Psoriasis: Understanding the Triggers and Supporting Skin Health Naturally

The exact cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, but it is widely recognised as a condition involving immune system dysregulation and rapid skin cell turnover. In people with psoriasis, skin cells multiply much faster than normal, leading to thickened, inflamed, and often itchy patches of skin.

While genetics may play a role, psoriasis is often influenced by a range of internal and external triggers, including:

Other contributing factors may include obesity, impaired liver function, incomplete protein digestion, and deficiencies in essential fatty acids and the mineral sulphur. From a naturopathic perspective, addressing these underlying imbalances is an important part of long-term skin support.

Diet Tips for Psoriasis

Diet plays a key role in managing inflammation and supporting gut and immune health.

  • Support digestion:
    Eat a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. Reduce red meat and dairy, which may contribute to inflammatory pathways, and replace them with fish, raw nuts, seeds, and plant-based proteins.
  • Stay well hydrated:
    Aim for 6–8 glasses of water daily to support kidney, liver, and bowel function.
  • Increase fibre intake:
    Fibre supports healthy elimination of waste. Good sources include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds — not just bread, pasta, or rice.
  • Include healthy fats:
    Oily foods help maintain skin moisture and barrier function. Include raw, unheated olive oil, flaxseed oil, avocados, nuts, seeds, and oily fish.
  • Reduce inflammatory foods:
    Limit sugar, alcohol, gluten, dairy, processed foods, preservatives, soft drinks, and red meat, which may aggravate inflammation.
  • Watch sugar intake:
    Diets high in simple sugars (such as sucrose, fructose, and glucose) may worsen inflammation and encourage Candida overgrowth, potentially aggravating skin symptoms.

Lifestyle Factors That Matter

  • Keep a symptom diary:
    Tracking foods, stress levels, and flare-ups may help identify personal triggers.
  • Choose gentle body care products:
    Use fragrance-free moisturisers, soaps, shampoos, and deodorants. Common irritants found in many products include sodium lauryl sulphate, parabens, petroleum-based ingredients, aluminium, and artificial preservatives.
  • Manage stress:
    Stress and anxiety can worsen inflammation and increase the urge to scratch. Gentle stress-reduction techniques may help support skin healing.
  • Address underlying imbalances:
    Naturopathic care may focus on gut health, liver support, immune regulation, nervous system balance, and addressing possible Candida overgrowth.

Natural Remedies Commonly Used for Psoriasis

Under professional guidance, the following supports may be considered:

  • Herbal support:
    Herbs traditionally used to soothe inflammation and support detoxification include licorice, marshmallow, ginger, chickweed, bupleurum, Siberian ginseng, dandelion, milk thistle, calendula, chamomile, aloe vera, and paw paw. A naturopath can tailor herbal formulas to individual needs.
  • Key nutrients:
    People with inflammatory skin conditions may benefit from adequate levels of Zinc, vitamins A, C, and E, and Selenium.
  • Essential fatty acids:
    Fish oils provide anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats that may help nourish the skin and support immune balance.
  • Topical applications:
    Creams containing chickweed, comfrey, aloe vera, vitamin E, or paw paw may help soothe itching. Oatmeal baths can also be calming for irritated skin.
  • Probiotics:
    Supporting gut bacteria may improve digestion, immunity, and overall skin health.
  • Homeopathic remedies:
    Remedies such as Sulphur are sometimes used for hot, dry, and itchy skin patterns under professional supervision.

Psoriasis is a complex condition that often requires a whole-person approach. Supporting digestion, reducing inflammation, managing stress, and nourishing the skin from within may help reduce flare-ups and improve quality of life. Working with a qualified healthcare practitioner ensures that natural strategies are safe, personalised, and used alongside appropriate medical care when needed.