Although the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, doctors consider it an immune-mediated inflammatory disease. This means that inflammation is at the root of this condition.
Up to 3% of
adults in the United States have psoriasis. It causes skin symptoms, such as
raised plaques and discoloration, and can also affect other parts of the body,
such as the joints and eyes.
Experts believe
inflammation is the common factor that can affect these different areas.
What causes inflammation
in psoriasis?
In people with
psoriasis, immune system dysfunction causes inflammatory cells to build up in
the middle layer of the skin, known as the dermis. The condition also speeds
the growth of skin cells in the epidermis, the outer skin layer.
Typically, skin cells
grow and flake off in the span of a month. This process speeds up to just a few
days in people with psoriasis. Instead of shedding, skin cells pile up on the
skin’s surface, leading to uncomfortable symptoms such as raised plaques,
scales, swelling, and redness or discoloration.
Even though psoriasis is
a skin condition, the inflammation associated with psoriasis affects the
entire body. It can increase the risk of heart disease, cancer, inflammatory
bowel disease, and psoriatic arthritis.
Is there a way
to treat inflammation?
Although inflammation in
psoriasis is due to immune system dysregulation, studies suggest
that people can reduce this inflammation through lifestyle and dietary changes.
This can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Using these methods,
many people who have psoriasis can maintain remission, which is a long period
without experiencing psoriasis symptoms.
Additionally, certain
medications to treat psoriasis work by reducing inflammation. These include
topical corticosteroids, injectable biologics, and oral medications.
Everyone with psoriasis
is different. Some people will require more extensive treatment than others.
How to manage
inflammation
While there is currently
no cure for psoriasis, the following habits may help reduce psoriasis-related
inflammation and increase a person’s chances of experiencing remission.
Eating a nutritious diet
Diet is strongly linked
to systemic inflammation. Studies suggest that certain inflammatory dietary
patterns can increase the risk of psoriasis and worsen symptoms.
A nutritious diet looks
different for everyone. However, the following steps may help a person
establish one:
- Avoiding
inflammatory foods: Certain foods and beverages
contain pro-inflammatory substances that increase inflammation and trigger
psoriasis symptoms. Examples include soda and ultra-processed foods such as salty snacks,
sweets, and processed meat products.
- Considering
an anti-inflammatory diet: Diets that are rich in
fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods consistently reduce
psoriasis symptoms. For example, a 2018 study of 35,735 people, including
3,557 with psoriasis, suggested that those who followed a
Mediterranean-style diet had less severe psoriasis compared with people
who did not.
Maintaining a moderate weight
Obesity is a risk factor for psoriasis development. People with
psoriasis who have overweight or obesity may also experience
more severe symptoms than people with a moderate weight.
Weight loss may reduce inflammatory markers and help reduce
psoriasis symptoms in people with excess body weight.
A 2020 study found that people with psoriasis and
overweight or obesity who reduced their body weight by 12% through a 10-week
program experienced a 50–75% reduction in psoriasis severity. Participants
experienced an average weight loss of 23 pounds.
Implementing other healthy habits
Several habits can help
reduce inflammation and improve psoriasis symptoms, such as:
- Avoiding
or quitting smoking: Smoking significantly harms a person’s health and worsens
inflammatory diseases, including psoriasis.
- Reducing
alcohol intake: Excessive drinking can contribute
to inflammation and worsen psoriasis symptoms.
- Staying
active: Avoiding
long periods of sitting may help with reducing psoriasis symptoms.
One research review suggested that people with
psoriasis who live sedentary lives have more severe symptoms compared with
people who exercise regularly.
- Getting
enough sleep: Not getting enough sleep can lead to a pro-inflammatory state in the body.
Studies suggest that poor and inconsistent sleep can increase inflammation
markers in the blood. Experts recommend adults get 7–9 hours of sleep per
night for optimal health.
- Managing
stress levels: Prolonged stress makes the immune
system overactive and contributes to a pro-inflammatory
state. Up to 88% of people with psoriasis report stress as a
trigger for their symptoms. Using stress-reducing techniques such as
meditation and yoga may help.
When
to seek medical help
Anyone experiencing a
psoriasis flare who is interested in learning ways to reduce psoriasis symptoms
and inflammation may wish to consider speaking with their healthcare team,
including their dermatologist.
They can recommend
treatment methods based on symptom severity and provide recommendations for
diet and lifestyle changes that may help lower inflammation and reduce
psoriasis symptoms. They may also suggest taking vitamins or supplements.
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