Psoriasis and Gluten: The Hidden Connection You Need to Know
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Living with psoriasis can be challenging — from the itching and flaking to the emotional impact on daily life. While topical creams, UVB light therapy, and natural remedies can help manage symptoms, there’s growing discussion about another factor that may influence flare-ups: gluten. In this article, we’ll explore the link between psoriasis and gluten, how gluten may impact your skin health, and what you can do to find relief — including trusted products from Australian Psoriasis and Eczema Supplies to support your journey.
Gluten and Psoriasis - What Is Gluten and Why Does It Matter for Psoriasis?
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. It gives bread and pasta their elasticity — but for some people, it can trigger inflammation and immune reactions.
People with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity can experience digestive issues, nutrient malabsorption, and systemic inflammation after consuming gluten. Interestingly, psoriasis — an autoimmune condition — also involves immune system dysfunction and inflammation.
This has led researchers and dermatologists to investigate whether gluten might worsen psoriasis symptoms or trigger flare-ups in certain individuals.
The Science: How Gluten May Affect Psoriasis
Psoriasis is driven by an overactive immune system that speeds up skin cell turnover, leading to scaly, red patches. Gluten, in susceptible people, can aggravate this immune response in several ways:
1. Increased Gut Permeability (“Leaky Gut”)
Gluten can irritate the gut lining and increase permeability. This allows inflammatory molecules to enter the bloodstream, which may worsen autoimmune conditions like psoriasis.
2. Heightened Inflammation
Gluten triggers pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6 — both key players in psoriasis. For people sensitive to gluten, this can mean more intense flare-ups or longer healing times.
3. Nutrient Malabsorption
Chronic gut inflammation caused by gluten intolerance can lead to poor absorption of essential nutrients like zinc, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids — all critical for healthy skin repair and immune balance.
4. Cross-Reactive Autoimmune Response
Some studies suggest that gluten peptides can mimic proteins in skin tissue, causing the immune system to mistakenly attack both — amplifying psoriasis symptoms.
Should Everyone With Psoriasis Avoid Gluten?
Not necessarily. The gluten-psoriasis connection seems strongest in people who are either coeliac or have gluten sensitivity.
If you notice that your symptoms worsen after consuming bread, pasta, or cereals, consider getting tested for coeliac antibodies or trying a monitored gluten-free elimination diet for 6–8 weeks.
Tip: Keep a food diary. Record what you eat and how your skin reacts. Many people discover hidden triggers this way.
Even if gluten isn’t your main issue, reducing it often helps improve digestion, energy, and inflammation levels — all of which can indirectly benefit skin health.
Signs You May Be Sensitive to Gluten
If you have psoriasis and experience any of the following, gluten sensitivity may be worth exploring:
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Frequent bloating, gas, or abdominal pain
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Fatigue or brain fog
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Joint pain or stiffness
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Headaches or migraines
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Unexplained rashes or worsening skin irritation after eating bread or pasta
These symptoms overlap with systemic inflammation seen in psoriasis, making it tricky to spot without a structured elimination test.
How a Gluten-Free Diet Can Help Psoriasis
Switching to a gluten-free diet can feel overwhelming at first, but many people report noticeable skin improvements within weeks. The benefits may include:
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Reduced redness and flaking
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Fewer flare-ups
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Better gut comfort
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Enhanced response to topical or light-based treatments
However, dietary changes work best when combined with targeted skincare and phototherapy — like those available at Australian Psoriasis and Eczema Supplies.
Gluten and Psoriasis
= Supporting Your Skin Naturally While Reducing Gluten
When transitioning to a gluten-free lifestyle, your skin may need extra help detoxifying and calming inflammation. Here are some product recommendations from Australian Psoriasis and Eczema Supplies that can help:
1. UVB Light Therapy Lamps
UVB lamps are a dermatologist-approved, drug-free treatment for psoriasis. They slow excessive skin cell growth and reduce inflammation — especially effective when your immune system is calming after removing gluten.
2. Sea Salt Shampoo
Gluten sensitivity can cause scalp psoriasis to flare. A natural sea salt shampoo helps cleanse, soothe, and rebalance scalp health without harsh chemicals. It’s gentle on sensitive skin and ideal for daily use.
3. Soothing Skin Relief Cream
After eliminating gluten, your skin may still need help recovering from past irritation. Our Soothing Skin Relief Cream hydrates deeply, reduces itching, and supports the skin barrier using natural botanical ingredients.
4. Herbal Repair Spray
A fast-absorbing spray designed to calm inflamed skin and reduce redness. It’s ideal for those who prefer a light, non-greasy alternative to heavy creams.
5. Natural Body Wash for Sensitive Skin
When you remove gluten internally, it’s equally important to avoid harsh irritants externally. A gentle body wash formulated for psoriasis and eczema helps maintain moisture balance and protects your skin’s microbiome.
Beyond Gluten: Other Inflammatory Foods to Watch
While gluten is often a key trigger, it’s not the only dietary factor linked to psoriasis flares. Other common culprits include:
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Processed sugars: spike inflammation and weaken immunity
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Dairy: can stimulate mucus and immune responses
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Red meat: high in arachidonic acid, which promotes inflammation
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Alcohol: disrupts gut health and can worsen skin dryness
Replacing these with anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, leafy greens, berries, and olive oil can create a noticeable improvement in your skin tone and comfort.
Healing the Gut–Skin Axis
The connection between your gut and your skin is undeniable. An inflamed gut sends distress signals through the bloodstream that manifest as itching, redness, or flaking.
To restore harmony, combine:
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Gluten elimination (if sensitive)
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Probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt or sauerkraut
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Omega-3 supplements for anti-inflammatory balance
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UVB therapy for external healing
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Hydrating creams and sprays to protect your barrier
This inside-out approach ensures your psoriasis care isn’t just skin-deep.
Real-World Experience: What Customers Report
Many Australians managing psoriasis have reported clearer skin and less irritation after combining gluten reduction with topical treatments from Australian Psoriasis and Eczema Supplies.
Typical feedback includes:
“After going gluten-free and using the UVB Lamp daily, my plaques faded in weeks.”
“The Sea Salt Shampoo is a game changer — no more scalp itching.”
“Cutting gluten and using the herbal cream finally got my flare-ups under control.”
How to Transition to a Gluten-Free Lifestyle
If you suspect gluten sensitivity, here’s how to start:
Step 1: Replace, Don’t Restrict
Swap bread, pasta, and pastries for gluten-free alternatives like quinoa, rice, and almond flour.
Step 2: Read Labels Carefully
Gluten hides in sauces, dressings, and even beauty products. Always check ingredient lists.
Step 3: Support Detoxification
Drink plenty of water and use natural skin products to flush toxins and calm inflammation.
Step 4: Track Progress
Take photos of your skin before and after removing gluten — visible improvement is often noticeable after 4–6 weeks.
Step 5: Reinforce With Topical Care
Continue using targeted psoriasis products to strengthen your results. Combine the Soothing Skin Relief Cream, Herbal Spray, and UVB Lamp for maximum benefit.
When to See a Professional
If symptoms persist even after eliminating gluten and using topical care, consult a dermatologist or gastroenterologist. You may have overlapping sensitivities, nutritional deficiencies, or an underlying autoimmune condition.
However, most people who take a comprehensive approach — diet, stress reduction, and natural skin therapy — experience visible improvement within months.
Key Takeaway
While gluten may not cause psoriasis directly, it can significantly influence inflammation and immune activity in susceptible individuals. For many, removing gluten from the diet and using natural support products creates a powerful combination for clearer, calmer skin.
At Australian Psoriasis and Eczema Supplies, we believe in supporting healing from both the inside and out. Explore our range of UVB lamps, herbal creams, natural shampoos, and sprays — all designed to restore your skin’s comfort and confidence.