Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with similar characteristics to eczema, however the triggers are different than eczema. Psoriasis can correlate with autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, chron’s disease, diabetes, and heart disease.
Symptoms of psoriasis can be seen on the skin as red plaques with silvery scales, burning, and flaking. Psoriasis is usually found on areas such as the elbows, knees, lumbosacral region, and scalp, however, it can be present in other forms and affect nails, groin area, armpit area, and create pus bumps over the body, and can affect the joints.
There are various types of psoriasis, all affecting different body parts; some symptoms are more severe than others.
Plaque psoriasis is the most common type and presents typically as red plaques with silvery scales. This type of psoriasis affects 85% to 90% of patients.
Guttate psoriasis also called eruptive psoriasis is commonly seen in children after an upper respiratory tract infection caused by strep. It is presented by scaly raindrop-shaped lesions mainly over the trunk and back.
Pustular psoriasis presents with small non-infectious pus-filled lesions with redness. Associated with hypocalcemia (abnormal levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH) or vitamin D in your body.)
Erythrodermic psoriasis presents with widespread inflammation in the form of redness, severe itching, and swelling, which can be painful. This type of psoriasis covers more than 90% of the body area. Normally found in those that have unstable plaque psoriasis with an abrupt withdrawal from systemic steroids. This can cause complications of the skin barrier functions leading to basal metabolic rate issues and increased cutaneous circulation. Long term this affects the heart and can lead to cardiac failure.
Inverse psoriasis appears smooth, with redness, and sharply demarcated patches affecting regions such as the groins, armpits, intergluteal, and inframammary regions. The skin may be moist, macerated, and may contain fissures that may have an odor or be itchy.
Sebopsoriasis is a form of psoriasis which presents as red plaques with greasy scales on regions such as the scalp and forehead.
Psoriatic arthritis is a form of chronic inflammatory arthritis which affects 30% of patients with psoriasis. It commonly occurs in association with skin and nail psoriasis. Symptoms can be painful with inflammation of the joints and connective tissue, and swelling of the fingers and toes.
With any skin condition, internal support and topical support will be beneficial to address symptoms that are being presented.
Supporting psoriasis symptoms:
- Stop all irritating topical products.
- Address root cause issues such as mold, parasites, chemical exposure, and heavy metal exposure.
- Reduce toxin load.
- Address imbalances in the gut microbiome and leaky gut. Pathogens such as parasites, H. Pylori, and SIBO.
- Increase low stomach acid, if there is low stomach acid present this can cause protein to ferment and not be broken down properly which then is passed into the bloodstream causing plaque.
- Support the liver and bile ducts.
- Support drainage pathways.
- Red light therapy.
- Eat a nutrient-dense diet and ensure adequate mineral intake.
- Incorporate immune modulators such as reishi mushroom, shitake mushroom, turkey tail, astragalus, bee propolis, NAC.
- Stress management.
- Restore the skin barrier.
- Shower water filter to reduce irritating elements found in tap water.
- Restore+ and Restore is a nourishing moisture barrier balm for topical support.
- Switch to nourishing skincare + hair care products that are filled with endocrine disruptors and can irritate the skin.
It may also be helpful to complete a skin biopsy to rule out if there is something fungal or dermatitis.
What triggers psoriasis flares?
Psoriasis can be triggered by various factors such as:
- Stress
- Infections
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Steroids
- Beta-blockers
- Nightshade food group
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
- Colder weather
Disclaimer: This is not medical advice, but for educational purposes only.