Can Candida Make Psoriasis Worse?
There is increasing evidence of an association between candidiasis, a type of yeast that can cause candidal infection, and the exacerbation and progression of psoriasis. Candidiasis may make progressive skin lesions more likely in psoriasis, but researchers are not conclusively sure. There is evidence that the presence of a fungal infection adversely affects immunity, the pathologies of which are determinant in the genesis of psoriasis. Consider how to treat psoriasis and an infection known as candidiasis, what is the effect of diet on these diseases, the different treatment options.
What is psoriasis and candidiasis?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that causes red, itchy, scaly patches on the skin. Psoriasis is caused by overactivation of immunity, which results in immune cells attacking perfectly healthy skin cells. This reaction speeds the production of new skin cells, causing symptoms of psoriasis.
Candida is a type of opportunistic yeast that causes a fungal infection (candidiasis) on the skin of the body. When it develops in the mouth, it is called thrush. Candidiasis in the vagina is called yeast colpitis.
Each person has a small amount of Candida on the skin that is not harmful. It is only when they multiply too much during a decline in immunity that candidiasis results.
Is there a link between candidiasis and psoriatic lesions?
Scientists believe there is a clear link between progression of psoriasis and candidiasis, but more research is needed to fully explain the link.
A 2018 synthesis of these studies showed that people with psoriasis had more Candida in the body than people without psoritic skin lesions. Researchers note that a person's immune response to skin problems uses similar mechanisms when it responds to candidiasis. Perhaps when the body fights Candida infection, it also triggers an autoimmune response, which similarly triggers psoriasis.
However, it is also likely that certain drugs for psoriasis make people more susceptible to fungal infections, including candidiasis, because they inhibit the function of immunity.
A study at American Journal of Clinical Dermatology found similar mechanisms. Researchers have noted that Candida can worsen the course of psoriasis, and some drugs for psoriasis can make a person more likely to develop candidiasis. However, despite this, the study found that people taking drugs for psoriasis are still at a relatively low risk of developing candidiasis. When it develops, antifungal drugs are effective and work well against infection. The authors conclude that a person taking psoriasis drugs does not need to change their treatment because of the risk of candidiasis.
But more research is needed to determine what the relationship is between psoriasis and candidiasis, to determine the role of immunity in their provocation.
Relationship of diet to treatment of infection
A nutritious, healthy diet can help treat psoriasis and Candida infection. The relationship between a person's diet and psoriasis or candidiasis is unclear. There is no evidence to suggest a specific diet that could reliably improve the course of any of these diseases.
However, studies have shown that eating rationally and maintaining a healthy weight improve the course of infection and reduce the intensity of skin lesions. If a person believes that a particular food or drink is worsening skin condition with psoriasis or exacerbating candidal infection, they may keep a diary of what is being eaten, excluding certain foods, to determine whether they are contributing to the exacerbation. It is important to discuss the results with the doctor.
- Skin lesions of psoriasis and candidiasis
- The main symptoms of psoriasis are redness and itching of the skin and plaque formation. Sometimes the affected skin is covered with silvery scales. Psoriasis can develop almost anywhere in the body.
Candidiasis may occur in three areas:
- in his mouth, then he is called a thrush;
- in the vagina, as a yeast infection
- fungal infection in the blood leads to candidal sepsis.
- Symptoms of thrush may include white patches in the mouth and soreness of the mucous membranes, a popsicle taste, and loss of taste. The skin may crack at the corners of the mouth.
Symptoms of a vaginal yeast infection include itching or tenderness in the vagina, pain during sex and during urination, a white vaginal discharge, profuse, firm, and lumpy white discharge.
The symptoms of candidal sepsis can be difficult to distinguish from other infections. They may include fever and chills, a general medical condition, and multiple organ involvement.
Treatment is local and systemic, affecting immunity
Therapeutic lotions may help in local therapy for psoriasis. The doctor may prescribe lotions so that the person can take care of the affected skin directly. They may also recommend oral drugs or a combination therapy. The severity and location of the psoriasis foci will affect the type of treatment offered by the doctor. In addition, drugs that affect the immune system are used.
Treatment of candidal infection is antifungal drugs that patients can use directly on the affected area. If they do not work or if candidiasis continues to recur, other treatment and strengthening of immunity may be needed. While some treatments for psoriasis may increase the risk of Candida activation, there is no reason to believe that a person should change their treatment just because of the potential risk of fungal infection.
