Psoriasis: Is My Skin Itching of Gut Issues?

Medically reviewed by Aaron L Weigmann MD., MS Plastic Surgeon November 21, 2024| Written by Shahid Bashir

Psoriasis: Is My Skin Itching of Gut Issues?

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition in which skin cells multiply too quickly and causeinflammation. It is characterized by rashes and scaly patches on the skin, especially on the scalp, elbow, and knee. 

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, and there are multiple theories about what triggers this autoimmune response.Experts believe that genetics and environmental factors are the primary triggers for this condition. 

However, there is a strong association between gut health and psoriasis.Studies show thatdysbiosis — a bacterial imbalance in the gut — is strongly related to this condition. 

According to theNational Psoriasis Foundation, more than 7 million people in the USA have psoriasis.

What is it Like Having Psoriasis?

There are several types of psoriasis, and the signs and symptoms vary slightly for each type. Plaque psoriasis is the most common type, and it accounts for about80 to 90 % of total cases of psoriasis.

Psoriasiscommonly affects the skin of the elbow, knees, scalp, trunk, palms, and soles of the feet. You may experience the following signs and symptoms with different types of psoriasis:

  • Red scaly patches on the skin
  • Plaques on the skin
  • Dry and cracked skin that may bleed
  • Itching
  • Soreness
  • Pitted nails

People with psoriasis also find it hard to get quality sleep because of the itching and soreness. 

What is the Main Cause of Psoriasis?

Psoriasis occurs when the immune cells mistakenly start attacking healthy skin cells. The immune response causes the abnormally rapid growth of new skin cells, resulting in plaques and scales on the skin. 

There is no exact explanation of what triggers the immune response. However, evidence shows that certain factors can be the possible cause of immune response in psoriasis. These are also called psoriasis triggers, which include:

  • Geneticsis considered the primary risk factor in all autoimmune conditions, including psoriasis. If you have a family history of psoriasis, you are at a higher risk of developing this condition. Differentscientific studies also explain the genetic basis of this condition.
  • Gut Health has a strong association with psoriasis. A2024 study shows that bacterial dysbiosis can lead to the immune response in psoriasis. A differentstudy by the International Journal of Molecular Sciences shows that leaky gut syndrome can play a role in the development of psoriasis.
  • Infections of both bacterial and viral nature such as streptococcal and HIV, have been foundlinked with psoriasis. When there is an infection in the body, the immune system activates to fight that infection. But the activated immune cells can sometimes mistakenly start attacking healthy cells, as in psoriasis. 
  • Medicationscan also trigger psoriasis. In a2017 study, certain drugs including those for treating heart disease, malaria, and mental health problems were found linked to psoriasis. These drugs can also worsen the symptoms in people with psoriasis. 
  • Stressand stressful events can increase the risk of psoriasis. This is confirmed by the lateststudy.National Psoriasis Foundation also reveals that stress is the common trigger for psoriasis flare and managing stress can improve the condition.

How Do I Clean My Gut for Psoriasis?

Treatment options for psoriasis focus on reducing the patient's symptoms and discomfort. Some treatment options also address the root cause, such as improving gut health and addressing bacterial imbalance.

Here are some common treatment options for psoriasis:

1. Phototherapy

Phototherapy or light therapy is the commonlypreferred first-line treatment option for psoriasis. This technique involves exposing skin to a controlled amount of ultraviolet light, for which sunlight and artificial lights can be used. 

The common types of light therapy for psoriasis are Ultraviolet light A (UVA) and Ultraviolet  Light B (UVB). The ultraviolet light penetrates the skin andslows the growth of affected skin cells. 

2. Topical Medication

Topical medication involves directly applying creams, ointments, and lotions to the affected skin. The topical medication significantly reduces inflammation, slows skin cell growth, and creates a soothing effect. 

Some common topical medications for psoriasis include corticosteroids, vitamin D analogs, coal tar, retinoids, calcineurin inhibitors, and salicylic acid.

If topical medicines don’t work for you, doctors may recommend oral or injected medications for better results. 

3. Dietary Changes

A good diet improves gut health, reduces inflammation, and has an overall positive influence on improving the symptoms of psoriasis. Eat a balanced diet rich inanti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acids. 

This can help reduce inflammation and support skin health. 

Dietary changes also help against the possible causes of psoriasis, such as dysbiosis and leaky gut syndrome.Studies show that probiotic foods can improve dysbiosis and reduce inflammation in the body.Another study shows that probiotics also help in leaky gut syndrome by improving gut permeability.

Related Link: Dietitian-Backed Balanced Meal Plans for Everyone  

In addition to probiotics, add fiber-rich foods to your diet. Fiber promotes gut health by supporting thegrowth of good gut bacteria. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help in reducing inflammation

4. Lifestyle Changes

Lifestyle improvements are important in relieving psoriasis symptoms and improving skin health. Take baths daily with lukewarm water and gently clean the affected site with mild soaps, preferably those with added oils. This helps remove scales and calms the inflammation

Don't keep the skin dry after the bath. Apply your preferred moisturizer or oil. Moisturizing reduces dryness and itching. Also, prevent your skin from excessive heat exposure, as heat can worsen the itching. 

Can Probiotics Help Psoriasis?

Evidence shows that bacterial changes in the gut can be responsible for triggering autoimmune responses in psoriasis. Probiotics can help in psoriasis by correcting bacterial imbalances in the gut

Probiotics are healthy bacteria that play a significant role in gut health, digestion, and protecting the body from harmful bacteria. When you eat probiotic foods or get probiotic supplements, your gut receives a supply of good bacteria. 

Studies show that probiotics can significantly improve the bacterial balance in the gut and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. By regulating the growth of infection-causing bacteria, probiotics reduce the chance of inflammation in psoriasis. 

Also Read: 10 Probiotic Foods That You Should be Eating for Your Gut!

Probiotics improve leaky gut syndrome, which is also a possible cause of psoriasis.Studies show that probiotics improve gut permeability and prevent the leaking of toxins from the gut into the blood. 

How to Improve Gut Health for Psoriasis?

A healthy gut translates to overall improved health. This is especially true for psoriasis, as this condition is closely associated with gut health. But how can you improve gut health?

Here are some practical ways to improve gut health for psoriasis:

1) Foods to Eat

The best way to improve gut health is to eat a gut-friendly diet. Here are some gut-friendly foods you can eat to support gut health:

  • Fiber-rich Foods:Include fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes in your diet. Fiber-rich foods improve digestion andpromote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. 
  • Probiotics foods: Incorporate fermented foods such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi into your diet. Fermented foods are an excellent source of probiotics, which are vital for gut health
  • Prebiotics: Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that serve as the food for the healthy bacteria in the gut, promoting their growth. You can get prebiotics from garlic, onions, asparagus, and bananas. 
  • Healthy Fats: Whilefats don’t have a good reputation among macronutrients, certain fats can significantly improve gut and overall body health. Omega-3 fatty acid is an example of healthy fat, which you can get from fatty fish, flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts. 

2) Foods to Avoid

Some foods worsen the symptoms of psoriasis by causing harm to the gut health. Here are the foods you must avoid for gut health:

  • Refined Sugar:Studies show that eating sugar can negatively impact good gut bacteria and disturb the bacterial balance in the gut. High sugar intake alsotriggers inflammation in the gut, which can damage the gut lining and cause leaky gut syndrome

    Some foods rich in refined sugar include sodas, energy drinks, sauces, sweet chocolates, and cakes. 
  • Overly Processed Foods: Research shows that consuming overly processed foods increases the risk of developing autoimmune diseases in the digestive tract, such as inflammatory bowel disease. Triggering autoimmune responses can also worsen psoriasis. 

    Studies also show that additives in processed foods promote the growth of harmful bacteria and increase the risk of intestinal inflammation. Some examples of processed foods are instant snacks, processed meat, canned foods, and bakery goods. 
  • Fried Foods: Fried foods are high in trans fats, which can disturb the balance of gut bacteria. The high fat content in fried foods alsoincreases the risk of intestinal inflammation and damage to the intestinal lining, resulting in a leaky gut
  • Alcohol: A 2023 study shows that alcohol consumption can negatively influence good gut bacteria andcausedysbiosis. Alcohol also increases the risk of inflammation in the gut, causing damage to the gut's protective lining. 

3) Stay Hydrated

Water is important for efficient digestion and the regular flow of food content in the gut. Adequate water intake prevents the toxin buildup in the gut, which lowers the risk of inflammation. Staying hydrated is also essential for skin health, especially when psoriasis occurs.

See Also: Shocking Effects of Dehydration - Tips to Up Your Water Game!

Drinking plenty of fresh water is a healthy way to meet the body’s water requirement. Eating water-rich foods, such as watermelon, berries, and oranges, is another healthy way to get sufficient water. 

4) Manage Stress

Studies show that stress is strongly associated with gut health. Stress can disturb the normal digestion process and increase therisk of bacterial imbalance in the gut. 

Reports also show that stress increases the likelihood of flare-ups in psoriasis. To improve gut health, incorporate stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, and physical activity into your routine. 

See Also: What's Bacterial Imbalance in Gut or Dysbiosis? Everything You Need to Know!

How Can Eating More Dietary Fiber Help with Psoriasis?

Eating more dietary fiber helps with psoriasis in the following ways:

  1. Fiber hasprebiotic properties and can promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. A Healthy bacterial balance in the gut reduces the risk of inflammation linked to psoriasis. 
  2. Fiber promotes theintegrity of the intestinal lining, preventing intestinal inflammation and leaky gut syndrome. This can significantly lower the risk of flare-ups in psoriasis. 
  3. Certain types of fiber haveanti-inflammatory properties. The anti-inflammatory properties of fiber can help lower inflammation in psoriasis.
  4. Obesity is a risk factor for psoriasis. A diet high in fiberhelps in weight management and reduces the risk of obesity-related conditions
  5. Fiberpromotes regular bowel movements, which prevents the buildup of toxins in the body. Effective detoxification lowers the risk of activation of the immune response, which can be beneficial for people with psoriasis. 

Incorporate plant-based foods high in fiber, such as vegetables and fruits, into your diet to support gut health and manage psoriasis symptoms. 

Powdered Fiber?

In addition to fiber-containing foods, you canbuy powdered fiber to meet your daily fiber requirements. You can pick any product of your choice. We recommendstartwithfiber.com as it comes with digestive enzymes and probiotics for improved digestion and better gut health

FAQs

1. Can Psoriasis be Ever Cured?

Since psoriasis is an autoimmune condition with no specific cause, you can't cure it. Treatments are available, but they can only help relieve the symptoms.

2. What fabrics should be avoided with psoriasis?

People with psoriasis should avoid fabrics with rough texture, as this can worsen the itching. Also, refrain from tight clothing as that can rub against the skin and cause irritation.

Conclusion

Psoriasis is a common skin condition affecting over 7 million people in the USA. It is an autoimmune condition that causes itching, soreness, and scaly patches on the skin. Some common risk factors for developing psoriasis include genetics, poor gut health, and infections. 

Psoriasis is a chronic condition, and there is no cure for it. Medical management includes topical medications and phototherapy to reduce inflammation. Psoriasis is strongly associated with gut health, and improving gut health can help manage this condition.

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