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
Experts
believe inflammation is the common factor that can affect these different
areas.
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
Although
inflammation in psoriasis is due to immune system dysregulation,
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.
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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