Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease characterized by the presence of red, crusty, itchy patches on the skin. It occurs when skin cells are replaced too quickly and usually affects skin on the knees, scalp and elbows. Psoriasis is commonly treated with topical emollients designed to trap moisture in the skin. Oral drugs that suppress the immune system are also sometimes prescribed. Fish oil might also help to alleviate symptoms, but ensure you get medical advice before taking a fish oil supplement for psoriasis.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Fish oil comes from fatty fish like mullet, tuna, herring and trout and is a rich source of the omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. According to MedlinePlus it is used to treat a number of conditions including Alzheimer's disease, glaucoma, painful periods, asthma and breast pain. It might also play a role in the treatment of psoriasis and may help to relieve symptoms when administered intravenously.
Clinical Findings
Recent clinical research into the effects of fish oil on psoriasis is lacking. However, the results of a double-blind, randomized trial, published in the April 1998 issue of the "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology" show that intravenous administration of omega-3-fatty acids is an effective treatment for chronic plaque-type psoriasis. The authors suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may alleviate symptoms by reducing inflammation.
Combination Therapy Studies
Several studies have evaluated the effects of fish oil when administered in combination with other psoriasis treatments. The results of a case study published in the "Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology" in July 2003 show that combining fish oil with topical calcitriol and the prescription psoriasis drug acitretin led to long-term remission from symptoms of chronic plaque psoriasis. The results of an earlier randomized clinical study published in the November 1998 issue of the "Journal of Dermatology" show that a combination of eicosapentaenoic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil, and the prescription treatment etretinate, is more effective than etretinate alone.
Administration
Fish oil can be obtained by consuming fish, but for convenience and ease of dosing, is also available as a dietary supplement. Guidance regarding a dose suitable to help alleviate psoriasis is lacking, but your doctor may be able to advise you. MedlinePlus adds that taking fish oil orally may have no effect and that you may have to take fish oil intravenously to help alleviate psoriasis symptoms. Get advice from your doctor and do not attempt to administer fish oil intravenously yourself.
References
- BBC Health: Psoriasis; Dr. Rob Hicks; July 2009
- MedlinePlus: Fish Oil
- "Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology"; Omega-3 Fatty Acid-Based Lipid Infusion in Patients With Chronic Plaque Psoriasis: Results of a Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Trial; P. Mayer, et al.; April 1998
- "Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology"; Erythema Annulare Centrifugum-Type Psoriasis: A Particular Variant of Acute-Eruptive Psoriasis; E. Vocks, et al.; July 2003
- "Journal of Dermatology"; Combination Therapy With Low-Dose Etretinate and Eicosapentaenoic Acid for Psoriasis Vulgaris; K. Danno, et al.; November 1998
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