Thick, scaly plaques on elbows, knees or scalp that come and go, and a sense that nobody has looked past the skin. A psoriasis naturopath looks at the inflammation underneath — metabolic health, the gut, triggers and nutrient status — alongside the care your GP or dermatologist provides.
No. Rather, psoriasis is an immune-mediated, inflammatory condition that happens to show on the skin. The same inflammation is linked to psoriatic arthritis, insulin resistance, cardiovascular risk and low mood. That is why a psoriasis naturopath looks at the whole person rather than the plaque.
Most people who come to us have had the diagnosis for years. Typically, they have a drawer of creams, and the message that it is something to manage rather than understand. That is half true. To be clear, nobody can cure psoriasis, and no honest practitioner will tell you otherwise.
Equally, it is not “all in your head”, and it is not just cosmetic. However, what can be changed is the inflammatory load the condition sits on — and that is where the useful work is.
An immune system that over-produces skin cells and inflammation, on a genetic background, pushed by triggers. In particular, the triggers with the best evidence are stress, infections such as strep throat, alcohol, smoking, excess weight, certain medications and skin injury. Metabolic health and the gut microbiome shape how hot that inflammation runs — and, importantly, both can be worked on.
What a psoriasis naturopath looks at:
First, your dermatologist leads the diagnosis and the medical treatment — creams, light therapy, methotrexate or biologics. We do not touch those decisions. A psoriasis naturopath works on the inflammatory foundation underneath, so the inflammation your doctor is treating has fewer drivers behind it. Depending on what we find, a plan can include:
We usually review at eight weeks, because psoriasis changes slowly. As a result, we look for a trend across a season, not a fortnight.
We are open 6 days per week, by appointment only. Book an appointment online via our online booking link.
Always at diagnosis, and at any change. For example, a new rash needs a doctor to confirm it is psoriasis; joint pain, swelling or stiffness needs assessment for psoriatic arthritis; a sudden widespread red or pustular flare, or a flare with fever, is a medical emergency. We do not diagnose psoriasis and we do not treat it; prescribed treatments and any change to them sit with your doctor.
Seeing a psoriasis naturopath is not a reason to stop a cream, light therapy or a systemic medication. healthdirect’s psoriasis guide sets out the medical options clearly.
No. Psoriasis is a lifelong immune condition, and nobody can honestly promise to cure it. What a psoriasis naturopath can do, however, is reduce the inflammatory load it sits on — metabolic health, diet, alcohol, gut and stress — so that flares are fewer and milder, alongside your medical care.
No single diet, but a Mediterranean-style pattern has the best evidence, and in a randomised trial, weight loss in people carrying extra weight improved quality of life and showed a trend to milder psoriasis. Similarly, gluten-free helps the subset with coeliac antibodies, which needs a blood test through your GP first. Instead, we test and trial rather than remove foods on principle.
The evidence is growing. Psoriasis shares immune pathways with inflammatory bowel disease. Gut symptoms are more common in people with psoriasis, and the microbiome influences systemic inflammation. Where gut symptoms are part of your picture, therefore, gut work is part of the plan.
Yes. Importantly, we do not ask anyone to stop or reduce a prescribed medication, and we check everything we recommend for interactions — immunosuppressants need particular care. Also, tell your dermatologist you are seeing us, because it makes the care better.
Psoriasis moves slowly. Most people see a trend over two to three months. As a result, we review at around eight weeks and judge across a season rather than a fortnight.
If you have been told psoriasis is just something to manage, it is worth looking at what is underneath it — and a psoriasis naturopath who works with your dermatologist rather than around them is a good place to start. Our naturopaths and nutritionists consult from Geelong CBD and Drysdale, in person or by telehealth, six days a week. Book an initial consultation and we will start by listening.
We are open 6 days per week, by appointment only. Book an appointment online via our online booking link.
