How to deal with Psoriasis – Kat Piotrowski

Psoriasis is more than just a skin condition—it’s a visible reminder of an internal struggle, a chronic condition that affects not only physical health but also mental and emotional well-being.
For many, the battle with psoriasis is lifelong, impacting confidence, self-esteem, and quality of life. As someone who has walked this path, my mission is to help others navigate their journey to healing, understanding that true remission comes from addressing the whole person, not just the symptoms.

My Personal Journey with Psoriasis

I wasn’t always aware of the deep connection between diet, lifestyle, and health. Growing up, I was a very well child, but things changed when I was 13. After a knee injury, I was prescribed strong antibiotics to prevent infection, which led to severe stomach issues and a decline in my skin health. In my teenage years, acne took a toll on my confidence, but at the time, I had no idea about the gut-skin axis or how my internal health was affecting my outward appearance.

Like many in their twenties, I led a busy, high-stress lifestyle—juggling work, social commitments, and a less-than-ideal diet. It wasn’t until the birth of my first child, aged 27, that my body began to show the strain. Shortly after navigating the challenges of early motherhood and dealing with chronic stress, I became severely ill with a strep infection. Two weeks later, I noticed the appearance of small, drop-shaped lesions on my body and was quickly diagnosed with guttate psoriasis. My GP assured me that the condition would clear up soon, but months later, I was still covered in red, scaly patches. The only treatment offered was a variety of creams, and I was told there was nothing more I could do to help myself. I received no information about autoimmune conditions or how this diagnosis might affect my long-term health. At the time, I was also unaware of the profound impact stress could have on my condition.

It was at that point I decided to take things into my own hands. I began exploring alternative routes like acupuncture, herbal medicine, and, most significantly, a complete lifestyle overhaul. This journey eventually led me to study nutritional therapy and specialise in skin conditions like psoriasis. Today, I help others manage their psoriasis, combining the power of nutrition with lifestyle changes and a focus on the mind-body connection.

So, What is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the skin, leading to red, scaly patches or plaques. This immune-driven condition is characterised by periods of flare-ups and remission.¹ The condition accelerates the skin cell growth cycle, causing an overproduction of

skin cells that build up into visible patches. These patches can appear anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the scalp, elbows, knees, and torso. Psoriasis is not just a skin condition—it is linked to systemic inflammation, increasing the risk of other health issues such as metabolic syndrome, anxiety, depression, and inflammatory bowel disease.² An estimated 2.8% of the UK population is affected by psoriasis.³

What Causes Psoriasis?

Although the exact cause of psoriasis is still not fully understood, it is thought to arise from a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune-related factors.⁴ Triggers such as infections, stress, smoking, alcohol, and certain medications can prompt flare-ups. Chronic inflammation, driven by an overactive immune response, plays a central role in the condition. While psoriasis primarily affects the skin, its impact often extends to other body systems, which makes addressing underlying causes—such as inflammation and gut health—essential. A holistic approach that includes lifestyle and dietary changes, alongside conventional treatments, is key to long-term management.

Types of Psoriasis ⁵

There are several types of psoriasis, each presenting with different symptoms:

• Plaque Psoriasis: The most common type, which causes red patches covered with silvery scales.
• Guttate Psoriasis: Often triggered by infections like strep throat, causing small, drop-shaped lesions.
• Inverse Psoriasis: Appears in skin folds and is characterised by smooth, shiny lesions.
• Pustular Psoriasis: Causes pus-filled blisters and is often limited to the hands or feet.
• Erythrodermic Psoriasis: A severe form that can cause widespread redness, scaling, and pain.

Understanding Psoriasis as an Autoimmune Condition

Since psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, it involves a misguided immune response, attacking the skin cells. Living with psoriasis also means a heightened risk of developing additional autoimmune conditions,⁶ some of which can be more serious or debilitating, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or multiple sclerosis. This interconnectedness of autoimmune diseases can affect multiple areas of health, potentially leading to systemic inflammation and complications in the cardiovascular, digestive, and neurological systems. Therefore, managing psoriasis isn’t just about treating the skin; it’s about supporting the whole body to prevent the progression or onset of further autoimmune issues.

For those wanting to dive deeper into the topic of autoimmunity, I highly recommend Your Blueprint for Strong Immunity by Dr. Jenna Macciochi.⁷ Her insightful chapter on autoimmunity provided me with invaluable knowledge about how to support the immune system and reduce the risk of developing other autoimmune conditions. Dr. Macciochi emphasises a holistic approach to immune health, which aligns perfectly with the strategies I’ve found most effective in managing psoriasis and overall well-being.

How to Get Rid of Psoriasis: Is a Cure Possible?

While there is no permanent cure for psoriasis, I believe it is possible to achieve remission, where symptoms are significantly reduced or disappear for long periods. Successful long-term management involves minimising triggers, balancing the immune system, and addressing root causes like chronic inflammation and gut dysbiosis. Many individuals, including myself, have managed to keep psoriasis under control through a combination of lifestyle changes, stress management, dietary adjustments, and targeted supplements.

Psoriasis: A Holistic Approach

Conventional treatments for psoriasis often include topical creams, phototherapy, and systemic medications aimed at reducing inflammation and controlling the immune system’s activity.

However, in my practice, I advocate for a more holistic approach that includes dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and targeted supplementation. Supporting liver function and gut health are also important in achieving long-term results, as poor digestion and liver detoxification are often linked to flare-ups. However, a key factor I focus on with clients is stress management and the mind-body connection. In traditional Chinese medicine, skin conditions are believed to be associated with “matters of the heart.” To address this, I employ coaching techniques to help clients uncover and work through underlying emotional issues that may be contributing to their skin concerns.

Steps to Achieve Remission

When working with clients, my goal is to guide them toward remission by addressing key lifestyle factors and making strategic changes that support their health holistically. Here are the steps I prioritise:

1. Improving Gut Health: Gut health is at the core of psoriasis management. The gut-skin axis—a bi-directional relationship between the digestive system and skin—plays a significant role in inflammation and immune function.⁸ Supporting gut health through a balanced diet, rich in anti-inflammatory and gut-healing foods, is essential. Phytonutrients, fibre, and ensuring a wide variety of foods in the diet can help to restore balance in the gut, while in some cases, avoiding inflammatory triggers like gluten, alcohol, and processed foods can make a noticeable difference.
2. Balance Inflammation: Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of autoimmune conditions like psoriasis. Managing this inflammation is critical for long-term remission. Diet plays a crucial role in reducing inflammation, and the Mediterranean diet is one of the most studied for its anti-inflammatory benefits. Rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and phytonutrients from a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats like olive oil, this dietary approach has been shown to reduce inflammatory markers in the body and support overall health, making it an excellent foundation for psoriasis management. Beyond diet, reducing other inflammation triggers is essential. Stress is a significant driver of inflammation, so managing stress levels through techniques like meditation, mindfulness, and adequate sleep can be transformative. Environmental pollutants and toxins from smoking and alcohol also contribute to chronic inflammation. Encouraging clients to reduce or eliminate alcohol and smoking can further support a reduction in flare-ups and improve overall well-being.
3. Support the Liver: The liver plays a vital role in detoxification, which is critical for individuals with psoriasis. When the liver is overburdened or sluggish, it can contribute to toxin buildup and increased inflammation, both of which exacerbate psoriasis. I often recommend supplements that support liver function and bile flow which are designed to enhance digestive function and aid the liver’s detox processes.
4. Harness the Power of Curcumin: Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has been extensively studied for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.⁹ It’s a potent tool in reducing inflammation, by regulating inflammatory cytokines, and calming flare-ups, making it an ideal supplement for individuals with psoriasis.
5. Optimise Vitamin D Levels: Vitamin D is essential for immune regulation, and many people with psoriasis are deficient. Ensuring adequate vitamin D levels, either through sun exposure, diet (oily fish, egg yolk, mushrooms), or supplementation, can make a significant difference in controlling autoimmune activity.

Supplements for Psoriasis: A Practitioner’s Perspective

When recommending supplements to my clients, I always prioritise purity and efficacy. Your Health Basket is committed to providing high-quality, professional-grade supplements. Psoriasis sufferers often have sensitive systems, so I look for products with minimal additives, ensuring they’re free from unnecessary fillers that could trigger inflammation or irritation.

Here are the key supplements I recommend for psoriasis management:

• Omega-3 Fish Oils: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil supplements, have powerful anti-inflammatory properties. I often recommend high-quality Omega-3 fish oils to my clients as part of their daily regimen to help manage systemic inflammation and support skin health.¹⁰
  • Curcumin: A natural anti-inflammatory compound that can help reduce flare-ups.¹¹
  • Vitamin D: Crucial for immune regulation and often deficient in those with autoimmune conditions.¹² I often recommend high-quality Vitamin D supplements, particularly during the winter months when natural sunlight is scarce.

Gallbladder or Liver Nutrients: A blend of phytonutrients designed to support liver and digestive function, enhancing the body’s digestive and detoxification processes.

The Importance of Mind-Body Connection

One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned on my journey is that healing psoriasis is not just about diet and supplements; it’s about addressing the mind-body connection. Stress, anxiety, and negative thoughts can exacerbate skin conditions, creating a cycle of flare-ups and emotional distress. Breaking this cycle requires more than just physical healing—it requires a mindset shift.

In my practice, I use coaching tools like Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) to help clients uncover and release limiting beliefs or negative thought patterns that may be hindering their healing process. By fostering a more positive, empowered mindset, individuals can take control of their health and improve their overall well-being.

Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Healing

Psoriasis is a complex condition that requires a multi-faceted approach. By addressing the root causes—gut health, inflammation, immune dysfunction, and stress—I do believe it is possible to achieve long-term remission and improve overall quality of life. For those living with psoriasis, the journey to healing can be challenging, but it’s also empowering. With the right support, both from practitioners and from within, remission is within reach.

I look forward to sharing more insights and answering questions during the Instagram Live on October 29th for World Psoriasis Day. To learn more about my approach or book a call with me to find out how I can help you in your healing journey, visit my website here.

References

¹ NICE. 2024. Definition | Background information | Psoriasis | CKS | NICE. [online] Available at:<https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/psoriasis/background-information/definition/> [Accessed 17 October 2024].

² NICE. 2024. Associated conditions | Background information | Psoriasis | CKS | NICE. [online] Available at: <https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/psoriasis/background-information/associated-conditions/> [Accessed 17 October 2024].

³ Springate, D.A., Parisi, R., Kontopantelis, E., Reeves, D., Griffiths, C.E.M. and Ashcroft, D.M., 2016. Incidence, prevalence and mortality of patients with psoriasis: a U.K. population‐based cohort study. The British Journal of Dermatology, 176(3), p.650. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjd.15021.

⁴ Chen, G., Chen, Z., Fan, X., Jin, Y., Li, X., Wu, S., Ge, W., Lv, C., Wang, Y. and Chen, J., 2020. Gut–Brain–Skin Axis in Psoriasis: A Review. Dermatology and Therapy, 11(1), p.25. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-020-00466-9.

⁵ NICE. 2024. Definition | Background information | Psoriasis | CKS | NICE. [online] Available at:<https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/psoriasis/background-information/definition/> [Accessed 17 October 2024].

⁶ Cojocaru, M., Cojocaru, I.M. and Silosi, I., 2010. Multiple autoimmune syndrome. Mædica, 5(2), p.132.

⁷ Macchiochi, J., 2020. Your Blueprint for Strong Immunity. London: Yellow Kite.

⁸ De Pessemier, B., Grine, L., Debaere, M., Maes, A., Paetzold, B. and Callewaert, C., 2021. Gut–Skin Axis: Current Knowledge of the Interrelationship between Microbial Dysbiosis and Skin Conditions.

Microorganisms, 9(2), p.353. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9020353.

⁹ Bright, J.J., 2007. Curcumin and autoimmune disease. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 595, pp.425–451. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-46401-5_19.

¹⁰ Hahn, J., Cook, N.R., Alexander, E.K., Friedman, S., Walter, J., Bubes, V., Kotler, G., Lee, I.-M., Manson, J.E. and Costenbader, K.H., 2022. Vitamin D and marine omega 3 fatty acid supplementation and incident autoimmune disease: VITAL randomized controlled trial. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 376, p.e066452. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2021-066452.

¹¹ Zuccotti, E., Oliveri, M., Girometta, C., Ratto, D., Di Iorio, C., Occhinegro, A. and Rossi, P., 2018. Nutritional strategies for psoriasis: current scientific evidence in clinical trials. European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences, 22(23), pp.8537–8551. https://doi.org/10.26355/eurrev_201812_16554.

¹² Hewison, M., 2012. Vitamin D and immune function: an overview. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, 71(1), pp.50–61. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0029665111001650.