The study involved 257 men and women with psoriasis, a frequently recurring inflammatory skin condition that causes redness, itching and flaking. Today, patients are most often prescribed hormonal ointments, but their limited effectiveness and inability to use them regularly means that the skin rashes reappear.
Scientists from King's College London set out to find out how dietary habits affected symptoms in volunteers. In addition to assessing diet, other important co-factors were analysed - gender, age, body mass index, medical history, smoking status and alcohol consumption.
The worst results were seen in those who ate the least plant foods and frequently consumed red meat and processed meats. In contrast, the lowest psoriasis symptoms were seen in those who ate a diet rich in fruits, nuts, legumes and other plant foods.
"Today, patients often ask what diet can help them cope with unpleasant recurring symptoms. Our work provides some answers," said study co-author Tivi Maruthappu.
Now the scientists intend to conduct a comparative study. If the results are similar, the findings will form the basis for new dietary recommendations.
Recently, researchers from Denmark presented a patch for the treatment of psoriasis. It is attached to the skin, protects it and at the same time slowly releases the medicine.
