Can you manage your psoriasis with a Naturopath?

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that affects millions worldwide. While it cannot be completely cured, many people seek ways to manage symptoms effectively without relying heavily on steroid creams, immune suppressing medications or injections. Natural therapies offer great options for controlling psoriasis flare-ups and improving skin health, especially after strong medication use. Some individuals prefer working with a naturopath instead of a dermatologist to explore holistic approaches that address the root causes, help to find underlying triggers for flares and support overall wellness.

Natural herbal remedies for skin health

Understanding Psoriasis and Its Challenges

Psoriasis causes red, scaly patches on the skin due to an overactive immune response that speeds up skin cell production. This leads to inflammation and discomfort. Many people experience itching, pain, and emotional distress from visible symptoms. Traditional treatment often involves steroid creams to reduce inflammation, but long-term use can cause side effects like thinning skin and resistance.

Because psoriasis is a lifelong condition, managing it requires ongoing care. The goal is to reduce flare-ups, soothe irritation, and improve quality of life. Natural therapies focus on calming the immune system, nourishing the skin, and supporting internal health to keep symptoms under control.

Why Choose a Naturopath?

Natural therapies offer several advantages for managing psoriasis:

• Fewer side effects: Unlike steroids, natural treatments typically have minimal adverse effects.

• Holistic approach: We address diet, lifestyle, stress, and gut health, which all influence psoriasis.

• Support for overall wellness: Natural therapies often improve energy, digestion, hormones and mood alongside skin health.

• Empowerment: Patients learn to understand and manage their condition so the skin can remain clear for longer. It also helps patients to find the reasons why their skin flares to different triggers compared to others.

  
  

Examples of natural therapies include:

• Dietary changes: Decreasing inflammatory foods such as sugar, processed foods and gluten. Then increasing anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, fatty fish and a whole food diet can help to reduce symptoms.

• Herbal supplements ; this can include immune modulating, hormone balancing and skin supportive herbs.

• Stress management: Techniques such as meditation, yoga, and acupuncture help lower stress, which is often a common psoriasis trigger.

• Topical natural treatments: Targeted treatment creams that help to decrease inflammation, reduce dryness and repair damaged skin.

  
  

How can your Naturopath help you?

Naturopaths take a whole-person approach, focusing on lifestyle, nutrition, and natural remedies tailored to each individual. They often spend more time with patients than dermatologists, allowing for a deeper understanding of triggers and health patterns.

A naturopath may:

• Conduct detailed assessments of diet, stress, and environmental factors.

• Recommend personalised nutrition plans to reduce inflammation.

• Suggest supplements that support immune balance, hormone support, detox and skin repair.

• Guide patients through stress reduction techniques.

• Monitor progress and adjust therapies as needed.

  
  

This personalised care helps patients gain control over their psoriasis and reduces dependence on steroid creams.

Comparing Naturopaths and Dermatologists

Dermatologists specialise in diagnosing and treating skin diseases using medical and pharmaceutical treatments. They often prescribe medications like steroids, biologics, or phototherapy. These treatments can be highly effective, especially for severe cases, but may not suit everyone due to side effects or personal preferences.

Naturopaths focus on natural, non-invasive therapies and lifestyle changes. They aim to support the body's healing capacity rather than suppress symptoms alone. Many people choose naturopaths because they want to avoid long-term medication or seek complementary care alongside conventional treatments.

Both practitioners have valuable roles. For mild to moderate psoriasis, naturopathic care can provide effective symptom management and improve well-being. For severe or rapidly worsening cases, dermatologists may be necessary to prevent complications.

Practical Tips for Managing Psoriasis Naturally

Here are some actionable steps to help control psoriasis symptoms through natural methods:

• Keep a symptom diary to identify food or environmental triggers.

• Adopt an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables and omega-3 fats.

• Stay hydrated to maintain skin moisture.

• Incorporate stress-relief practices like deep breathing or tai chi daily.

• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol, which can worsen symptoms.

  
  
  
  

Natural skincare products and plants in a serene home setting

Living Well with Psoriasis

Psoriasis may always be part of life, but it does not have to control it. With natural therapies and the support of a naturopath, many people find they can keep symptoms manageable and improve their skin’s appearance and comfort. This approach encourages a deeper connection with one’s body and promotes healthier habits that benefit overall health.

In health & happiness,

Kirsty