Psoriasis is a skin condition that affects many people and in many different ways. Similar to eczema, psoriasis presents itself as a dry, flaky, red, and inflamed skin condition, but also typically has a characteristic scaly plaque present on the skin. Psoriasis can appear in many locations including the scalp, knees, elbows, arms, legs, and neck. A common underlying cause for psoriasis is the immune system, and oftentimes, factors that affect the immune system will also lead to psoriasis flare-ups. We will review some basic ways from a naturopathic approach to help stabilize the immune system, improve the appearance of psoriasis, and prevent future flares.

Immune-modulation

When looking into a condition that is commonly linked to an immune response, it is important to control the immune system as much as possible, most basically through diet and lifestyle. Gut health commonly has an impact on immunity and healing your gut needs to be addressed in order to modulate your immune system. Avoiding reactive foods can also help to reduce inflammation. This elimination and healing with the help of specific supplements such as probiotics, adaptogens, plant sterols, and zinc can help reduce psoriasis flares and concomitant psoriatic symptoms.

Topical support

Psoriatic skin appears as a scaly rash due to its overproliferation of epithelial tissue. This leads to the skin producing excessive new skin cells without having sloughed off the most superficial layer of skin. This epithelialization occurs more with a stressed and overly active immune system and while addressing issues internally is a great start, there are some topical things that can be included in your skincare to help improve the appearance of flares. Some topical product actions you may want to consider are anti-plaque, anti-inflammatory, vulnerary and hydrating.

Anti-plaque herbs such as Oregon grape root can often be found in topical salves, lotions, shampoos, and soaps that can be used to reduce the proliferation of skin cells.

Anti-inflammatory topicals are commonly found as oils such as fish oil and vitamin E. Topicals that are oil-based can also be hydrating to the skin, particularly on a lipid level, but some such as vitamin E can also have the added benefit of being vulnerary or skin healing.

Prevention

Managing and preventing stressors is an important way to decrease experiencing psoriasis flare-ups. Maintaining a specific and clean diet is helpful and important, but we often forget what else can be truly stressful to our bodies. The word stress applies to more than just having a difficult or overextending schedule, it applies to anything that you actively or passively experience that can push your body into an overly active state. Over-indulging in things such as alcohol, smoking and tobacco products, and exposure to harsh chemicals can push your body into a state of immune overactivity. Not having a healthy relationship with yourself or those around you can cause stress and that is where practices such as journaling, art, meditation, or even exercise can help you to cope with those stressors.

Ultimately, management of psoriasis flares consists of a unique and comprehensive diet plan, lifestyle changes, skincare, and stress management implementation. While these tasks can seem difficult to implement, a naturopathic doctor can help guide you along your journey. For help with psoriasis or other skin conditions, book an appointment with Dr. Vanessa Ferreira, ND.

Vanessa Ferreira, ND is a naturopathic doctor with a specialization in skincare, anti-aging, lifestyle and stress management, dermatology, women’s health, mean’s health, homeopathy, and hormone optimization.

Dr. Ferreira received her B.S. degree in Exercise Physiology, with a double minor in Biology and Disability Studies, from the University of Delaware. She then received her naturopathic medical doctorate degree from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine. In 2016, she completed a residency in general medicine at the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medical Center.