Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition where the body’s T cells attack its own skin cells. This causes scaling of skin because of the rapid build-up of the skin cells at the surface. Typically, skin cells are produced deep inside the layers of skin and slowly rise up to the skin surface. This life cycle of the skin cell usually lasts for a month. However, in Psoriasis, the process is sped up and completed in just a few days due to a failed immune response. Because of this, the older skin cells build up on the surface. Typically, whitish-silver thick scales developing in red patches with inflammation are Psoriasis's common distinctive feature
The scales may develop anywhere in the body, but are typically seen around elbows and knee joints. Lesser-known types of Psoriasis develop around the mouth, genitals and nails.
Research shows a strong connection between Psoriasis and several other conditions like:
Type 2 diabetes
Gastric disorders like Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome
Heart disease
Psoriatic arthritis
Anxiety and depression
There are 5 types of majorly known psoriasis:
Plaque psoriasis – A commonly affecting type of psoriasis, it causes inflamed, red patches over the skin, which are covered with whitish- silver plaque. These patches are commonly seen on the elbows, knees and scalp.
Guttate psoriasis – Commonly occurs during childhood typically seen as tiny pink spots. It is mostly seen on torso, arms and legs.
Pustular psoriasis – Typically manifests as pus-filled blisters over inflamed red skin, it is mostly confined to arms and legs, and is rarely widespread.
Inverse psoriasis – It affects the groin, underarms or under breasts. It is typically seen as bright, shiny, red patches.
Erythrodermic psoriasis – The skin appears sunburnt. Often seen widespread on the body. A person usually gets ill in this case or may have a fever.
The most common symptoms of psoriasis are:
Inflamed red patches on the skin
Whitish-silver scales on or around the red patches
Extremely dry skin with cracks and bleeding
Soreness around the inflamed area
Itching and burning around the inflamed area
Pitted nails
Painful and swollen joints
All symptoms are not always visible in a person. They are usually seen in patterns/cycles. Sometimes the symptoms could almost disappear or go unnoticed. If there are no active symptoms, this could be because of a period called 'remission', which could simply mean the condition is dormant. A psoriatic episode flare-up could be caused by a common psoriatic trigger.
The triggers that can cause a flare-up are:
Stress – stress management is important
Alcohol – Flare-ups could be more frequent with excess intake of alcohol. Your doctor may ask you to abstain from alcohol
Injury – sunburns, cuts, etc.
Medications – certain medicines used for viral fevers; high blood pressure
Food – certain foods are found trigger psoriatic episodes
In psoriasis, it is important to avoid food that causes flare-ups in order to manage the symptoms. Foods that cause inflammation play a crucial role, along with the immune system, in causing flare-ups.
Red meat – the polyunsaturated acid present in red meat is responsible for triggering psoriatic scaling.
Foods to avoid: Beef, pork, sausage, bacon and other processed meat, eggs and egg dishes.
Gluten – gluten causes an auto immune disorder called celiac disease. It is seen that people with psoriasis have increased markers of gluten sensitivity. It is always wise to check for the gluten intolerance and cut down if you are allergic.
Foods to avoid:
Wheat and wheat products, rye, barley, processed foods like sauces and condiments which contain wheat, beer and other malt-derived beverages.
Processed foods – these foods can trigger inflammation in the body due to increased percentage of hydrogenated fat and refined sugars present in them.
Foods to avoid: pre-packed foods, processed meats, canned products, etc.
Nightshades – they are the vegetables that contain solanine, which is known to cause digestion issues and inflammation in body.
Foods to avoid: potatoes, brinjal, tomatoes, capsicum, etc.
However, the triggering factors are not the same for everyone.
Foods that can help in managing the condition:
Antioxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory foods are proven to help in reducing the symptoms of Psoriasis. Certain foods that can be included to decrease the oxidative stress and inflammation:
Fruits and vegetables – almost all fruits and vegetables except nightshades are rich in anti-oxidants. Include broccoli, cauliflower, leafy greens, berries, cherries, grapes and other dark coloured fruits in your diet.
Fatty fish – the omega 3 fatty acids present in the fatty fish help to lower inflammation. Fatty fish include – tuna, Indian salmon, mackerel, trout etc.
Certain vegetable oils also contain good amounts of anti-inflammatory fatty acids, such as: olive oil, coconut oil, safflower oil, etc.
Psoriasis is not contagious but it could be hereditary. One can only control triggers and prevent flare-ups.
REFERENCES: https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/food-triggers-for-psoriasis#takeaway https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4106357/ https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/causes https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20355840 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriasis/multimedia/psoriasis-pictures/sls-20076486