ABSTRACT
Psoriasis is a chronic disease of abnormal keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation, as well as localized and systemic inflammation, that influences 1%–5% of the population worldwide. While psoriatic arthritis is one of the most disabling presentations of inflammatory arthritis, characterized by pain, inflammation, joint damage, and loss of function that worsen over time, this form of arthritis is also associated with the skin disease psoriasis. Traditionally known medical therapy can regulate the symptoms related with disease, like pain and inflammation, but can have significant side effects. Dietary modification, through supplementation and exclusion, is an extremely popular treatment modality for patients with dermatologic conditions. For normal functioning of the body, a number of natural products, such as vitamin derivatives, corticosteroids, ultraviolet light phototherapy, immunosuppressive agents, and nutrients from plants, play a great role in our daily life. Biologic therapies that target cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α, interferon (IFN) γ, and interleukin (IL) 12 and 17, are now of particular importance in the therapeutic series. They are helpful in maintaining the health of the individual and in reducing the risk of various chronic diseases. So nutraceuticals are medicinal foods for well-being, enhancing health, and modulating immunity, and as a result, preventing diseases. In this chapter, we address the role of several researched nutritional components in the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
