Psoriasis
Creating balance. Restoring function.​​
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​​Itchy, inflamed skin often signals deeper immune and gut imbalances. Functional medicine works to restore skin barrier health by addressing underlying triggers for long-term relief.
Healing your skin with functional medicine.​​​
What is it?
Gaining insight into your condition
Psoriasis is primarily an autoimmune condition, not just a skin disease. It results from an over immune response that causes rapid skin cell proliferation, leading to raised,, red patches.
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Inflammation from psoriasis may also lead to psoriatic arthritis, causing joint pain.
It's more than skin deep
Research shows a strong link between psoriasis and gastrointestinal inflammation, as well as dysbiosis of the microbiome. While the exact mechanisms are still being studied, connections among psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and inflammatory disease have been established.
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Our practitioners utilize a holistic approach to address psoriasis, aiming for a sustainable solution while treating underlying causes.
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Psoriasis is often thought of as a skin disease, but it is actually an autoimmune condition. It occurs when overactivity of the immune system causes skin cells to multiply rapidly, creating raised, thickened, dry, red patches.
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The inflammation associated with psoriasis may cause psoriatic arthritis in some people, leading to painful and inflamed joints.
Types of Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic condition resulting from an overactive immune response that disrupts skin cell production. Approximately 125 million people worldwide are affected. Equally common among males and females, the condition has a peak onset between ages 16 and 22.
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There are five primary types of psoriasis:
1. Plaque Psoriasis: The most common type, affecting up to 80% of individuals. It as red, scaly plaques on body parts, particularly the scalp, face, and lower back, and can also impact nails.
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2. Inverse Psoriasis: Affects about 25% of patients, presenting as smooth, inflamed red skin in skin folds like the underarms and genitals.
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3. Guttate Psoriasis: Characterized by small red spots, affecting around 8% of individuals.
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4. Pustular Psoriasis: Appears as pustules surrounded red skin, affecting approximately 3% of patients.
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5. Erythrodermic Psoriasis: A rare and severe form that causes intense redness, pain, dehydration, and of skin.
Causes of Psoriasis
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Studies reveal patterns in psoriasis patients, including intestinal permeability altered immune response, and bacterial imbalances affecting acid production.
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While immune system hyperactivity and T-cell stimulation may have genetic, factors such as digestive issues, stress, environment, diet also contribute.
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Individuals with one autoimmune disorder at higher risk for others, with about 25% developing multiple conditions due to genetic and environmental.
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Guttate psoriasis features small red scaly plaques on the trunk and often follows streptococcal throat infection Balance Functional Medicine offers testing to identify the causes of psoriasis, enabling tailored treatment plans.
Natural treatment for Psoriasis
Conventional medicine only providees a short-term solution to psoriasis symptoms. Not only does that approach ignore the root cause of psoriasis, it can cause undesirable side effects.
Balance Functional Medicine utilizes various functional tests, including microbiome analysis and heavy metal testing, to identify the underlying causes of your condition. A tailored psoriasis treatment plan will be developed incorporating functional medicine strategies such as:
Balancing the Gut Microbiome
Gut dysbiosis is linked to chronic inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis. Probiotics can effectively restore beneficial gut bacteria to alleviate symptoms.
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Traditional treatments often neglect nutrition's therapeutic potential. Inflammatory foods may worsen psoriasis. A Mediterranean diet rich in healthy fats and produce, can help reduce symptoms. we will support you in eliminating inflammatory foods while ensuring a nutrient-dense diet.
Nutrient Supplementation
Healthy skin requires a balance of nutrients, which can become depleted due to various factors. We assess your nutrient levels and recommend supplements, including essential fatty acids and vitamins, to support skin health.
Elimination Exposure to Toxins
Individuals with psoriasis are often sensitive to fragrances and environmental toxins, which can trigger flare-ups.
Stress Management
Stress can induce inflammation, exacerbating psoriasis. stress management is crucial. Your treatment plan will include lifestyle to promote healthy stress levels.
Proper Sleep
Individuals with psoriasis frequently experience poor sleep quality, hindering skin health. Quality sleep is vital for cellular repair. If sleep an issue, we can help you develop a healthy sleep routine.
Ready for a personalized, natural functional medicine treatment?
Our unique model of care was designed with you in mind. Find out how, then book a call today.
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