Psoriasis can be such a frustrating condition. The rashes can spread quickly or be persistent. It can affect the skin, nails, scalp, and even the belly button. It can cause arthritis in the joints. Conventional treatment can be powerful and clear skin but often with serious side effects. People frequently find my site either when conventional treatments no longer work or they do not want to deal with the side effects. 

There is a different way. We start by looking at what causes psoriasis in the first place. Which parts of the immune system are triggered? Why? Psoriasis triggers one pathway called TH17. The trigger for the TH17 pathway is an overgrowth of bacteria and yeast in the gut. This is why I run a microbiome test for everyone with psoriasis. I want to know which species of bacteria or yeasts to target and the extent of the overgrowth. 

Another trigger for psoriasis is streptococcus, the bacteria that causes strep throat. Some people get a sore throat or a cold followed by a psoriasis flare. Many don’t even realize that they have strep throat because the symptoms can be subtle. Others are strep carriers, meaning they do not have an infection, but have the bacteria in the back of the throat or nose. 

As part of my psoriasis treatment, I frequently treat the back of the throat, nose, and the gut. Without explanation, it would seem odd to treat a skin disease by treating a different part of the body like the throat. However, once we understand the various triggers, we know that although psoriasis is a skin rash, the origins are from elsewhere in the body. 

To get individualized treatment, schedule a phone consultation with Dr. Nancy Mach today.