Psoriasis

SUNLIGHT

• Exposure to natural sunlight and salt water bath improve the condition (1)

NUTRITION

• Obesity tends to worsen the condition. A hypocaloric diet may improve symptoms in overweight and obese individuals (BMI > 25)  (1). Compared to usual care, dietary intervention (strict caloric restriction) may lead to 75% or greater improvement from baseline (large uncertainty) in the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75) (2).

• Alcohol: There is some/mixed evidence that alcohol may increase symptoms of psoriasis, but more studies are needed to determine whether alcohol can induce or worsen psoriasis (7,6,5,4,3)

• Omega 3: Some evidence that it may improve symptoms alone, or in combination with standard treatment (10)

TOBACCO

• Smoking is a risk factor for psoriasis (3, 4)

STRESS

• There is mixed/weak evidence that preceeding psychological stress is associated with psoriasis exacerbation/onset (8,9)

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

• Vigorous physical activity is associated with reduced risk of psoriasis (12)

• More research is needed to determine whether physical activity may reduce symptoms (13)

LIFESTYLE PREVENTION OF COMORBIDITIES

Psoriasis increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes type 2. Discuss cardiovascular risk factors with psoriasis patients, including hyperlipidemia, hypertension, smoking, alcohol use disorder, physical activity and diabetes type 2 prevention (11).