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Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition which causes dry, red, itchy skin lesions

Psoriasis

Many people can go on to develop psoriatic arthritis if left untreated. This article shares some herbal treatment protocols for psoriasis.

Understanding psoriasis

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a non-contagious, multifactorial condition affecting the skin that often follows cycles of relapse and remission (flares). It usually occurs in young adults (18–39) or those aged 50–69, but people of all ages can be affected, males and females in equal proportion. Two percent of the global population is estimated to have the condition (1). Signalling between immune cells present in the skin goes awry due to multiple factors, leading to dysregulated skin cell (keratinocyte) growth, resulting in the characteristic plaques which will likely lead to a diagnosis of psoriasis. 

Although psoriasis has been thought of as an autoimmune condition, this viewpoint is being challenged by new data that suggest skin and gut dysbiosis (reduced immune tolerance to bacteria living in and on us) is a central root cause (2). As with many conditions arising from dysbiosis, the chronic inflammation and accompanying systemic features that present with psoriasis reflect the traditional wisdom of clearing heat, damp and improving the excretory function of the body’s systems to deal with this condition. 

Psoriasis, named for the Greek root word referring to ‘itch’, can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and psychological health, given the potentially visible and uncomfortable nature of the disease. The physical discomfort, easy bleeding, itching and soreness accompanying psoriasis can affect sleep, movement and other daily activities, leading to general distress. Holistic practitioners will support a person to use external symptomatic relief, targeted internal treatment and lifestyle interventions to ease their discomfort and manage the processes underlying psoriasis.

Many herbs are suitable for self-care. However if a health condition does not resolve with home remedies we recommend using the information in Herbal Reality along with your health advisors, especially herbal practitioners from the professional associations listed in our Resources page (‘If you want to find a herbalist”). When buying any herbal products, you should choose responsible manufacturers with independently assured quality standards and sustainability practices. Check the label carefully for the appropriate safety and sustainability information.

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