How is Psoriasis Affected by Body Weight?

We are often warned about what might happen if we gain too much weight. High cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease are often cited as the most common conditions caused by obesity. But, interestingly, your skin can be affected too. Even a small amount of additional holiday weight can make all the difference to your complexion. You may also end up developing or worsening psoriasis. Psoriasis is a dermal condition that results in bumpy patches of skin covered in white scales or flakes. It can be as uncomfortable as it is unsightly, so early detection and treatment are essential. Not sure if you have psoriasis or not? The good news is, there are many lifestyle changes you can make to help battle psoriasis – losing weight being one of them.

Stress and Body Weight

If you have psoriasis, you likely know how vital managing personal health is. From stress management to skincare ingredients, there are numerous steps you can take to reduce psoriasis symptoms. Weight loss and weight management are some of those critical steps. There have been numerous studies that show participants who lost weight during the trial had 50% fewer symptoms than they did at the beginning of the trial. Weight loss is an important part of stress management, which is a significant factor in managing psoriasis. Not only will you look better because your psoriasis is clearing up, but you’ll also feel better because you’ll be healthier.

The Science Behind Psoriasis and Weight Loss

Psoriasis doesn’t have a cure yet, but it is manageable with specific lifestyle changes. Until a cure is discovered, scientists are doing their best to understand how certain factors like weight loss are related and helpful in treating psoriasis. Fat cells release cytokines, which are inflammatory chemicals. Experts believe that because it is an inflammatory disease, those extra fat cells can irritate the condition. In addition to causing a flare-up, the other cytokines can even go as far as to cause psoriasis in overweight individuals. Additionally, psoriasis is linked with autoimmunity. Autoimmunity essentially means that the body is attacking itself. Fatty tissue secretes adipokines, which are hormones that are linked to multiple autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis, type-1 diabetes, and (you guessed it!) psoriasis. These adipokines are definitively involved in the development of autoimmunity. While adipokines are incredibly high in obese individuals, thankfully, they can be controlled via weight loss. Less weight means less fatty tissue to irritate and cause autoimmune symptoms!

What next?

Weight loss is an essential aspect of health for everyone; however, sometimes even with excellent weight management, our bodies still need a little extra help. That is where Dermcare comes in. Our team of physicians can work with you in determining the best course of treatment to help fend off those annoying psoriasis symptoms. In addition to proper diet and exercise, our doctors may work with you through a three-step process. These steps include topical treatment, light therapy, and systemic medicine. Ideally, your dermatologist will recommend starting with the mildest form of treatment. That almost always means a healthy exercise and diet program in addition to some topical creams. The most important step in your journey to the treatment begins in your dermatologist’s office.