Symptoms

• • Red, Inflamed and scaly skin: Psoriasis often appears as red patches of skin covered with silvery scales. These patches can be itchy and painful. The affected skin may have a buildup of silvery or white scales that can flake off.
  • Dry or Cracked Skin: Psoriasis can cause dryness and cracking of the skin, which can be especially uncomfortable in areas like the elbows and knees.
  • Thickened Nails: Some people with psoriasis develop nail changes, such as pitting (small dents), thickening, or separation from the nail bed.
  • Joint Pain: In some cases, psoriasis can lead to a form of arthritis known as psoriatic arthritis, causing joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.

  Itching and Burning: Psoriasis can be itchy and may cause a burning sensation on the skin.
  

How to Identify

The primary method of diagnosing psoriasis is through a clinical examination. A dermatologist will examine your skin and nails for characteristic signs of psoriasis, such as red or silvery scales, raised patches, and inflammation. Along with consideration of medical history and, in some cases, skin biopsies. Blood tests are often supportive in assessing the overall health and managing the condition. The doctor may also consider other skin conditions that resemble psoriasis to rule out misdiagnosis.

Causes

The exact cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The key contributing factors include:

1. Immune System Dysfunction: Psoriasis is considered an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly targets healthy skin cells, leading to rapid skin cell turnover.

2. Genetics: A family history of psoriasis can increase the risk of developing the condition. Certain genes are associated with a higher susceptibility to psoriasis.

3. Environmental Triggers: Various environmental factors can trigger or exacerbate psoriasis in individuals with a genetic predisposition. These triggers may include infections, stress, injury to the skin (such as cuts or burns), and certain medications.

4. Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, such as those during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, can influence the severity of psoriasis in some individuals.

5. Smoking and Alcohol:  Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption have been linked to an increased risk of psoriasis and may worsen existing symptoms.

Psoriasis is a chronic condition with periods of flares and remission. While there is no cure, various treatments and lifestyle modifications, can help manage symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals with psoriasis.

How our expert team can help with Psoriasis. We are the best naturopathic clinic in this area to help with psoriasis:

1. Dietary Guidance: We may recommend dietary changes, such as reducing inflammation-triggering foods and emphasising anti-inflammatory foods, which could potentially help manage psoriasis symptoms.
2. Nutritional Supplements and Herbs: Dietary supplements which have anti-inflammatory or immune-modulating properties. Examples include fish oil and probiotics. Herbal remedies also used to reduce inflammation include Turmeric and Boswellia. 
3. Stress Management: Stress can exacerbate psoriasis symptoms, and a focus on stress reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or relaxation exercises may be included.
4. Lifestyle Recommendations: They may provide lifestyle advice, such as avoiding alcohol and smoking, which can worsen psoriasis, and encouraging exercise and good sleep habits.
5. Topical Natural Remedies: We might suggest natural topical treatments made with herbal mixtures or herbal creams.
6. Homeopathic Remedies: We also stock the Naturepathics relief remedy for psoriasis which can be found here Children’s Health | Women’s Health | Immune Health (naturepathics.com) It is traditionally used to relieve mild symptoms of psoriasis.

If you would like support managing Psoriasis please book in to chat with one of our team to discuss the appropriate treatment for you. We are a leading naturopathic clinic near you to help with a naturopath, homeopath, and nutrition.