Can Psoriasis Affect Other Parts Of The Body Beside The Skin?
Typically, psoriasis is considered a skin disorder that involves causing scaly, itchy, inflamed skin patches. But it can reach into the body beyond the skin affecting several different systems, and problems can develop that may surprise even those who know the condition. Psoriasis is an immune system related chronic inflammatory disease that can affect physical, psychological and metabolic health. In this article, we will look at how psoriasis can spread beyond the skin, what illnesses it is associated with, and comprehensive management of psoriasis.
Understanding Psoriasis and Its Immune Connections
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease — your immune system attacks your body’s own cells. In particular, T cells (immune cells that normally defend the body against infection) become abnormally active and trigger the inflammatory response which then spurs on faster skin cell growth. This rapid skin cell turnover results in the build up of cells on the skin’s surface, leaving the cells on the skin’s surface to create the distinctive psoriasis plaques. While psoriasis affects the skin, the immune dysfunction at its heart does not stop there: it can cause widespread inflammation affecting other systems and organs throughout the body.
Do you or someone you know have Psoriasis? Our skin is our largest organ and a reflection of our internal health. Watch our informative video to learn “How does Psoriasis affect the body?“
Psoriatic Arthritis: Joint and Musculoskeletal Involvement
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is one of the most common non-skin complications of psoriasis. PsA is an inflammatory arthritis affecting about 1 in 3 people with psoriasis, usually with joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. It can spur inflammation in different joints, from fingers to toes, wrists, knees and even the spine. The symptoms of PsA may be mild or severe and, if left untreated, can cause permanent joint damage and reduced mobility.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Signs of disease in PsA can include joint pain, swelling and reduced range of movement. It is diagnosed through clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and blood studies to rule out other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Management
Conventional medical treatment includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biologic therapies directed against specific parts of the immune system. Although we’ve found a way to heal PsA without the need for these drugs, keep reading to learn how. In addition, physical therapy is also recommended in order to maintain joint function and prevent stiffness.
Cardiovascular Health Risks
Patients with psoriasis are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerosis caused by chronic inflammation associated with psoriasis is a complication in which plaque builds up within the arteries, a condition which can bring about heart attacks or stroke. Psoriasis is associated with increased rates of hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes and high cholesterol levels, all of which contribute to increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Pathway to Increased Risk
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory state which elevates C-reactive protein (CRP) and other inflammatory markers, which are known predictors of cardiovascular disease. Moreover, psoriasis is linked to insulin resistance, a contributing factor to diabetes and cardiovascular illness.
Preventive Measures
To control traditional cardiovascular risk factors, psoriasis patients should follow a balanced diet, keep themselves fit by exercising, and avoid smoking. These risks are reduced by regular blood pressure and cholesterol monitoring and lifestyle interventions followed by medication, when necessary. Nevertheless, we have discovered how to help heal your PsA without having to depend on medication, continue reading to find out.
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Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes
Psoriasis patients are more likely to have metabolic syndrome (a collection of conditions, including obesity, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and abnormal cholesterol), though it’s not quite clear whether the two conditions are directly linked. Having both of these increases your risk for type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and liver disease by a lot. Those with psoriasis have up to 30 percent higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to research.
Link Between Psoriasis and Metabolic Syndrome
Psoriasis inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha and interleukin-6) may interfere with the body’s insulin signalling and therefore, increase insulin resistance. Obesity is a common risk factor as well, and fat tissue also produces other inflammatory markers that exacerbate the systemic inflammation.
Management Strategies
It is necessary to adopt a healthy diet and regular physical activity. Blood sugar and lipid levels may be managed with conventional medications such as metformin or statins. However, our wellness clinic has found a way to manage your blood sugar and lipid levels without relying on medication, keep reading to learn more.
Psychological and Mental Health Impact
Psoriasis is a very psychologically-burdensome disease. Emotional distress can occur because patients have visible skin lesions, which may be followed by self-consciousness, social withdrawal and occasionally even depression. Anxiety, depression and even suicidal thoughts are more common in psoriasis patients than in people who don’t have psoriasis, studies have found.
Contributors to Mental Health Challenges
Skin lesions which are visible can lead to stigma and chronic pain, itching, and discomfort can worsen mood. Also, the inflammatory part of psoriasis can directly affect brain health.
Supportive Care and Therapies
Psoriasis patients should have mental health support. An effective care strategy may include therapy, support groups and if necessary, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications. In addition, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) has also been shown to help people with the psychological effects of psoriasis.
Gastrointestinal Health and Liver Disease
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis have an increased association with psoriasis. Consistent with the shared genetic and immunological risk factors for psoriasis and for IBD, the immune dysfunction seen in the former shares similarity with the inflammatory pathways associated with the latter disease. Furthermore, psoriasis patients also tend to get more of the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) likely because of the common mediating risk factors for both diseases including obesity and metabolic syndrome.
Impact on Liver
Unchecked, NAFLD can lead to the more serious liver conditions of fibrosis and cirrhosis. Systemic treatments for psoriasis, particularly, also place additional strain on liver function.
Monitoring and Lifestyle Changes
Psoriasis patients on systemic treatments need liver function tests regularly. Among the tips for liver health are reducing alcohol intake, eating a healthy diet and managing weight.
Eye Health Complications
Eye health may also be affected by psoriasis, which can include conjunctivitis, uveitis and dry eye syndrome. Uveitis is particularly concerning because it is the inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, and if not treated can cause vision loss.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
There are symptoms of eye problems such as redness, pain, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. Eye exams are performed by ophthalmologists to check for inflammation and treatments are prescribed.
Treatment Options
To treat eye inflammation (in psoriasis patients), conventional anti-inflammatory medications such as corticosteroid eye drops are often used. People with psoriasis should have routine eye exams especially if they experience eye discomfort. On the other hand, our wellness clinic offers a natural solution for any eye inflammation problems you may have, learn about it by continuing to read this blog article.
Kidney Disease and Psoriasis
Other research shows a tie to chronic kidney disease (CKD) in people who have psoriasis. Over time, psoriasis inflammatory mediators may eventually lead to renal damage. Patients with severe psoriasis are also more likely to be hypertensive and diabetic, two risk factors for kidney disease.
Monitoring and Preventive Care
Patients with moderate to severe psoriasis, and those at increased risk (diabetes or high blood pressure), need regular kidney function tests. Early treatment of kidney problems prevents further damage.
A Holistic Approach to Managing Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a multi system disease that requires a holistic approach to treatment; not merely skin symptoms, but also general health. Here are some key strategies:
Lifestyle Modifications
You can reduce inflammation and improve quality of life with exercises like regular walking, a balanced diet, and stress reduction techniques like meditation or yoga can help.
Regular Health Screenings
Get into the habit of doing routine check ups and screenings regarding cardiovascular health, mental health and metabolic conditions. An iridology consultation is a non-invasive health check tool that allows you to see which parts of your body have weaknesses or a susceptibility to disease.
Mental Health Support
For individuals with psoriasis, therapy or joining support groups can help them deal with the emotional challenges of having psoriasis.
Our skin is our largest organ and a reflection of our internal health. Watch our informational video to learn more about “What Organs Does Psoriasis Affect?“
Conclusion
Psoriasis is traditionally regarded as a skin disease, but it is much, much more. Psoriasis can impact almost every part of the body from the joints to the cardiovascular system and mental health as well as metabolic health. These effects can be mitigated with comprehensive management, including a balanced lifestyle, regular health screenings, and holistic treatments to improve overall well being. Psoriasis is not just a skin disease to be treated; it’s a disease that has to be managed in a number of aspects.
To better manage these risks and help live healthier, happier lives, individuals with psoriasis should understand the full scope of the disease.
What if we told you that you can heal and even reverse your Psoriasis without having to depend on conventional medication? Start your Psoriasis journey with confidence, using our resources that are meant to guide and encourage you. Start by downloading our FREE Psoriasis guide booklet, containing all relevant information and helpful tips. For those interested in gaining further knowledge and learning more about comprehensive approaches, enrol in our special Psoriasis course. Furthermore, you can book a free consultation from our wellness clinic to get professional help that will be aimed at meeting your needs. Do not let Psoriasis be a hindrance – begin your path to improved skin health right away!
To learn more about Psoriasis, check out our other related blogs:
How Does Psoriasis Affect Quality Of Life?
How Does Psoriasis Affect The Body?
How To Get Rid of Psoriasis Using Iridology
What Is The Best Treatment For Psoriasis?
Are any other conditions linked to Psoriasis?
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