Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA), an omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid found in fish oil, has been investigated for its potential role in managing psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disorder. The rationale behind its use is based on EPA’s anti-inflammatory properties, which may counteract the overactive immune response seen in psoriasis. Several small clinical trials and case reports from the late 1980s and 1990s explored the efficacy of EPA (often as part of fish oil supplements) in reducing psoriasis severity. Some studies reported modest improvements in skin lesions and a decrease in pro-inflammatory mediators such as leukotriene B4, which is implicated in psoriasis pathogenesis. However, other trials found little or no significant benefit compared to placebo or standard treatments.

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses to date conclude that while there is a plausible biological mechanism and some weak clinical evidence, the overall quality of studies is low, sample sizes are small, and results are inconsistent. EPA supplementation is considered generally safe, but its clinical benefit as a standalone or adjunct therapy for psoriasis remains unproven. Therefore, while there is some scientific basis and limited evidence for EPA’s use in psoriasis, current guidelines do not recommend it as a primary treatment. Larger, high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to clarify its role.