Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Although it appears on the skin, growing research suggests that internal factors — including the gut microbiome — may influence immune responses and inflammation associated with the condition.

Scientists are increasingly exploring how the trillions of microbes living in the digestive system interact with the immune system and may influence inflammatory skin conditions. This relationship between the gut and the skin is known as the gut–skin axis, and it may help explain how supporting gut health could influence skin wellbeing.

Founder Insight

Hanna Sillitoe first began exploring the connection between gut health and skin while recovering from severe psoriasis in her twenties. During this time she discovered emerging research linking the gut microbiome with inflammation and immune responses.

This personal experience sparked a long-standing interest in the role of the microbiome in skin health and ultimately inspired the development of Hanna Sillitoe’s gut-focused approach to wellbeing.

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that involves the immune system. In people with psoriasis, the immune system becomes overactive and triggers inflammation in the skin.

This inflammation causes skin cells to reproduce much faster than normal. As a result, skin cells accumulate on the surface of the skin rather than shedding naturally.

This leads to the thick, red, scaly patches known as plaques, which commonly appear on areas such as the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back.

Psoriasis is considered an immune-mediated condition, meaning the immune system plays a central role in driving inflammation and skin changes. While the exact causes are complex, factors such as genetics, environmental triggers and immune responses all influence how the condition develops.

Increasingly, researchers are exploring how the gut microbiome may influence inflammatory pathways linked to psoriasis.

The Gut Connection

The Gut–Skin Axis

The gut–skin axis describes the biological communication network between the gut microbiome, the immune system and the skin.

The gut microbiome contains trillions of microorganisms living within the digestive tract. These microbes play essential roles in digestion, immune regulation and inflammatory signalling throughout the body.

Because psoriasis is closely linked to immune dysregulation and inflammation, scientists are increasingly investigating how the gut microbiome may influence inflammatory skin conditions.

Gut bacteria and immune signalling

Beneficial gut bacteria interact closely with immune cells located in the digestive tract. These interactions help regulate immune responses and maintain balance within the immune system.

When the microbiome becomes imbalanced — a state known as dysbiosis — immune signalling may become disrupted, potentially contributing to inflammatory responses that affect the skin.

The intestinal barrier

The lining of the gut acts as a protective barrier between the digestive system and the bloodstream. When this barrier becomes compromised, substances from the gut may pass into circulation and trigger immune reactions.

Some researchers believe that changes in gut barrier function may contribute to systemic inflammation linked to psoriasis.

Systemic inflammation

Although psoriasis appears on the skin, it is increasingly recognised as a condition involving systemic inflammation. Because the gut microbiome helps regulate inflammatory pathways, changes in gut bacteria may influence inflammatory signalling throughout the body.

Microbiome diversity

A healthy microbiome typically contains a wide variety of beneficial bacterial species. Studies suggest that reduced microbial diversity may be associated with inflammatory conditions, leading researchers to explore how microbiome balance may influence psoriasis.

What Research Shows

Research on Psoriasis and the Microbiome

Interest in the relationship between psoriasis and the gut microbiome has grown significantly in recent years. Scientists are exploring how the microbiome may influence immune responses and inflammatory pathways involved in the condition.

Several studies have identified patterns linking psoriasis with differences in gut microbiome composition.

Key findings include:

• Altered microbiome diversity – Some research suggests that people with psoriasis may have differences in gut microbiome diversity compared with individuals without the condition.

• Changes in beneficial bacteria – Studies have identified reduced levels of certain beneficial bacterial species in people with inflammatory skin conditions.

• Links to systemic inflammation – Because the gut microbiome plays a central role in immune regulation, imbalances in gut bacteria may influence inflammatory signalling throughout the body.

• Microbiome–immune interactions – The majority of immune cells in the body are located within the gut, highlighting the close relationship between microbiome balance and immune activity.

Although research into the gut–skin axis is still developing, these findings highlight growing scientific interest in how gut microbiome balance may influence inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis.

Sources

• Scher JU et al. Decreased bacterial diversity characterizes the altered gut microbiota in patients with psoriatic arthritis. Arthritis & Rheumatology.

• Hidalgo-Cantabrana C et al. Gut microbiota dysbiosis in psoriasis. Frontiers in Microbiology.

• Salem I et al. The gut microbiome as a major regulator of the gut–skin axis. Frontiers in Microbiology.

Supporting the Microbiome

While research into the microbiome and psoriasis continues to evolve, many scientists agree that supporting a healthy and diverse gut microbiome is an important part of overall wellbeing.

Several everyday habits may help support microbiome balance.

Eat a diverse range of plant foods

A varied diet rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts and whole grains provides fibre and nutrients that nourish beneficial gut bacteria.

Increase fibre intake

Fibre acts as fuel for gut microbes. When bacteria ferment fibre, they produce compounds known as short-chain fatty acids, which may support gut barrier integrity and immune balance.

Include fermented foods

Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir and yoghurt contain naturally occurring microorganisms that may help support microbiome diversity.

Support healthy lifestyle habits

Sleep, stress levels and physical activity can all influence the microbiome. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits may help support overall gut health.

Consider probiotic support

Some people choose to support their microbiome with probiotics — live microorganisms designed to help maintain microbial balance within the digestive system.

Common Questions About Psoriasis and Gut Health

Can gut health affect psoriasis?

Emerging research suggests the gut microbiome may influence immune responses and inflammatory pathways linked to psoriasis. Scientists continue to explore how the gut–skin axis may affect inflammatory skin conditions.

Can probiotics help psoriasis?

Some studies have explored whether probiotics may help support microbiome balance and immune regulation. While research is ongoing, probiotics are being investigated for their potential role in inflammatory conditions.

What foods support the gut microbiome?

Foods rich in fibre and plant diversity help nourish beneficial gut bacteria. Fermented foods may also contribute beneficial microorganisms that support microbiome diversity.

Conclusion

Psoriasis is a complex inflammatory condition influenced by many factors, including immune responses, genetics and environmental triggers. Increasingly, research suggests that the gut microbiome may play an important role in regulating inflammatory pathways linked to skin health.

By supporting microbiome balance through diet, lifestyle habits and microbiome support, many people aim to create an internal environment that promotes greater immune balance.

Understanding the connection between the gut and the skin highlights an important shift in how we think about skin health — recognising that supporting the body from within may play an important role in overall skin wellbeing.

Some people choose to support their microbiome with probiotics — live cultures designed to help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria. Learn more about our Multi-Strain Biotic and how it supports gut health.