Psoriasis
A Functional Medicine Approach to Psoriasis
Functional medicine offers effective management for psoriasis.
Psoriasis manifests as a persistent autoimmune and inflammatory skin condition triggered by the immune system’s erroneous assault on healthy skin cells. This leads to an accelerated production of skin cells, resulting in the formation of scales on the skin’s surface.
Normally, in response to an infection, white blood cells known as T cells are mobilized to combat the intruder. However, in the case of autoimmune disorders, such as psoriasis, these T cells mistakenly identify healthy skin cells as hostile entities. Consequently, there’s an excessive proliferation of skin cells, causing them to accumulate rapidly on the skin’s surface, forming characteristic scales. Additionally, the affected skin becomes inflamed and appears red.
The exact cause of this immune system dysfunction is multifactoral, but potential triggers may include infections(gut), skin trauma, stress, or exposure to chemicals, heavy metal toxicity and medications.
Causes
Infections /Dietary Factors / Environmental Triggers/ Immune System Dysfunction/ Toxin Exposure / Leaky Gut and Endotoxins/ Stress/Skin Irritants/ /Lack of Essentially Fatty Acids/Smoking
Treatment Approach
At the Dublin Centre for Functional Medicine, our focus in treating psoriasis is on reducing the formation of skin plaques and the recurrence of episodes, as well as managing associated symptoms.
Traditional approaches to psoriasis treatment may encompass medications such as topical corticosteroids, and retinoids alongside systemic medications like methotrexate and other immunomodulating drugs. However, it’s essential to be aware that these treatments may be associated with sometimes quite severe short- or long-term side effects.
The approach at the Clinic is to establish precise treatment objectives with your practitioner comprehensively
- Recognize and tackle fundamental lifestyle elements (e.g., stress, obesity, hygiene, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, certain medication use, inadequate sun exposure) that could be influencing the severity of psoriasis.
- Assessesing all aspects influencing your well-being, encompassing physical, emotional, and lifestyle elements
- Formulation of a comprehensive treatment strategy.
- Execution and ongoing management of the plan through regular evaluation and refinement.
Our Approach to Healing Psoriasis
In addition to looking to avoid potential food senstivities, our emphasis is on consuming a nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory diet that prioritizes whole fruits, vegetables, anti and inflammatory fatty acids, . This dietary approach aims to diminish inflammation, bolster immune function, and foster a healthy microflora.
We can suggest both oral and topical supplements to alleviate symptoms of psoriasis, target dysbiosis and leaky gut, and regulate the immune system.
Our functional medicine doctors and practitioners can provide guidance on specialized tests, such as food allergy testing and assessments related to gut health, fatty acid health, toxic heavy metals amongst others. These tests aim to identify underlying root causes that may serve as triggers for skin issues.
Why Choose the Dublin Centre for Functional Medicine?
Support
Once you start the process, we will guide our collaborative process with a practitioner, We will gather the required information we through detailed intake forms so we can understand you better and help support and motivate you through the process.
Experience
Our practitioners have years of experience dealing with multiple conditions. The functional medicine approach focuses on the route cause and addresses the imbalance.
Personalized Approach
Every one of us is unique and has a set of circumstances. Everything about you including symptoms, lifestyle, diet, genetics and capacity to heal is different and will require a personalized approach.