Understanding Psoriasis: Causes, Flares, and Management Through Diet and Hair Care

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the skin, causing the rapid build-up of skin cells that form thick, scaly patches. It’s a condition that can be both physically and emotionally challenging, often making those affected feel self-conscious about their appearance. Though psoriasis is not contagious, it can significantly impact the quality of life.

In this blog, we’ll dive into the causes of psoriasis, the triggers for flare-ups, and how you can manage the condition through diet and specific hair care practices.

What Causes Psoriasis?

Psoriasis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, speeding up the skin cell life cycle. Normally, skin cells take about a month to move from the bottom layer of the skin to the surface.

In psoriasis, this process takes just a few days, leading to the build-up of cells that form plaques on the skin’s surface. These plaques are often red, inflamed, and covered with silvery scales.

Several factors can contribute to psoriasis, including:

• Genetics: Psoriasis tends to run in families, meaning there is a genetic predisposition to developing the condition.
• Immune system dysfunction: The immune system’s overactive response plays a significant role in triggering psoriasis.
• Environmental triggers: Certain environmental factors can worsen psoriasis, including infections, skin injuries, stress, smoking, and cold weather.

When Does Psoriasis Flare Up?

Psoriasis can be triggered or worsened by several factors, leading to flare-ups. Common psoriasis flare-up triggers include:

• Stress: Emotional or physical stress can worsen psoriasis or trigger new outbreaks.
• Weather: Cold, dry weather can make psoriasis worse, while warmer, humid conditions tend to be more favourable for soothing the skin.
• Infections: Skin infections, such as strep throat, can sometimes trigger guttate psoriasis (a form of psoriasis that presents as small, drop-shaped patches on the skin).
• Medications: Certain medications, including beta-blockers and lithium, can trigger psoriasis or exacerbate symptoms.
• Skin injuries: Cuts, scrapes, sunburns, or even bug bites can trigger psoriasis flares in the affected areas of the skin.

How to Manage Psoriasis Through Diet

The right foods can help reduce inflammation, strengthen your immune system, and support skin health. Here's a look at some dietary choices that may help manage psoriasis:

1. Anti-inflammatory Foods

Inflammation is at the core of psoriasis, so incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet is essential. These include:

• Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, can help reduce inflammation in the body.
• Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and leeks, which are high in antioxidants and can support the immune system.
• Berries like blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries, rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Nuts and seeds (such as walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds), which are good sources of healthy fats that support skin health.

2. Avoid Trigger Foods

Certain foods can contribute to inflammation and trigger flare-ups. These include:

• Processed foods: Foods high in refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and additives can worsen inflammation.
• Nightshades: Some people with psoriasis may find that nightshade vegetables (such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant) can trigger flare-ups.
• Dairy: There is some evidence to suggest that dairy can exacerbate psoriasis in certain individuals. If you suspect dairy could be a trigger for you, consider eliminating it for a while to see if it helps.

3. Maintain a Healthy Gut

A balanced gut microbiome plays an important role in immune function. Probiotics, taken as a supplement can help maintain gut health and reduce overall inflammation.

Hair Care for Psoriasis: Oils, Shampoos, and Herbal Masks

Scalp psoriasis is one of the most common forms of the condition, leading to dandruff-like flakes, itching, and inflammation. Managing scalp psoriasis requires specific hair care routines that can help soothe the skin and promote healing.

1. Shampoos for Psoriasis

Using the right shampoo can help alleviate irritation, reduce scaling, and promote healing. Look for shampoos that contain:

• Sidr: also known as the "lotus tree" or "Jujube," has long been used in traditional medicine for its soothing and healing properties, particularly for scalp conditions like psoriasis. This is one of the most effective ingredients for treating psoriasis. It slows down skin cell growth and reduces inflammation.
• Salicylic acid: This ingredient helps exfoliate dead skin cells and reduce flakiness, which is important for managing scalp psoriasis.
• Tea tree oil: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, tea tree oil can reduce irritation and prevent infections.

Examples of psoriasis-friendly shampoos include making your own with Sidr powder by mixing it in a blender with demineralised water.

2. Hair Oils for Psoriasis

Hair oils can be soothing for scalp psoriasis, providing moisture and helping to reduce dryness and irritation. Some oils to consider include:

• Coconut oil: Rich in fatty acids, coconut oil has moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe the scalp.
• Herb Infused Oil (on the website): This oil is packed with vitamin E and antioxidants, helping to calm irritated skin and promote healing.
• Jojoba oil: Known for its ability to mimic the skin's natural oils, jojoba oil can hydrate the scalp and reduce dryness.

Apply a small amount of oil to the scalp and leave it on for at least 30 minutes (or overnight if possible) before washing it out.

3. Herbal Masks for Psoriasis

Herbal masks can provide additional relief by reducing inflammation and promoting healing. 

The Herbal Mask available on the website contains herbs that provide antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties which help prevent infections while soothing the irritated skin.

It also provides cooling and soothing properties, making it ideal for calming an inflamed scalp. 

The powerful anti-inflammatory compound, curcumin, for example - helps reduce redness and swelling associated with scalp psoriasis. 

Ideally, mix garlic and onion juice with the herbal mask and turmeric. Leave on for an hour or more if you can. Ensure you follow up with a deep conditioner. 

Conclusion

Psoriasis is a chronic condition, but with the right approach, you can manage flare-ups and improve the quality of your life. By understanding its causes and triggers, maintaining a healthy diet (stop intake of sugars, alcohol, certain vegetables, diary) that reduces inflammation, and using the right hair care products, you can keep your psoriasis under control.

With the right care and attention, you can soothe your scalp and skin and live more comfortably with psoriasis.

Much love, Ella x