Does Taking Vitamins for Psoriasis Help?

Psoriasis can cause many problems with your body, and there are many ways to treat the symptoms; but does taking vitamins for psoriasis help?

Psoriasis is a very common, chronic skin disorder. The condition is caused when the immune system becomes overactive, leading to a buildup of skin cells that causes dry, itchy, scaly patches.

These patches are not only uncomfortable, but can cause self-consciousness and esteem issues because of their visibility.

What is Psoriasis?

Let’s start by taking a closer look at psoriasis and what it really does to the body. While children can develop some forms of psoriasis, it is usually diagnosed in young adulthood.

This condition can be genetic, but it isn’t always, and sometimes it skips generations.

People with psoriasis, as noted, have overactive immune systems. This leads to the rapid multiplication of skin cells, sometimes up to ten times faster than a person with healthy immune function.

The build-up causes large red patches of skin, often covered with white scales. Psoriasis patches are most commonly found on the back, scalp, knees, and elbows, but they can form on any part of the body.

Types of Psoriasis

While psoriasis usually manifests as plaque psoriasis (producing red, scaly patches), the condition can occur in other forms.

These include:

• Erythrodermic psoriasis: causes intense redness and shedding
• Guttate psoriasis: common in children and often triggered by illness
• Inverse psoriasis: appearing in skin folds, such as the neck
• Pustular psoriasis: small groups of blisters on the hands and feet

Approximately 10 to 30 percent of psoriasis patients have a condition known as psoriatic arthritis.

This is a form of arthritis that causes severe inflammation, attacking the joints in a manner similar to rheumatoid arthritis.

Common Treatments for Psoriasis

The good news is that psoriasis is very treatable!

Some formulas alleviate discomfort while others slow the growth of skin cells.

You and your doctor will work together to determine what combination of treatments is best for your specific set of symptoms.

Some of your options include:

• Light therapy: uses a special type of ultraviolet (UV) light combined with medication to decrease the rate of skin cell growth.
• Enzyme inhibitors: are a newer treatment. These medications block enzymes responsible for causing inflammation.
• Biologics: help to regulate the immune system. The end result is a reduction in inflammation.
• Retinoid: drugs suppress the immune system. Retinoids are only used in serious cases because they have the most potential for side effects, including blood pressure and kidney issues.
• Methotrexate: is only used in severe cases as well. While it is an effective treatment for psoriasis, methotrexate is not without risk; it can cause lung, liver, and bone marrow diseases.

Do Vitamins for Psoriasis Help Treat Symptoms?

Considering the side effects and potential complications associated with traditional treatments, it’s not surprising to find that a lot of psoriasis patients often look to treat their conditions with vitamins.

While there isn’t enough research to support the single use of vitamins for psoriasis, some doctors do believe they can be used along with other treatment options to help control the symptoms while at the same time reducing the risk of related diseases impacting the heart and other organs.

The most commonly explored vitamins for psoriasis include:

• Vitamin A – The body uses vitamin A to create healthy skin cells. It particularly uses retinoids. Retinoids derived from vitamin A tend to absorb better when applied topically, reducing inflammation while creating fewer side effects.
• Vitamin C – This water-soluble vitamin is a great source of antioxidants, which helps to combat some of the toxins released by the body when it is imbalanced by disease.
• Vitamin D – Also referred to as vitamin sunshine, vitamin D has a huge impact on the body’s metabolism. While light therapy helps, vitamin D creams combined with steroids are especially effective at alleviating psoriasis symptoms.
• Vitamin E – This and selenium are both considered antioxidants. While vitamin E doesn’t contain selenium, some studies support the idea that certain vitamins can help boost selenium levels, as they tend to be low in people struggling to combat psoriasis.

Other Vitamin Options

You may also consider supplements containing:

• Glucosamine and Chondroitin – You can find these supplements individually or combined in the same product. The combination is often used by joint pain patients because of their impact on cartilage, but psoriasis patients may find them helpful for inflammation.
• Methylsulfonylmethane – MSM contains sulfur, which is important for connective tissue. Some people believe it has anti-inflammatory properties, but there isn’t a lot of research to support it.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Known for their oily consistency and for being found in fish, Omega-3 fatty acids support skin health and have anti-inflammatory properties.

Talk to a Compounding Pharmacist

While you won’t necessarily be able to replace your traditional psoriasis treatments with vitamins and supplements, taking certain combinations may enhance your overall experience and success.

One of your best options is to talk to your doctor about compounding a combination of treatments, be they drugs or supplements, for enhanced effect. If he or she decides this is the right path for you, your compounding pharmacist can help create a custom product.

Benefits of Compounding Psoriasis Medication

For example, vitamin D’s effects may be greater when it is combined with steroids. Steroids are also known for reducing inflammation.

Combining the two into the same topical ointment can provide relief during a flare-up while at the same time slowing excess skin cell production. You get the benefit of two components while only having to spend time applying one treatment.

Your doctor and compounding pharmacist can work with you to determine exactly what treatments are best for your conditions.

While not all substances are compounding compatible, many are. In some cases, compounding may even be recommended to achieve maximum effectiveness.

Your pharmacist can mix and match the components that work best together to find your personal ideal blend. It will ultimately save you both time and money – not to mention providing more robust relief.

Conclusion

Psoriasis is a difficult condition to manage, but it is possible to manage it with time and the right treatments.

Vitamins for psoriasis can help with treating your symptoms if used in conjunction with your prescribed medications.

Don’t be afraid to challenge your doctor if you are concerned about the side effects associated with some of today’s traditional treatments, especially Retinoid drugs and Methotrexate.

Discuss starting with safer options, like light therapy, and trying alternative treatments before moving on to harsher chemicals.

You must treat psoriasis long-term, so finding the right choice is important. Your body will thank you for doing whatever possible to avoid permanent, harsh side effects.