The skin(ny) on psoriasis

Losing weight can help psoriasis? That’s what a new study published in JAMA Dermatology online says. The study authors still aren’t sure why weight loss improved psoriasis in their study participants. But according to an article on the website for the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF), weight loss may reduce obesity-induced inflammation, which can improve psoriasis. 

Great news for psoriasis sufferers, right? Yes. And no. 

During the study, obese patients lost weight and did experience improvement in their symptoms. However, the participants in the study who saw the greatest improvement in their psoriasis were limited to diets of 800 to 1,000 calories a day. And limiting caloric intake like that isn’t usually a good idea for most people—even if they’re overweight. So this may not be a cure-all treatment for psoriasis sufferers. 

What can we all learn from the study? That eating a healthy diet, rich in vegetables and fruits may reduce inflammation in the body, experts say. And inflammation, in addition to being a possible trigger for psoriasis outbreaks, can cause a whole host of other health problems. So whether you have psoriasis, try to make a conscious effort to eat more nutrient-rich foods and add more exercise into your routine. 

If you think losing weight might help your psoriasis, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian to develop a plan that will work best for you. 

So what is psoriasis?
According to the NPF, psoriasis is the most common autoimmune disease in the United States. It affects as many as 7.5 million Americans. Psoriasis occurs when the immune system sends out defective signals that cause an overproduction of skin cells. This results in red, scaly patches of skin on the body that itch and bleed. 

Dr. Heidi Nicola, internal medicine physician with Advocate Medical Group in Downers Grove, Ill., says that the patches of skin are often painful and extremely itchy, and when someone with psoriasis scratches the affected areas, they often get worse. 

“Most patches of psoriasis occur on the elbows, knees and scalp, but they can appear anywhere,” she says. “And it is not contagious.” 

Anyone can get psoriasis, but it usually occurs in adults, she says.

“It can affect all ages, but mainly those between the ages of 20 and 30-years-old,” she says. “And can also happen later in life between 50 and 60-years-old.”

What causes psoriasis?
Scientists believe that psoriasis has a genetic link, and that about 10 percent of the population has one or more genes that can cause psoriasis. However, only about 2 to 3 percent of the population develops the condition. People who suffer from psoriasis probably have a gene mutation and have experienced an environmental trigger that led to an outbreak. 

Dr. Nicola says that some of the triggers for psoriasis breakouts include: 

• Stress
• Skin injury
• Medications
  • Lithium
  • Anti-malarials
  • Inderal
  • Quinidine
  • Indomethacin

Is there a treatment or cure for psoriasis?
There is currently no cure for psoriasis, but there are treatments that can be quite successful at preventing outbreaks and managing outbreaks when they do occur.

Dr. Nicola says that it should be treated with a multi-specialty approach, meaning multiple physicians may need to be involved to treat properly.

Treatments depend on factors like the severity of the psoriasis and the extent that the condition is affecting your life, she says. Types of treatments include: 

• Topical creams and ointments
• Oral medications
• Alternative therapy
• Biologic drugs

Dr. Nicola recommends speaking with your physician if you suspect you may have symptoms of psoriasis.