Efficacy of an Anti Inflammatory Diet Combined With Physical Therapy on Disease Severity and Inflammatory Markers in Children With Psoriasis
Purpose and Hypotheses The purpose of this study is to find out if changing the diet and adding exercise can help children with psoriasis. Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, scaly patches and is linked to inflammation inside the body. We want to see if a special diet that avoids gluten and foods high in histamine can improve children's skin and reduce inflammation. We will also test if adding a fun physical therapy program with light exercise, stretching, and relaxation provides even more benefits, especially for their overall well-being and quality of life. Study Details: Study Duration: 14 weeks in total (this includes a 2-week screening period and the 12-week treatment period). Treatment Duration: 12 weeks. Visit Frequency: Participants will come to the clinic for assessments at the start of the study, after 6 weeks, and after 12 weeks. During the 12-week treatment period, participants in the exercise group will attend supervised physical therapy sessions three times a week. What Will Happen in the Study? Sixty (60) children aged 6 to 17 with mild to moderate psoriasis will be invited to take part. They will be put into one of three groups by chance, like drawing lots. One group will continue with their regular skin care. A second group will follow a special anti-inflammatory diet. This means they will avoid foods with gluten (like wheat bread) and foods high in histamine (like aged cheese or fermented foods) and will eat more fruits, vegetables, and healthy fish. A third group will follow the same diet and also take part in a physical therapy program three times a week. The physical therapy will include light exercise, fun movement activities, and relaxation exercises. Who Can Participate? We are looking for children who: Have been diagnosed with plaque psoriasis for at least 6 months. Have mild to moderate psoriasis. Are not taking any new psoriasis medications. Study Interventions: Dietary Intervention: A structured anti-inflammatory diet that is gluten-free and low in histamine. Physical Therapy: A supervised program of low-impact aerobic activities, stretching, and relaxation exercises. This study is not currently available through an expanded access program.
• Confirmed diagnosis of plaque psoriasis by a board-certified dermatologist for at least six months prior to enrollment.
• Age between 6 and 17 years (inclusive) at the time of enrollment.
• Mild to moderate disease severity, defined as a Pediatric Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (P-PASI) score ≤ 20 at the screening visit.
• Stable psoriasis treatment regimen (topical or systemic) for at least eight weeks prior to the baseline assessment. Participants may continue their usual treatments throughout the study.
• Ability to comply with the dietary protocol (gluten-free, low-histamine anti-inflammatory diet) and, for Group C, the physical therapy program, as judged by the investigator.
• Written informed consent from a parent or legal guardian.
• Written assent from the child (for participants aged 8-17 years). For children aged 6-7 years, verbal assent will be documented.
• Ability to attend all scheduled study visits at the outpatient clinics of Cairo University.