Psoriasis is a skin condition characterized by reddish, scaly patches, thickened skin, and peeling. It is typically treated with topical medications or therapies such as light treatments, including sun exposure and laser treatments, to improve skin health. But what about collagen—can drinking collagen supplements actually help alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis?

Collagen Therapy to Treat Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the skin. This inflammation can occur in various parts of the body, including the elbows, knees, scalp, genitals, palms, feet, and back. Psoriasis is a chronic condition that can flare up unpredictably.

Currently, there is no cure to stop psoriasis from reappearing. Treatments aim to reduce symptoms, alleviate discomfort, minimize excessive skin cell production, and reduce the visibility of scaly patches.

However, psoriasis treatments don't always work effectively for everyone, prompting many individuals to explore alternative options, such as collagen supplements.

Collagen is a protein that helps provide structure and strength to many body parts, including the skin, bones, muscles, and connective tissues. It plays several key roles in the body, including:

• Maintaining skin elasticity
• Supporting bone health
• Strengthening hair and nails
• Supporting joint health
• Strengthening ligaments and tendons
• Providing anti-inflammatory benefits

To boost collagen intake, you can either consume collagen-rich foods like bone broth or take collagen supplements. Some collagen products claim to relieve psoriasis symptoms, but further research is needed to better understand their potential benefits and side effects.

That said, collagen may offer several potential benefits for managing psoriasis, including:

Reducing Inflammation

Psoriasis often leads to the formation of plaques—thickened, hardened layers of skin that can cause psoriatic arthritis, which involves joint inflammation. In addition, psoriasis-related inflammation can increase the risk of heart disease.

Research suggests that collagen consumption may help reduce inflammation. By lowering inflammation, collagen could, in turn, reduce the risk of heart disease and improve overall skin health.

Improving Skin Elasticity

Collagen is widely recognized for its ability to improve skin elasticity, helping to maintain smooth and youthful skin.

Many people use collagen to support skin health, as the amino acids in collagen promote strong and healthy skin.

For individuals using corticosteroid treatments for psoriasis, which can sometimes lead to thinning or hardening of the skin, collagen supplements may help alleviate these side effects by enhancing skin health.

Psoriasis Treatment Options

The approach to treating psoriasis will vary depending on the patient's individual condition, considering factors such as:

• Severity of the rash
• Location of the rash
• Age of the patient
• Overall health

Common psoriasis treatments include:

• Steroid creams
• Moisturizers for dry skin
• Medications to slow down skin cell production
• Anti-inflammatory lotions or shampoos
• Vitamin D3 ointments
• Vitamin A or retinoid creams

If these treatments do not provide adequate relief, doctors may recommend other therapies, such as:

• Light therapy, which uses LED light at specific wavelengths to reduce inflammation and slow skin cell growth.
• PUVA therapy, which combines psoralen drugs with exposure to special ultraviolet light.
• Immune therapy, which involves medications that suppress the immune system to prevent autoimmune reactions.

At this time, there is no conclusive research supporting the use of collagen supplements as a proven treatment for psoriasis. If you have severe psoriasis or if your symptoms are not improving, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for the best treatment options. You can also access medical consultations through the Ai Care app, available for download on the App Store or Google Play Store.

Want more health tips, first aid advice, and home remedies? Click here!