Psoriasis: More Than Skin Deep
- Arielle Leader, RMT, ND
- Jun 25, 2025
- 2 min read
Psoriasis is often seen as a skin condition — red, scaly patches that flare up on the elbows, knees, scalp, and sometimes across the whole body. But what many don’t realize is that psoriasis is actually an autoimmune and systemic inflammatory condition. This means the root cause goes far beyond the skin.
As a naturopathic doctor with a special focus on dermatology, I see many patients with chronic skin issues like psoriasis. While topical treatments can help manage symptoms, true healing comes from looking beneath the surface — at what’s happening inside the body.
🔍 What Is Psoriasis, Really?
Psoriasis occurs when the immune system mistakenly speeds up the life cycle of skin cells. Instead of taking weeks to form and shed, skin cells in people with psoriasis regenerate in just a few days. This rapid turnover leads to thick, inflamed, silvery plaques on the skin.
But why does this happen?
The answer often lies in the gut-immune-skin connection — an area that functional and naturopathic medicine explores deeply.
🧠 Your Immune System & Gut Health Matter
Up to 70% of your immune system lives in your gut. If the digestive system is inflamed, leaky, or imbalanced, it can trigger widespread immune dysfunction — including autoimmune flares like those seen in psoriasis.
In fact, many people with psoriasis also have other signs of imbalance such as:
Bloating or irregular digestion
Brain fog or fatigue
Joint pain (especially in psoriatic arthritis)
Fluctuations in mood or sleep
These aren’t just coincidences. They're clues pointing to an internal terrain that needs support.
🧪 How I Approach Psoriasis Naturopathically
In my practice, we use functional lab testing — like the GI-MAP stool test and Organic Acids Test — to assess your digestive health, detox function, nutrient status, and microbial balance. We also run blood work to look at inflammation, immune markers, and hormones.
Treatment focuses on:
Gut repair (calming inflammation, restoring microbial balance)
Detoxification support (especially liver and skin pathways)
Immune system modulation (not suppression)
Nutritional therapy with personalized Rx food plans
Stress and nervous system regulation
This isn’t a quick fix — it’s a whole-body approach to long-term healing.
🌿 Healing from the Inside Out
Psoriasis can be frustrating and isolating, but it is possible to improve your symptoms and quality of life. When we shift the focus from just managing flare-ups to understanding and supporting your unique physiology, real transformation is possible.
If you’re ready to explore root-cause care for your skin, I invite you to learn more about my Restoring Health: Dermatology Edition program. Together, we’ll uncover what your skin is trying to tell you — and start the healing process from the inside out.
Dr. Arielle Leader, ND
Naturopathic Doctor | Skin, Gut & Hormone Health
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