COLUMBUS, Ohio - For years, Douglas Levin struggled with psoriatic arthritis. Eventually, he adopted a healthier lifestyle to help counter the inflammation caused by his disease.
"Anytime you can control it by moderating your intake of food or other things, you're that much better off," shared Levin.
Researchers know that a problem with the immune system can trigger psoriasis. Now, Dr. Benjamin Kaffenberger, a medical dermatologist at The Ohio State University, is studying a potential link between poor oral health, bacterial infections in the mouth, and psoriasis.
"When your body is attempting to fight this bacteria, probably it develops a little bit of a cross-reaction with the skin at the same time," Kaffenberger explained.
Researchers surveyed 100 patients with psoriasis and 165 without psoriasis about their lifestyle and diet. The results showed that poor dental and oral health, especially gum pain, was associated with psoriasis.
"Unfortunately, a lot of patients don't have good access to dental care, or maybe just are too busy at a certain time frame, so they may not be getting that message when they have this disease in the first place," Kaffenberger said.
Patients who had higher fruit consumption reported less significant psoriasis. Researchers said that indicates fresh foods may be a protective factor. For Levin, lifestyle changes means psoriasis no longer controls his life or his time outdoors with his good boy.
The Ohio State University study also reinforced earlier studies that found family history of psoriasis, smoking and obesity could be predictors of the condition.
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