Omega-3s increase the effectiveness of psoriasis creams and lotions
Psoriasis: Omega 3 supplements improve local therapies
Combining Omega-3 with the use of vitamin D-based psoriasis creams and remedies increases the effectiveness of treatment against this skin disease. The benefits of Omega-3 on psoriasis would already be visible after 8 weeks, a study published in the journal Clinical, Cosmetical and Investigational Dermatology1 reveals.
Researchers at Hospital Universitario Sagrat Cor in Barcelona, Spain, have shown that combining the use of creams and lotions with the intake of Omega-3s allows:
- Improve the typical symptoms of psoriasis, such as itching and scaling;
- Improve patients' quality of life.
Psoriasis, a skin disorder linked to inflammation
Psoriasis is a chronic disorder that depends on the activity of the immune system.Inflammation of the dermis (the deep layer of the skin) is a key feature of it, demonstrated by several studies that have succeeded in identifying some of the molecules involved in this inflammatory process. The treatment of psoriasis is currently done through the application of creams or ointments based on different active ingredients on areas of the skin that have patches and flaking. Among the most innovative psoriasis preparations are vitamin D derivatives. Used in combination with other medicines, they can also be applied for long periods, allowing for maintenance treatments.
Why treat psoriasis with omega-3s?
Several researches have shown that the anti-inflammatory properties of Omega-3 EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and Omega-3 DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) reduce the symptoms of inflammation associated with several skin diseases. In fact, intake of these fatty acids limits the spread of the inflammatory process typical of some dermatological disorders. For this reason, some researchers have evaluated the effect of daily intake of EPA and DHA by psoriasis patients: analysis of the so-called Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) suggests that Omega-3s may be effective. The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index is a parameter that evaluates the following clinical factors and symptoms:
- extension
- desquamation
- erythema
- thickening of the patches
- itching
The results of this new study confirmed this hypothesis, adding new details.
Omega-3, best in company
The authors involved 30 patients with mild to moderate forms of psoriasis in the research, who were asked to apply a vitamin D derivative product to the patches. Half of the participants also took 2 capsules of a supplement containing Omega-3 every day. The severity of the disorder was assessed at the beginning of treatment and after 4 and 8 weeks of product application and fatty acid intake. The following assessment indices were used as parameters:
- PASI, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, which assesses the extent, scaling, erythema and thickening of patches and clinical symptoms such as itching;
- NAPSI, Nail Psoriasis Severity Index, which assesses symptoms involving the nails;
- DLQI, Dermatological Life Quality Index, which assesses the impact of skin problems on quality of life.
All patients achieved significant improvements in all indices, but the results were better in the case where Omega-3s were also taken. Based on these results, the researchers concluded that the effect of Omega-3 is complementary to that of topical products and contributes to the reduction of psoriasis symptoms.
Source:
1. Balbás GM, Regaña MS, Millet PU, "Study on the use of omega-3 fatty acids as a therapeutic supplement in treatment of psoriasis," Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2011;4:73-7. Epub 2011 Jun 20.
