How to achieve long term remission from your psoriasis with a whole system approach.
- Kirsty Lakstins-Adams
- Apr 21
- 4 min read
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that affects millions worldwide. Many people ask if psoriasis is curable or if they will have it for life. The truth is that treating psoriasis with topical creams alone rarely leads to a permanent cure. Instead, achieving long-term remission often requires a holistic approach that addresses the entire body and identifies triggers keeping the condition active. This post explores how treating the gut, reducing inflammation, supporting hormones, and managing stress can help bring psoriasis into remission.
-
Understanding Psoriasis Beyond the Skin
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing rapid skin cell turnover. This results in thick, red, scaly patches that can be itchy or painful. While topical treatments like corticosteroids and moisturizers can reduce symptoms, they do not address the underlying causes.
The skin is a visible organ, but psoriasis is a systemic condition. That means the problem lies deeper than the surface. The immune system, gut health, hormones, and lifestyle factors all play a role in whether psoriasis flares or calms down.
Why Topical Treatments Alone Are Not Enough
Topical creams and ointments provide relief by reducing inflammation and slowing skin cell growth. However, these treatments only manage symptoms temporarily. Without addressing internal triggers, psoriasis often returns once treatment stops.
Some reasons topical treatment falls short include:
Immune system imbalance remains uncorrected
Chronic inflammation persists inside the body
Gut health issues that affect immune response are ignored
Hormonal imbalances that influence skin health are untreated
Stress and lifestyle factors continue to trigger flare-ups
For lasting remission, a broader approach is necessary.
Treating the Gut to Support Skin Health
Research increasingly links gut health to autoimmune conditions like psoriasis. The gut houses trillions of bacteria that influence immune function. When the gut barrier becomes leaky or the balance of bacteria shifts, inflammation can increase throughout the body.
Improving gut health may reduce psoriasis symptoms by:
Restoring a healthy balance of gut bacteria
Healing the gut lining to prevent immune overreaction
Reducing systemic inflammation
Ways to support gut health include:
Eating a diet rich in fiber, fermented foods, and antioxidants
Avoiding processed foods, sugar, alcohol and known food sensitivities
Considering probiotics or prebiotics under professional guidance
Managing digestive issues like IBS or leaky gut
In our experience, patients who improve their gut health often see fewer psoriasis flare-ups and better skin clarity.
Reducing Inflammation Throughout the Body
Inflammation drives psoriasis symptoms. Chronic inflammation can come from many sources, including diet, infections, environmental toxins, and stress. Reducing inflammation helps calm the immune system and allows skin to heal.
Practical steps to reduce inflammation:
Follow an anti-inflammatory diet focusing on whole foods, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants
Avoid inflammatory triggers such as smoking, excessive alcohol, and processed foods
Engage in regular moderate exercise to support immune balance
Use natural supplements like turmeric or fish oil after consulting a healthcare provider
By lowering overall inflammation, the immune system becomes less reactive, which can lead to longer periods of clear skin.
Supporting Hormonal Balance for Skin Improvement
Hormones influence skin health and immune function. Imbalances in thyroid hormones, cortisol (stress hormone), or sex hormones can worsen psoriasis. For example, high stress increases cortisol, which can trigger flare-ups.
Supporting hormonal health involves:
Managing stress through mindfulness, meditation, or therapy
Ensuring adequate sleep and rest
Eating a balanced diet that supports hormone production
Checking for and treating thyroid or other hormonal disorders with a healthcare professional
Balancing hormones helps regulate the immune system and can reduce the frequency and severity of psoriasis symptoms.
Managing Stress to Prevent Flare-Ups
Stress is a common trigger for psoriasis. It activates the immune system and increases inflammation. Learning to manage stress is essential for long-term remission.
Effective stress management techniques include:
Deep breathing exercises
Yoga or gentle movement
Regular physical activity
Social support and counseling
Setting boundaries to avoid burnout
Incorporating stress reduction into daily life can help keep psoriasis under control.
Real-Life Example of Holistic Psoriasis Treatment
One patient came with severe psoriasis covering much of their arms and legs. Topical creams provided only temporary relief. After working on gut healing through diet changes and probiotics, reducing inflammation with an anti-inflammatory diet, balancing hormones with tsome specific herbs and managing stress, their skin cleared significantly over several months.
This case shows how addressing the whole system rather than just the skin can lead to lasting remission.
What to Expect on a Holistic Treatment Journey
Holistic treatment takes time and commitment. It involves:
Identifying personal triggers through testing and observation
Making dietary and lifestyle changes
Using supplements or medications as needed under guidance
Regularly monitoring progress and adjusting the plan
Results vary, but many people experience fewer flare-ups, less severe symptoms, and longer periods of clear skin.
So for a whole person approach where we address the underlying triggers and support your whoel body, think to a nayuropathic approach rather than suppressing your immune system or continuing with only a topical approach.
In health & happiness,
Kirsty


Comments