiosis and intestinal permeability contributing to systemic inflammation and immune activation
Naturopathic Approach
Naturopathic treatment for psoriasis focuses on modulating immune function, reducing systemic inflammation, healing gut dysfunction, and addressing triggers while supporting skin health. Anti-inflammatory nutrition is foundational—emphasizing omega-3 rich fish, colorful vegetables with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory herbs and spices, while eliminating inflammatory processed foods, excess sugar, and alcohol which can trigger flares. Many patients benefit from identifying food sensitivities through elimination protocols—common triggers include gluten, nightshades, and processed foods. Gut health optimization is crucial as the gut-immune connection profoundly impacts psoriasis—addressing dysbiosis, healing intestinal permeability, and supporting beneficial bacteria reduces systemic inflammation driving psoriasis. Probiotic therapy and gut healing protocols often improve symptoms. Targeted supplementation includes omega-3 fatty acids providing potent anti-inflammatory effects, vitamin D which modulates immune function and is often deficient in psoriasis, curcumin from turmeric for anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties, and antioxidants like vitamin E and selenium protecting against oxidative stress. Herbal medicines including Oregon grape root, milk thistle for liver support and detoxification, and adaptogenic herbs for stress management provide additional benefit. Stress is a major trigger for psoriasis flares—comprehensive stress management through meditation, yoga, breathwork, and adequate sleep is essential. Topical support using gentle moisturizers, aloe vera, and anti-inflammatory herbs can soothe affected skin. Avoiding triggers including skin trauma, infections, certain medications, and excessive alcohol supports remission. This comprehensive approach aims to reduce flare frequency and severity, modulate immune function, decrease systemic inflammation, and improve quality of life.
Related Modalities
Frequently Asked Questions
Can psoriasis be cured?
While there's currently no cure for psoriasis, many people achieve long-term remission through comprehensive management addressing immune function, inflammation, gut health, and lifestyle factors. The genetic predisposition remains, but symptoms can be controlled or eliminated. Some people experience complete clearing for extended periods, while others have better control with reduced severity and frequency of flares. The goal is achieving and maintaining remission while minimizing the need for immunosuppressive medications.
How is psoriasis related to gut health?
Research increasingly links psoriasis to gut dysfunction. Intestinal permeability ('leaky gut') allows inflammatory molecules and bacterial components into circulation, triggering immune activation and systemic inflammation. Gut dysbiosis alters immune function as the gut houses approximately 70% of the immune system. Many psoriasis patients have inflammatory bowel conditions or altered gut microbiomes. Addressing gut health through dietary changes, probiotics, and healing protocols often significantly improves psoriasis symptoms.
What is the connection between psoriasis and arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis develops in approximately 30% of people with psoriasis, causing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Both conditions share underlying immune dysfunction and systemic inflammation. The same inflammatory processes affecting skin also target joints. Early recognition and treatment of psoriatic arthritis is crucial to prevent permanent joint damage. Naturopathic approaches reducing systemic inflammation often benefit both skin and joint symptoms.
How long does it take to see improvement with natural treatment?
Response varies based on severity and underlying factors. Some people notice improvements in skin comfort and reduced inflammation within 4-6 weeks of dietary changes and supplementation. However, significant skin clearing, gut healing, and immune modulation typically requires 3-6 months of consistent treatment. Severe or long-standing psoriasis may take 6-12 months for optimal improvement. Patience and consistency are essential, as the underlying immune dysfunction took years to develop and requires time to rebalance.
References
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Dr. Sanika Kshirsagar, ND
Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine (ND)
Bastyr University, Kenmore, WA
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