Psoriasis is considered an incurable and chronic autoimmune disease. Conventional medicine usually treats the symptoms and suppresses the immune system. However, those who think and live holistically can significantly improve their skin’s appearance with natural measures and actively contribute to alleviating the disease.
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is partly hereditary. It is one of the so-called autoimmune diseases in which the immune system attacks the body’s own tissue—in this case, the skin cells—releasing cytokines (inflammatory messengers), and destroying the tissue. As a result, the formation of new skin cells not only increases rapidly but also in excessive numbers. This is referred to as hyperproliferation of keratinocytes (horn-forming cells, i.e., the cells of the uppermost layer of the skin).
The cytokines ensure that the immune cells produce even more cytokines, which intensifies the inflammation. On the other hand, the cytokines promote regeneration processes, which, however, occur too quickly in psoriasis.
Normally, healthy epidermis takes about four weeks to renew itself. In psoriasis skin, this process occurs within three to four days. This much too rapid process leads to the inability to form a normal stratum corneum (deficient keratinization). The cells in this uppermost layer of skin cannot develop properly and die beforehand.
This is how the yellowish, scaly patches of skin typical of psoriasis develop. These patches are usually localized, but psoriasis can also spread over large areas of the skin.
The symptoms of psoriasis
Common symptoms of psoriasis include the formation of silvery, dry scales (psoriasis vulgaris) as well as the formation of yellowish crusts (psoriasis exudativa), which is caused by severe inflammatory processes.
Much less common, however, are pus-filled blisters that appear mainly on the inner surfaces of the hands and feet (pustular psoriasis).
Another form of psoriasis is guttate psoriasis, also known as guttate psoriasis. Guttate psoriasis is often a precursor to common psoriasis and commonly occurs in children and adolescents. It presents with pinpoint, pinhead-sized spots resembling water droplets.
In very rare cases, large-scale inflammation can thicken the entire body skin, so that it becomes increasingly inelastic and eventually begins to tear, predominantly in the joint areas such as the shoulder, elbow, knee, ankle, etc. – which is then called psoriatic erythroderma.
Psoriasis vulgaris is the most common form
Psoriasis vulgaris is the most common form of psoriasis. It is characterized by sharply and irregularly defined, reddish plaques of the skin covered with silvery to yellowish scales.
The yellowish scaly skin patches occur particularly on the following parts of the body: on the scalp, behind the ears, in the armpits, in the crease of the buttocks, in the genital area and on the extensor surfaces of the extremities, i.e. on the elbows and knees (directly on the knees or below the kneecap).
The condition is particularly unpleasant on parts of the body where friction occurs (e.g. in the genital area or the armpits).
As psoriasis vulgaris progresses, many sufferers—known as psoriatics—also develop nail psoriasis, or psoriasis of the nails. This condition changes both the shape and color of the nails and can ultimately destroy the nail completely, causing it to detach from the nail bed. Both the toenails and the nails of the hands can be affected.
Another disease that often occurs as a result of long-term psoriasis vulgaris is psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriatic arthritis also affects the joints
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA for short) is a rheumatic disease and is also considered an autoimmune disease.
However, in contrast to psoriasis, it is not the skin cells that are attacked by persistent inflammatory processes, but rather the joints. The inflammation begins in the inner lining of the joints and later also affects the cartilage.
In most cases, the joint inflammation occurs in the finger and toe joints. However, psoriatic arthritis can affect almost any joint, such as the knees or elbows.
The joint areas become red, swollen, and painful. If the joint inflammation persists over a long period of time, the joints can become increasingly stiff, resulting in significant restrictions in movement.
The PASI indicates the severity of the disease
The severity of psoriasis is determined using the PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index). The PASI is a number that can be used to assess not only the severity of the psoriasis but also the effectiveness of psoriasis medications. The PASI score ranges from 0 for healthy people to a maximum of 72, which represents the worst severity.
The cause of psoriatic arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis can develop as a result of pre-existing psoriasis. However, it can take many years before the onset of psoriasis occurs.
Although a genetic predisposition is probably a prerequisite for this type of disease, other factors, so-called trigger factors, must be present before it finally breaks out.
These include, for example – just as with psoriasis itself (see below) – bacterial infections, hormonal changes, the use of certain medications (e.g. special blood pressure lowering drugs (e.g. beta-blockers), anti-rheumatic drugs (indomethacin) etc.), persistent psychological stress, unhealthy diet, environmental toxins, smoking or being very overweight.
In overweight people, abdominal fat poses a particular danger because it produces inflammatory messenger substances that can repeatedly trigger new inflammatory processes in the joints.
The side effects of conventional medical therapy
In conventional medical therapy, psoriasis is usually treated with external applications, especially in mild to moderate cases. These include salicylic acid preparations, tar-containing ointments, and glucocorticoids (cortisone).
While these medications combat the symptoms of the disease, they do not address its causes. Furthermore, some of these medications have serious side effects.
Salicylic acid for psoriasis
Salicylic acid is used externally, for example, to remove dandruff. It also has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties. Unfortunately, it is also potentially tissue-damaging and has adverse effects with prolonged use, which has been reported to result in nerve and kidney damage. Salicylic acid should never be used on children.
Tar ointments for psoriasis
Tar ointments inhibit excessive cell division, have anti-inflammatory effects, and relieve itching. However, prolonged use is said to have carcinogenic (cancer-causing) effects, so long-term or permanent use should be avoided.
Cortisone is prescribed too quickly
Cortisone is particularly frequently prescribed in the form of ointments, tablets or injections in psoriasis therapy – regardless of the many possible side effects:
Water retention, increased blood pressure, increased blood sugar, immune deficiency, osteoporosis, obesity or Cushing’s syndrome (moon face, bull neck, brittle skin vessels) are known reactions to long-term, high-dose cortisone use.
Tacalcitol (synthetic vitamin D) for psoriasis
Ointments containing the active ingredient tacalcitol are also recommended. Tacalcitol is applied once daily (in the evening) to the affected areas of skin. It is a synthetic form of the active ingredient vitamin D3 (calcitriol). The predecessor active ingredient of tacalcitol was called calcipotriol, but this had side effects such as skin irritation, which is less common with tacalcitol. Tacalcitol is said to have anti-inflammatory effects, inhibit hyperproliferation, and thus regulate the impaired keratinization process.
However, if you treat your skin with salicylic acid, you must wait three days after exfoliation before applying tacalcitol, otherwise the salicylic acid will deactivate the vitamin D3 and thus render it ineffective.
Retinoids
For moderate to severe psoriasis (and also acne), so-called retinoids are taken. These are compounds similar to vitamin A. However, retinoids are embryotoxic, can cause serious birth defects in the unborn child, and should therefore not be taken by pregnant women.
Fumaric acid esters
Fumaric acid esters are only prescribed for severe cases of psoriasis, as they can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and numerous other side effects. The drug is considered an immunosuppressant, meaning that fumaric acid esters suppress the immune system.
Biologics
Biologics are relatively new medications derived from living organisms, that directly target inflammatory messengers in autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatism). However, they can make patients susceptible to viral infections, so before treatment with biologics, it is important to determine whether the patient is carrying hepatitis viruses or HIV.
If a psoriasis patient suffers from a chronic hepatitis B infection, conventional medicine recommends antiviral therapy prior to treatment. For other viral infections, biologic therapy is preferable.
PUVA therapy for psoriasis
PUVA therapy is a type of light therapy (phototherapy) or radiation therapy primarily used for large-scale psoriasis. Here, the affected areas of skin are treated with ultraviolet radiation (UVA rays).
The P stands for a drug called psoralen, which makes the skin more sensitive to light and is taken by the patient before phototherapy treatment. Since psoralen often causes nausea and vomiting, bathing in a psoralen solution is also offered as an alternative to taking it.
The ultraviolet radiation used in PUVA therapy counteracts inflammatory processes, inhibits the overactivity of the immune system, and thus reduces excessive skin cell division. This, in some cases, leads to a reduction in flaking and other symptoms. This sounds convincing at first, if one ignores the side effects of radiation.
The side effects of PUVA therapy
Phototherapy increases the risk of sunburn. Even closed eyes (!) are at serious risk if they are not protected by appropriate eyewear. Acute conjunctivitis, cataracts, and degenerative changes in the retina are possible consequences of radiation.
In addition, the therapy can cause pigment shifts, hyperpigmentation, thickening of the skin, and actinic keratosis (an early form of skin cancer). At higher UV-A doses, the risk of cancer increases exponentially.
Selective UV-B therapy (SUP), in which the lamps used are adjusted depending on the skin type and symptoms, could be more tolerable.
The possible causes of psoriasis
As is always the case with autoimmune diseases, conventional medicine doesn’t know any specific causes for psoriasis. It is assumed that various factors, taken together, could ultimately trigger the disease. Furthermore, from the perspective of conventional medicine, psoriasis—once triggered—is incurable.
It is occasionally observed that psoriasis first appears after, or is exacerbated by, an upper respiratory tract infection caused by streptococci. Streptococci are bacteria that always make up a part of our healthy body flora. However, if the bacteria occur in excess, they can cause, for example, sinusitis, tonsillitis, and even middle ear infections. The connection is explained by the fact that the antibodies the immune system produces against the streptococci, after fighting off the bacteria, suddenly attack the body’s own tissue—in cases of a hereditary predisposition to autoimmune diseases.
Medications (e.g., beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, chloroquine) are also among the triggers of psoriasis, as is stress. Beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors are used primarily to treat high blood pressure.
Chloroquine is currently the focus of medical studies, as the original malaria drug is/was also used to treat COVID-19. However, because chloroquine can cause severe side effects (cardiac arrhythmias), its use is now discouraged.
Skin injuries or skin irritations caused by sunburn can trigger psoriasis, making it worse, and should therefore be avoided.
It is also known that psoriasis can occur after periods of hormonal change, for example after pregnancy or puberty, and can therefore also have hormonal (co-)causes.
From a naturopathic point of view, the following aspects can be among the causes of psoriasis:
1. An irritated immune system
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, meaning it affects the immune system. Consequently, some degree of overload, damage, or irritation of the immune system is a major cause of psoriasis.
The immune system has its headquarters in the intestine, where it is confronted with all harmful substances that enter the body with food or in the form of medication.
At the same time, the gut is closely connected to the brain and stress reactions, so that anxiety and stress can also have a direct impact on the gut and the actions of the immune system.
Now it can happen that the immune system overreacts and, instead of attacking pathogens and harmful substances, it suddenly also accidentally attacks the body’s own tissue – like the skin in this case.
2. Leaky gut syndrome
An intact intestinal mucosa prevents harmful substances or incompletely digested particles from entering the bloodstream. If the intestinal mucosa is damaged – due to stress, unhealthy diet, intestinal flora imbalance, medications, infections, nutrient deficiencies, etc. – an increased amount of toxins and undigested food components can enter the bloodstream. This is referred to as leaky gut syndrome.
This, in turn, leads to violent reactions of the immune system. Inflammatory and allergic reactions occur. A scientific study confirmed that psoriasis patients frequently experienced microscopic injuries to the intestinal mucosa caused by inflammatory processes in the intestine. This applied to patients with psoriasis vulgaris as well as those with psoriatic arthritis.
3. Disturbed intestinal flora
A disorder of the intestinal flora ( dysbacteria, dysbiosis) is caused by an unhealthy diet, infections, medications, stress, etc., and is a key precursor to the leaky gut syndrome described above. It is characterized by the prevalence of harmful bacteria and fungi, while beneficial bacteria decrease in number. Likewise, there is a decrease in diversity, meaning fewer bacterial species are present.
The toxic secretions of intestinal fungi and harmful bacteria attack the intestinal mucosa. At the same time, there is a lack of short-chain fatty acids , which are produced by the beneficial bacteria and serve as energy sources for the intestinal mucosal cells. A deficiency of these fatty acids can lead to degeneration of the intestinal mucosa, which can then lead to the development of the leaky gut syndrome described above.
As early as 1986, a first scientific study was able to demonstrate the concrete connection between existing psoriasis and an extremely disturbed intestinal flora.
In this study, stool samples from patients with seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp and scalp psoriasis were examined. The results showed that all patients had a highly abnormal intestinal flora, dominated primarily by pathogenic yeasts.
A recent study from 2015 confirmed that patients with psoriasis had a gut flora with significantly lower diversity and lower amounts of beneficial intestinal bacteria than healthy individuals. Indeed, the gut flora of psoriasis patients was even similar to that of patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
The flora (bacterial colonization) of the skin also differs enormously between psoriasis skin and healthy skin, as a study from 2018 showed.(2) Apparently, the skin flora in psoriasis is particularly lacking in bacteria that could regulate the immune system, while pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus take over, which can now lead to an increased skin inflammatory reaction.
A 2018 study on mice showed that oral administration of beneficial bacteria ( probiotics: Lactobacillus salivarius LA307, Lactobacillus rhamnosus LA305) can reduce inflammatory skin changes. (1)
4. Over acidification of the body
Chronic hyperacidity (disturbance of the acid-base balance) could also be a contributing cause of psoriasis, which is why it is often included in naturopathic therapy when necessary.
Accumulated acids are normally excreted as quickly as possible through urine, but the kidneys’ excretion capacity is limited. In chronic hyperacidity, the amount of acid produced is so great that the kidneys are overwhelmed. In this situation, the body relies on the skin—the body’s largest excretory organ—for help.
If more acids are excreted through the skin, further inflammatory processes occur in the already damaged areas of the skin, causing the skin’s appearance to deteriorate significantly in phases – this is the naturopathic explanatory model, for which there is still no scientific evidence in the area of psoriasis.
5. An unhealthy diet
An unhealthy diet is the root cause of all four factors mentioned above. It can therefore contribute to a weakened immune system, disruption of the intestinal flora, damage to the intestinal mucosa, and over-acidification of the body.
These effects clearly demonstrate that an unhealthy diet can contribute to the development of almost any disease—including psoriasis. Conversely, almost any disease can be positively influenced by a healthy diet.
It supplies the body with nutrients and vital substances so that the organism’s self-healing and self-regulation abilities can be activated and restored.
A diet rich in sugar, white flour products, low-quality animal products, soft drinks and other convenience foods weakens and burdens the body.
Sugar can promote the development of chronic inflammatory processes, and high consumption of animal products can lead to rising uric acid levels. However, it is known that psoriasis patients suffer from disproportionately high uric acid levels and therefore also have a higher risk of developing gout.
How to treat psoriasis naturally
Naturopathy now focuses on eliminating the risk factors mentioned above, so that the following steps can be taken to naturally treat excessive scaling in psoriasis:
Pay attention to a healthy diet
In terms of nutrition, a nutrient-rich, gut-friendly, and anti-inflammatory—and thus a healthy—diet is a good idea. Its positive effects on psoriasis have already been demonstrated in various studies (2). Even though the aforementioned studies show that diet alone cannot cure psoriasis, it should always accompany any therapy, regardless of the type of treatment.
Of course, with psoriasis – as with any chronic disease – not one diet is suitable for everyone. Therefore, those affected should always monitor their diet carefully to identify possible triggers for psoriasis in their personal diet. For some psoriatic patients, for example, the gluten in grains might worsen their symptoms. For others, it might be dairy products, and for still others, their daily liter of Diet Coke.
When choosing oils and fats, avoid those with an inflammatory effect, i.e. oils with a high proportion of omega-6 fatty acids (e.g. sunflower oil, safflower oil, soybean oil, etc.) or choose oils with a harmonious omega-3 to omega-6 ratio (e.g. hemp oil) or oils with preferably monounsaturated fatty acids such as olive oil or almond oil.
Omega-3 fatty acids can also be used as an anti-inflammatory dietary supplement, e.g., through algae oil which is a plant-based alternative to fish oil products.
You can read more about the Psoriasis Diet plan here.
Perform a liver cleanse
The liver, as our largest detoxification organ, is confronted with all the toxins that enter the body. As explained above, psoriasis sufferers often suffer from impaired intestinal function (e.g., leaky gut syndrome), so the liver is overwhelmed by the resulting additional toxic load, which in turn could weaken the immune system.
The liver is also involved in the regulation of the immune system, thus protecting against excessive reactions and autoimmune processes, so that a healthy liver is essential for the prevention of autoimmune diseases.
Another reason to support the liver with liver cleansing in psoriasis is that the disease often occurs together with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (in a 2016 study, over 45 percent of patients had fatty liver disease), so regular measures for the liver are extremely useful in any case (3).
Medicinal plants that can effectively strengthen the liver can therefore be taken regularly for psoriasis. Among the best-known liver-regenerating and bitter-rich plants are milk thistle, dandelion, and artichoke. In general, however, most bitter substances (in the right amounts) strengthen the liver’s detoxification function.
For strengthening and relieving the liver, a bitter alkaline powder, a dandelion extract or even a dandelion powder is ideal.
Optimize your antioxidant supply
Autoimmune diseases are chronic inflammatory disorders in which free radicals are increasingly active, leading to a massive depletion of the body’s own antioxidants and thus to an increased level of oxidative stress. This, in turn, has an additional pro-inflammatory effect.
A 2003 study had already shown that people with psoriasis have low antioxidant levels because the body’s own antioxidants are no longer sufficient to control the resulting oxidative stress. (4)
However, persistently low antioxidant levels can also increase the risk of other chronic diseases, so much so that researchers reported in 2014 that psoriasis patients also frequently suffer from and die from cardiovascular disease. Oxidative stress also damages blood vessels, increases blood pressure, and promotes atherosclerosis , leading to heart attacks and strokes. (5)
Antioxidants, which are found in fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices, can already effectively reduce oxidative stress and have an anti-inflammatory effect. Additionally, you can take appropriate antioxidant supplements, such as astaxanthin, Aronia (Chokeberry), OPC, curcumin, and sulforaphane.
In a 2018 review, initial studies on astaxanthin and its effects on skin diseases (psoriasis and atopic dermatitis ) showed that the antioxidant can inhibit a certain substance that would otherwise intensify inflammatory processes in the skin. (6)
Frankincense for psoriasis
Frankincense is considered to have significant anti-inflammatory properties and is therefore also used in naturopathy for inflammatory joint diseases (7).
The boswellic acids it contains are responsible for its effects. They are said to inhibit the activity of the inflammatory prostaglandin E2, thereby significantly reducing inflammatory reactions.
The use of frankincense for rheumatic complaints is well known, but frankincense can also be used topically, i.e. as a cream, not only as an analgesic for joint diseases, but also for skin lesions of psoriasis.
In another study from 2014 (8), positive effects on existing psoriasis were also observed thanks to a cream containing boswellic acids.
Correct any vitamin D deficiency
Many psoriasis sufferers have found that sunlight can have a very positive effect on the appearance of their skin. The combination of sun and salt water can be particularly healing. Therefore, psoriasis patients benefit enormously from long stays at the beach.
One reason why sunlight is so beneficial for the skin is certainly its effect on vitamin D levels. Vitamin D is produced in the skin under the influence of UV radiation. People with chronic illnesses, in particular, often suffer from vitamin D deficiency, so vitamin D levels should be determined in psoriasis, too , before selecting the appropriate dose based on individual needs .
Vitamin D and its role in psoriasis
Vitamin D is a vitamin whose levels should be monitored in almost all chronic diseases to correct potential deficiencies. Studies have shown a significant association between low vitamin D status and psoriasis. Although the effectiveness of vitamin D in treating psoriasis remains controversial, adequate vitamin D intake may contribute to reducing disease activity (9).
Enjoy alkaline salt baths
Not only the sun at the sea has a healing effect on psoriasis, but also the seawater. The salt it contains softens the skin flakes and eventually loosens them. Furthermore, salt has a disinfectant and anti-inflammatory effect and relieves itching.
Salt baths allow the skin to breathe again and make it soft and supple.
Here, too, it’s obviously not possible for most people to enjoy regular baths in the sea. But that’s not necessary, as there are numerous alkaline baths or sea salt baths available on the market that have a similarly positive effect on the skin, although alkaline baths don’t dry out the skin as much as is often the case after a swim in the sea.
Deacidify your body
Since overacidification of the body can be one of the causes of any chronic illness from a naturopathic perspective, deacidification is naturally part of almost every holistic approach, regardless of the underlying symptoms. Further information on this topic can be found here: Deacidification
Restore your intestinal flora
To regenerate a potentially compromised intestinal environment, a colon cleanse may be considered. This simultaneously builds up a healthy intestinal flora, which can contribute to regulating the immune system.
Therefore, this measure can have a positive effect on all areas of the body. Even your psyche will benefit from colon cleansing, as it is closely connected to the intestines via the nervous system.
Avoid stress
It is known that psoriasis occurs in many people after periods of great stress or worsens significantly in stressful situations. Therefore, effective stress management is an essential part of holistic psoriasis therapy (meditation, yoga, EFT, progressive muscle relaxation, or other relaxation methods).
Consider psychological factors
The possible connection between the development of psoriasis and the emotional state of those affected is extremely interesting. Unfortunately, it is rarely considered. It is widely known that the body’s surface, or skin, is a reflection of the soul.
The skin has many functions, three of which show the connection to the psyche particularly clearly.
- The skin is our largest contact organ with the environment.
- At the same time, the skin defines our boundaries and offers us protection from the environment.
- The skin is the projection surface of all internal processes.
If we consider these functions alone, the following questions arise for psoriatic patients:
- How sociable are you? Do you isolate yourself too much?
- From whom or what is your (scale) armor supposed to protect you?
- Are you afraid of being hurt by other people?
- What is it really that breaks through the (skin) barrier and wants to emerge?
It’s certainly not always a good idea to figure out the answers to these questions on your own. Therefore, talk to an experienced therapist, as they can show you ways to resolve these psychological blocks step by step. If you’d like to try to answer these questions on your own first, working with your inner child could also be helpful.
Skin care for psoriasis
Due to its anti-inflammatory fatty acids, coconut oil is a very beneficial body oil, especially for psoriasis. Instead of shower gel, you could use a natural olive oil soap and then moisturize with coconut oil .
In a 2018 study, a cream containing 50% propolis and 3% aloe vera showed significant improvement in the skin’s appearance after 12 weeks. (10) Unfortunately, we are not aware of a commercially available propolis cream with such a high dosage. However, you could possibly mix a similar ointment or cream yourself.
Proceed slowly with natural therapy of psoriasis
However, if you have psoriasis, please don’t try to implement all of the above recommendations at once. Too many changes or taking too many medications can quickly overwhelm your body and lead to side effects. Therefore, proceed slowly and step by step!
If you suspect leaky gut or dysbiosis as one of your issues, make a booking for a colonic so we can help you.
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