Psoriasis in the Media

Nearly everything I learned about overcoming psoriasis naturally, I learned through Internet research. There are other sources of psoriasis-related material out there, but just how much of it is intended to support us in leading a skin-friendly lifestyle?

In the early-ish stages of my psoriasis journey, on a visit home, my family showed me an episode of The Bad Skin Clinic because one of the contributors was also going through psoriasis. The content was poor, beginning with a few ‘unsettling’ shots of the problematic skin intended to discompose the viewer. Next, a brief mention of the prescribed treatment: in this case, biologics*. The programme failed to explain that these are immunosuppressive injections that can come with some rather unpleasant side effects. Lastly, there was a quick showcase of their better-looking body.

*Secukinumab (known as Cosentyx), Ustekinumab (Stelara) and Apremilast (Otezla) are all immunosuppressive drugs. The first two are classed as biologics, while the latter is a ‘selective enzyme inhibitor’. They lower the activity of the immune system. While this may tackle the autoimmune damage that causes psoriasis, it also leaves our bodies susceptible to illness/infections.

Admittedly, my expectations going in were low given the generalised title. Searching for similar television shows brings up more of the same: Skin A&E, Dr Pimple Popper, Bad Skin SOS and When Skin Goes Wrong. The latter’s first episode is titled People Like Pus, making the sole purpose of these productions clear…cashing in on the shock factor. They are designed to horrify an audience- gross them out, even. Nothing more than trashy reality pap, they take up airtime on channels such as Really, Channel 5 and Discovery Plus.

A more respectable programme came in the form of BBC Three’s SKIN, a six-part series that I applied to and appeared on. It dedicated more time to exploring the psychological effects that skin conditions have on young people, discussing topics from fashion to dating. However, in terms of treatments- as you may have already read- I was just given more steroid creams. Gut health links were not explored.

When it comes to TV coverage of psoriasis, SKIN (2020) has so far proved to be the best of a bad bunch.

While Dragons’ Den is, of course, not psoriasis-oriented, Hanna Sillitoe pitched her vegan skincare business on it. This provided a huge, mainstream platform for Hanna to (briefly) share her story, explaining how diet changes led to remarkable, skin-clearing results.

Over on YouTube, clips from the aforementioned ‘shock’ shows are posted using titles crammed with capitalised hyperbole, proving they are nothing other than clickbait. Specific searches, though, appear to yield more promising results: for example, ‘heal psoriasis naturally’ led me to a refreshing discussion about the importance of gut health in treating this autoimmune disease. A documentary titled Super Juice Me! touches on psoriasis since it's creator- Jason Vale- has it, but there's a much bigger focus on participants' other conditions.

Disappointingly, I discovered that podcasts on psoriasis are often sponsored by pharmaceutical companies. On PsO Let’s Talk Psoriasis- produced by Janssen Ireland as recently as 2022- it is mortifying to hear a consultant dermatologist denounce the benefits of dietary changes as a myth. Cyndi Lauper’s PsO In The Know is sponsored by Novartis Pharmaceuticals and so we can safely assume where loyalties lie there, also. If you’re a podcast-lover, don’t despair! Taking a more holistic approach, The Psoriasis Geek speaks to a reputable range of guests, and Episode One revolves around diet.

One of the most well-known books on this topic is likely to be Healing Psoriasis: The Natural Alternative by Dr Pagano. I bought it, but the black-and-white presentation of heavy information was a little overwhelming, as was Pagano’s focus on spinal adjustments. His patients look to have achieved amazing results, but I swapped this book for Hanna Sillitoe’s Radiant. It sets out a 28 day skin plan and contains recipes to help you easily kickstart a natural healing journey (in colour and with pictures, too!).

Psoriasis cookbooks also exist- but if you’re in the UK, watch out for American ones that may have hard-to-find ingredients and US measurements!

I've tried one or two recipes out of this book, but it's an American publication: certain ingredients are impossible to source.

There are several academic publications investigating the benefits of dietary changes in psoriasis patients. In my experience, these lengthy journals tend to be full of specialised vocabulary and difficult to access.

Newspaper and magazine articles are largely glorified advertisements attempting to sell us miracle cures. I acknowledge that Balmonds Skin Salvation is described as such in the reports about my own story; it’s a key aspect of my skincare routine, but I’ve never credited this balm alone for getting my psoriasis under control. In my interview, I stressed that all the lifestyle changes I made helped me. Thankfully, these write-ups have acknowledged this.

I sent off a pitch for a documentary that would explore natural treatment methods to a few production companies. Unfortunately, none displayed interest- but if any TV producers happen to be reading this, let’s make it happen! Here it is:

No steroid creams. No serious-side-effect-ridden pills. No immunosuppressing injections. At the bottom of a sixty-week NHS waiting list for light therapy, I am on my own journey to healing my guttate psoriasis naturally- and it’s working.

 

Two months ago, I ditched the prescription medications and gave my diet a hard reset, replacing dairy, gluten, alcohol and nightshade foods with lots of leafy greens, nuts and fruit juices. This along with paraffin and paraben-free moisturisers as well as vitamin supplements is putting an end to my red, flaky, patchy skin that once covered me head to toe.

 

But why aren’t programmes highlighting this? Instead, vapid, ‘shock value’ shows dominate: ‘The Bad Skin Clinic’, ‘When Skin Goes Wrong’ and ‘People Like Pus’ gross viewers out with close-ups of problem skin followed by hasty wrap ups where natural solutions go undiscussed.

 

The 2017 documentary ‘What the Health’ is a rare exception, investigating links between diet and disease, but its findings have been largely dismissed. Those living with skin conditions like psoriasis therefore remain in the dark about healthy lifestyle changes that can help. None of the many doctors and top dermatologists I’ve seen have ever thought to suggest this, either, instead plying me with highly potent topical corticosteroids. This needs to change.

 

Let’s shine a new light on psoriasis remedies by investigating the real risks of steroid creams and systemic treatments. We can engage with psoriasis suffers-turned-skincare-experts such as Hanna Sillitoe and Jason Vale, who are living proof that the link between gut health and skin is undeniable. Challenging the healthcare industry is also on the cards: is it truly interested in encouraging people to live more healthily, or is seeing us on expensive, life-long prescriptions of drugs that simply mask the problem more preferable to their pockets?

 

I want to share my skin-saving story and inspire others to do the same. Thanks to hours, days and weeks researching everything from essential oils to Shiitake mushrooms, I’ve gone from looking in the mirror and feeling repulsed to choosing body-flaunting outfits in time for Pride. This illuminating documentary promises to be a disruptive and game-changing watch. In the world of skin disorders, it’s time to give nutrition some recognition.

 

It's apparent that psoriasis representation in the media is not fantastic. This is a shame, as there are so many people out there who would benefit from the healthy gut, healthy skin message. Let’s work together to spread it!