My psoriasis has been flaring for a year. What should I get tested next, and who should I see in Bangalore?
The question, asked by a man aged 30 to 44
I've been dealing with psoriasis flare-ups for about a year now, and they keep coming back even when things seem to improve for a while. My basic blood tests have been normal, so I'm wondering if there could be something else contributing to the flare-ups. What tests would be useful, and should I see a dermatologist or another kind of specialist?
Psoriasis is not just a skin condition. It is an autoimmune disorder that manifests itself in the form of skin problems. In case the immune system increases the rate of skin cell formation, then the cells accumulate into thick and scaly patches. The absence of any abnormalities in blood tests does not mean that there is no reason for psoriasis development. There are many common but hidden reasons, such as:
The imbalance of gut bacteria or leaky gut syndrome keeps the immune system in constant alarm.
Strep throat infection is one of the common triggers of psoriasis.
It may be insulin resistance, obesity, or fatty liver as these disorders are often associated with psoriasis.
Stress is a very common trigger.
Low levels of vitamin D.
Look for signs of joint pain and stiffness in the mornings. Psoriasis affects the joints; therefore, its timely diagnosis prevents their damage.
Therefore, it is important to consult a dermatologist for your skin condition. We as a functional medicine clinic treat the underlying cause.
Suggested Tests
- ASO titre and a throat swab
- hs-CRP and ESR
- HbA1c, fasting insulin and lipid profile
- Liver function tests and an ultrasound of the abdomen
- Serum uric acid
- Vitamin D
- TSH and thyroid antibodies
- Coeliac screen with tTG-IgA and total IgA
- Rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP and X-rays of any painful joints
- Skin biopsy
How Clinic Living Plus Can Help
At CLP, we treat psoriasis from the root. The creams can calm the skin, so we focus on the immune system and check for triggers underneath.
Root cause testing helps find inflammation markers, metabolic health, fatty liver, vitamin D, coeliac disease, and a thorough gut health test.
Our focus is repairing the gut bacteria, an important way to calm the immune system.
A personalised food plan to reduce inflammation and identify the foods that trigger your flares.
Advanced therapies like ozone and peptides to support skin healing and reduce inflammation, with customised IV nutrition.
If insulin or weight is the issue, our team helps improve these, which can bring a huge difference.
Our mental wellness team helps break the stress flare cycle.
Our approach is in support of the existing skin treatment given by the dermatologist. Most of our clients see the skin calm down and stay clear for a long time, even when the cream runs out.
Lifestyle & Nutrition Tips
- Eat a colourful diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.
- Keep a note of foods that trigger your symptoms. This helps in identifying allergens.
- Try including regular movement and work on it if you are overweight, as it can affect metabolic health.
- Maintain a good sleep schedule while also working on managing your stress; these are very important- one for recovery, one to avoid flares.
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol, as these can worsen your condition further.
What to Do Next
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