Vitamin D has many health benefits, but is it helpful in the treatment and management of psoriasis? In this blog, we find out.
Affecting around 2% of people in the UK, psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes the skin to flare up in flaky, crusty patches. These can be raised, itchy and may appear red in people with Caucasian skin or darker in darker skin tones. Patches may also be covered in scales or ‘plaques’.
Psoriasis is thought to be a result of genetics and can possibly be triggered by environmental factors. For many people, psoriasis can be a minor irritant; but for some, it can have a major impact on their quality of life. It is a chronic or long lasting illness and is not contagious.
Despite there being no known cure at present, there are many ways to treat and manage psoriasis, to bring flare ups under control or send it into remission. For some people, increasing their intake of vitamin D may help to alleviate symptoms. This is because vitamin D deficiency has been linked to psoriasis. It also promotes healthy skin and is beneficial to our immune system. Supporting the immune system overall is key to managing psoriasis.
Ways vitamin D can be used to treat psoriasis:
Supplements
Vitamin D is made when our bodies are exposed to sunlight. During the autumn and winter months when we are inside more and our skin is covered with clothes, it can be harder to get enough vitamin D. In this case, supplements, either in pill or liquid form, can be helpful. The NHS website has some good guidelines here about supplementing with vitamin D.
Diet
Instead of taking supplements, you can naturally boost vitamin D levels in your body by eating foods that are rich in it. Some examples include: oily fish, red meat, liver, egg yolks and fortified foods like breakfast cereals. Try incorporating these foods into your daily meal plans.
Topical treatments
Ointments, lotions, gels and foam prescribed by a GP are often a first port of call for psoriasis sufferers. Topical vitamin D treatments can slow down the rapid overproduction of skin cells that causes psoriasis, as well as having an anti inflammatory effect. The Psoriasis Association has a fact sheet on topical Vitamin D treatments for psoriasis.
You should always consult your GP before starting a new supplement or dietary regime.
Recommended products:
Balmonds Scalp Oil
rich in nutrients and packed full of naturally anti-itch, antiseptic and antibacterial essential oils, this is a must-have for people who suffer from scalp psoriasis.
Balmonds Skin Salvation
gently formulated with natural ingredients, our hero product skin emollient reduces the risk of irritation and itchiness from synthetic additives and locks in moisture to dry patches and scales.
Balmonds Daily Moisturising Cream
providing fantastic hydration for dry skin, this everyday moisturising cream can also be applied as a lighter emollient alternative to Skin Salvation. Shea butter substitutes beeswax, which makes it suitable for vegans.
