Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: A Root-Cause Treatment Approach
If you’re managing psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, you’ve likely been told the goal is to “control” it — rotating creams, steroids, or immune-suppressing drugs while the flares keep coming back. Functional medicine asks a different question: why is your immune system attacking your skin and joints in the first place? At Dr. Harrison’s Center of Functional Medicine in Westminster, CO, Dr. Glenn Harrison works to identify and correct those underlying drivers rather than simply quieting symptoms.
What is psoriasis, and how is it connected to psoriatic arthritis?
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the immune system speeds up skin-cell turnover, producing the thick, scaly, inflamed plaques most people recognize. Psoriatic arthritis is the same underlying immune dysfunction extending into the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. They share one root: a misdirected, overactive immune response driven by chronic inflammation.
Up to 1 in 3 people with psoriasis eventually develop psoriatic arthritis, which is why addressing the systemic inflammation early matters — not just the visible skin. The skin plaques are the part you can see; the inflammatory process underneath is the part that also affects joints, energy, and long-term health.
What actually causes psoriasis at the root level?
Psoriasis isn’t “just a skin problem” — it’s a whole-body immune and inflammatory condition that shows up on the skin. In functional medicine, the most common root-cause drivers we investigate include:
- Gut barrier dysfunction (“leaky gut”). A compromised intestinal lining allows partially digested proteins and toxins into the bloodstream, keeping the immune system in a chronically activated state. The gut–skin connection is one of the most consistent findings in autoimmune skin conditions.
- Chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation. Elevated inflammatory signaling tells skin cells to multiply far faster than normal.
- Blood sugar and insulin resistance. Metabolic dysfunction amplifies systemic inflammation and is strongly associated with more severe psoriasis.
- Stress and the gut–brain axis. Cortisol dysregulation and chronic stress are well-documented flare triggers.
- Nutrient imbalances and food sensitivities. Specific triggers (often gluten, dairy, sugar, or alcohol) vary person to person and can drive flares.
- Hidden infections or microbiome imbalance. An overgrowth of the wrong gut bacteria can keep the immune system primed.
This is why two people with the same diagnosis can need completely different plans — their root causes aren’t the same.
How does functional medicine treat psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis differently?
Conventional dermatology and rheumatology typically manage psoriasis by suppressing the immune response from the top down. Functional medicine instead works to remove what’s provoking the immune system, so it has less reason to overreact. Dr. Harrison’s approach focuses on:
- Comprehensive lab testing — advanced markers for inflammation, blood sugar, gut health, nutrient status, and immune function that standard panels often skip.
- Gut repair — restoring the intestinal lining and rebalancing the microbiome, since the gut is central to immune regulation.
- An anti-inflammatory nutrition plan — personalized to your triggers, not a generic diet.
- Targeted nutrient and lifestyle support — addressing the specific deficiencies and stressors found in your testing.
- Working alongside your existing care — this approach complements your medical providers; any prescriptions remain managed by your prescribing doctor.
Note: This program does not treat disease directly — it addresses the underlying health dysfunctions that drive chronic symptoms, in conjunction with your primary medical provider.
Can psoriasis really improve by fixing the gut?
For many people, yes — improving gut health can meaningfully reduce psoriasis flares, because so much of the immune system lives in and is regulated by the gut. When the intestinal barrier is repaired and inflammatory triggers are removed, the immune system often calms down, and skin and joint symptoms can follow. This isn’t a guarantee or an overnight fix, but the gut–skin axis is one of the most actionable levers in autoimmune skin conditions.
Is functional medicine for psoriasis available in the Denver area?
Yes. Dr. Harrison’s Center of Functional Medicine is located in Westminster, CO and serves patients across the Denver metro — including Arvada, Thornton, Broomfield, and Northglenn — as well as patients nationwide through telehealth consultations. You can get started from home with a convenient video visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is psoriasis an autoimmune disease? Yes. Psoriasis is an immune-mediated condition where the immune system accelerates skin-cell production, driven by chronic inflammation. That’s why a root-cause, immune-focused approach can be effective.
Can diet really affect psoriasis? For many people, yes. Common dietary triggers include gluten, dairy, sugar, and alcohol, though triggers are individual. A personalized anti-inflammatory nutrition plan is a core part of functional medicine for psoriasis.
Will I have to stop my current medications? No. Functional medicine works alongside your conventional care. Any medications you’re prescribed continue to be managed by your prescribing medical provider.
How long does it take to see results? It varies by individual and by how long the condition has been present. Because the goal is addressing root causes rather than masking symptoms, improvements typically build over a course of treatment rather than instantly.
Ready to get to the root cause? Book a free 15-minute discovery call with Dr. Harrison’s Center of Functional Medicine. 👉 Book a Free Consultation
Medically reviewed by Dr. Glenn Harrison, Dr. Harrison’s Center of Functional Medicine, Westminster, CO. This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice.