- With Mayo Clinic dermatologist
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
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Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Dr. Lawrence Gibson likens bad health information on the Internet to food poisoning.
Consumers, he says, need to be aware and will find reliable information at MayoClinic.com.
Dr. Gibson, a Covington, Ky., native, has been with Mayo Clinic since 1986 and is board certified in dermatology, dermatopathology and immunodermatology. He is a professor of dermatology at Mayo Medical School and a consultant in the Department of Dermatology.
Dr. Gibson has served as the fellowship director for dermatopathology and as chair of the Laboratory Division in the Department of Dermatology. He is especially interested in inflammatory disorders of the skin, including vasculitis, and in lymphoma affecting the skin.
"Electronic information has become a staple in the diet of a health conscious society," he says. "It's important to avoid misinformation and provide a credible source for health information. Using this analogy, it's critical to avoid 'indigestion' or, worse yet, 'food poisoning' by the ingestion of tainted information."
Symptoms (1)
- White patch on skin: A cause for concern?
Lifestyle and home remedies (1)
- Psoriasis diet: Can changing your diet treat psoriasis?
Alternative medicine (2)
- Psoriasis treatment: Can fish oil supplements reduce symptoms?
- Ground flaxseed: Better than whole?
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Question
Psoriasis treatment: Can fish oil supplements reduce symptoms?
Can fish oil supplements improve psoriasis symptoms?
Answer
from Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
A number of studies show that fish oil supplements may reduce inflammation and improve psoriasis symptoms, such as itching and scaling. However, not all studies have shown fish oil supplements to be effective psoriasis treatment, and, as with any supplement, there may be some risks.
Fish oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids — eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in particular — play an important role in reducing inflammation. EPA and DHA may also suppress the body's response to white blood cells called T lymphocytes or T cells. If you have psoriasis, overactive T cells trigger immune responses and cause an increased production of both healthy skin cells and more T cells. The skin cells can't slough off quickly enough and accumulate on the skin's surface, creating thick, scaly psoriasis patches.
Fish oil supplements are generally recognized as safe if taken as directed. Side effects are usually mild, but can include a fishy aftertaste, heartburn and nausea. Doses greater than 3 grams a day can affect blood clotting, increase your risk of bleeding and decrease blood pressure. This may be of particular concern if you're taking blood-thinning medication or high blood pressure medication.
If you're considering dietary supplements or other alternative therapies for psoriasis treatment, consult your doctor. He or she can help you weigh the pros and cons of specific alternative therapies, including fish oil supplements.
Next questionGround flaxseed: Better than whole?
- Smith N, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine for psoriasis: A qualitative review of the clinical trial literature. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2009;61:841.
- Bodemer AA. Psoriasis. In: Rakel D. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/172349793-3/0/1494/116.html?tocnode=54115041&fromURL=116.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2954-0..50073-9_3554. Accessed Nov. 19, 2009.
- Fish oil. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed Nov. 19, 2009.
- Simopoulos AP. Omega-3 fatty acids in inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 2002;21:495.
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