Lifestyle and Behavioral Interventions Show Adjunctive Potential in Psoriasis Management
Non-pharmacological interventions, including diet, exercise, and psychological support, may offer complementary benefits in psoriasis management, although evidence remains heterogeneous and insufficient to replace standard therapy, according to a narrative review of current literature.
Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease associated with metabolic and psychological comorbidities. The review evaluated clinical and observational studies examining the role of micronutrients, dietary patterns, physical activity, and mental health interventions in disease management.
Micronutrients, such as zinc, selenium, and copper, along with vitamins D, E, and B-complex, are implicated in immune regulation and oxidative stress pathways. However, clinical outcomes from supplementation remain inconsistent. The authors noted that “the clinical efficacy of micronutrient supplementation remains uncertain due to inconsistent and conflicting findings.”
Dietary interventions showed more consistent associations. Adherence to a Mediterranean diet and weight reduction strategies, including caloric restriction and bariatric surgery, were linked to improvements in psoriasis severity. These approaches may address underlying metabolic dysfunction that contributes to disease activity.
Aerobic exercise was also associated with potential benefit but remains underutilized. Barriers include physical discomfort, visible skin lesions, and psychosocial factors that limit participation. The review highlights the importance of addressing these barriers when recommending lifestyle modifications.
Psychological comorbidities were prevalent, reinforcing the need for integrated care. The authors emphasized that “psoriasis is associated with a high prevalence of psychological disorders,” supporting the inclusion of mental health interventions in treatment plans.
Despite these findings, the authors concluded that “non-pharmacological strategies show promise as complementary interventions…[but] cannot replace conventional therapy.” Limitations across studies included small sample sizes, heterogeneity in design, and lack of standardized protocols.
Reference
Valenzuela F, Benavides E, Echeverry EV, Hartmann D, Bilicic D. Complementary strategies in psoriasis—non-pharmacological approaches for comprehensive management. An Bras Dermatol. 2026;1(3):501356. doi:10.1016/j.abd.2026.501356
