Oct 29, 20244 min read

Resolving Psoriasis: What's Really Going On?

Psoriasis, a chronic, non-contagious autoimmune condition, can be a frustrating and isolating condition. The red, silvery patches on elbows, knees, scalp, and beyond can make you feel self-conscious, impacting confidence and even how we see ourselves. And the flare-ups. They seem to come out of nowhere, especially when you’re stressed or haven’t had a chance to prioritise self-care. It’s tough—and not just because it’s visible, but because it can feel like an endless cycle of frustration without relief. Many people find themselves stuck with temporary solutions like steroid creams, only to feel disheartened when symptoms return or worsen. Using these creams is a bit like mopping up a flood while the tap is still running—no matter how much you try, it’s hard to get ahead.

At this point, some people come to me wondering if there’s more to psoriasis than meets the eye. And the truth is—yes, there is. Psoriasis isn’t just a skin issue, it's driven by various factors. While the redness and scaling might be what we see, there’s a deeper story unfolding in the body, often connected to immune-related triggers, dysbiosis, nutrient deficiencies, stress, toxin build-up and low digestive capacity. It’s about understanding your body’s unique needs and triggers and addressing these at the root level.

Let's take a deeper dive ...

Normally it takes about 28 days for new skin cells to form, mature, and replace the old ones. But in psoriasis, this process speeds up to a lightning-fast four days, resulting in a much faster accumulation of cells. What causes this rapid build-up? Research has found that psoriasis is a reaction of the immune system and not a problem with the skin cells themselves. Some immune-related triggers can include anything from infections like strep throat to viruses, physical injuries, pregnancy, and emotional stress. Even some medications—like lithium or certain blood pressure meds—can bring on flare-ups.

Gut health

Many people don’t realise that our gut health is directly linked to our skin health; what happens internally is often reflected externally. I’ve found that by looking into gut health, we can reveal imbalances that might be playing a big role in psoriasis flare-ups. Whether it’s yeast overgrowth, bacterial imbalances, or issues like leaky gut, these factors place added strain on the immune system, which can worsen skin conditions.

When we go beyond quick fixes and truly support the gut, the skin tends to follow. And that’s where something like a stool test comes in—it provides the facts we need to map out a clear path to healing. This test tells us whether there’s an issue with digestion, absorption, or even infections. It helps us identify things like parasites, yeast, bacterial imbalances, or if there’s leaky gut—all of which can contribute to this immune-mediated condition. Once we know what’s going on, we can work towards addressing these imbalances so that, over time, the skin can find its way back to health.

Diet

The road to psoriasis management doesn’t just stop at gut health, though. Diet plays a crucial role too, and it can be a bit of a minefield at first. Focusing on a high-fibre, nutrient-rich diet, reducing sugar and alcohol, and processed foods, eliminating gluten and reducing dairy and animal products, and finding any specific food sensitivities are incredibly helpful places to start.

People with psoriasis often experience deficiencies in essential nutrients such as vitamins A, D, E, B12, and folic acid, along with selenium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. In particular, individuals with extensive psoriasis frequently show especially low levels of vitamin D.

Emotional health

Emotional health is a key player here too. I see firsthand how life’s stresses—those day-to-day pressures, unresolved emotional issues, or even long-term trauma—can impact the immune system and, in turn, worsen symptoms. It’s no coincidence that psoriasis flare-ups are often linked with high-stress periods. Finding ways to manage stress that work for you—whether that’s mindfulness, yoga, time in nature, or something else entirely—can be as transformative as any dietary or lifestyle change.

Toxicity

Various types of toxins can place a heavy burden on the body, congesting the liver and slowing its natural detoxification. When the liver becomes overloaded, these unprocessed toxins can enter the bloodstream, impacting immune function and often manifesting in skin issues. Signs of toxin build-up may include fatigue, headaches, body aches, digestive issues, skin irritation, allergy-like symptoms, and heightened sensitivity to scents, such as perfumes and cleaning products. Without regular physical activity, these toxins remain stagnant, which can prompt immune responses in the skin. Simple ways to support detoxification include eating an organic diet, drinking 4-6 glasses of water daily, consuming 25-35 grams of fibre, and incorporating liver-supporting herbs and spices, such as milk thistle, dandelion, burdock, and turmeric. Additionally, I've observed that clients with psoriasis benefit significantly from infrared saunas. The heat deeply penetrates the skin, helping to release toxins and improve skin circulation, resulting in notable symptom relief.