Are any other conditions linked to Psoriasis?

September 4, 2024

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder where skin cells mature and reproduce rapidly, accumulating in thick, silvery plaques; it is, therefore, more than a skin disease. Though its visible symptoms primarily affect the skin, psoriasis has been found to be linked with numerous other health complications. This article elaborates on the various factors associated with psoriasis and underscores that the approach to the treatment of this disease should be comprehensive.

Understanding Psoriasis

In this review, it is important to outline the conditions related to the presence of psoriasis before defining what it is and how this disease influences the human body. Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease, this makes it a condition where the body’s immune system targets healthy skin cells for destruction. This leads to an increased rate in the production of skin cells and thus forms plaques, which are reddish raised patches of skin covered with a silvery-white powdery substance that is formed from dead skin cells.

Though the cause of psoriasis has not been thoroughly established, it is estimated to be caused by both genetic and environmental factors. Stress, infections, injuries to the skin, certain medications, and other factors can worsen the condition. There are also various forms of psoriasis, such as plaque psoriasis – the most common type, guttate psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, and erythrodermic psoriasis.

Psoriasis is not only a skin disease but a systemic one, and it increases the risk of several comorbidities. It is now worthwhile to look at some of these related diseases in more detail.

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Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriasis has been known to be associated with several conditions, with one of the most common being psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis that can develop in individuals with psoriasis. It can also cause pain and stiffness in the joints, inflammation, and if it is not treated, it may result in joint degeneration and impaired functioning of the joints.

PsA can occur at any age; however, it commonly starts to manifest in the third or fourth decade of life. Joint pain can be experienced as mild or severe and may occur in any body part with joints, such as fingers, toes, spine, and pelvis. Common signs of psoriatic arthritis include:

Swollen, painful joints

Especially in the fingers and toes due to a condition known as dactylitis or “sausage fingers.”

Back pain

Especially in the lower back which may suggest spondylitis – an inflammatory arthritis that particularly affects the spine.

Nail changes

For instance, pitting of the nail, where there is a separation of the nail from its base-nail bed (onycholysis), and changes in the colour of the nail.

Timely diagnosis and intervention are particularly important for PsA to minimise joint degradation. Management strategies include Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biologic agents that focus on certain aspects of the immune response.

Cardiovascular Disease

Patients with psoriasis have higher risk of Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including heart attack and stroke, compared to non-psoriatics. This inflammation can lead to atherosclerosis, a condition that causes fatty material to build up in the arteries and cause narrowing and blockage of the blood vessels.

It was suggested that the relationship between psoriasis and cardiovascular disease is due to chronic systemic inflammation. Psoriasis can also cause the upregulation of some cytokines like tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) that can lead to atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases.

Research also indicates that patients who suffer from severe psoriasis are more prone to develop heart disease than those with mild or moderate cases. Lifestyle modifications and the control of clinical risk factors, including hypertension, elevated cholesterol levels, obesity, and smoking, are crucial for the psoriasis population to prevent CVDs.

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Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a combination of factors that are associated with an increased chance of developing heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. These conditions include:

Abdominal obesity

Central obesity as is evidenced by the measurement of waist circumferences.

Insulin resistance

The body is not able to use insulin properly, and the blood glucose levels rise.

High blood pressure

It is also referred to as hypertension.

Dyslipidemia

Abnormal levels of lipids in the blood, including high levels of triglycerides and low levels of HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol).

One study indicated that metabolic syndrome prevalence was higher in psoriasis patients compared to those without the skin disorder. Psoriasis is characterised by inflammation, which may impact the development of insulin resistance and other metabolic issues.

Adherence to healthy practices and measures in terms of diet, regular exercise and stress management are important in the prevention of metabolic syndrome among such individuals.

Learn from our latest video, “Are Psoriasis and Eczema Related?“

Type 2 Diabetes

Psoriasis has been known to have a direct correlation with the development of type 2 diabetes. Inflammation, which is a critical factor in the development of psoriasis, can cause insulin resistance, the primary risk factor associated with type 2 diabetes.

Regarding the association with type 2 diabetes, it has been documented that patients with psoriasis, especially those with the severe form of the disease, have a higher risk of developing this illness. This risk rises with the periods and intensity of psoriasis.

It is crucial for the patients with psoriasis to exercise control over their blood glucose levels and follow the recommendations for the prevention of type 2 diabetes. It’s important to keep track of your blood sugar levels and to visit a doctor for check-ups periodically to prevent any severe issues from arising.

Depression and Anxiety

It is evident that psoriasis has a severe effect on the mental well-being of the patient. Frequently, the physical manifestations of the disease become visible and cause considerable discomfort, resulting in depression and anxiety. The chronic aspect of the disease, social discrimination, and overall decrease in the quality of life may lead to feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness.

Previous studies have established that individuals with psoriasis are more predisposed to depression and anxiety than those without the condition. The inflammation that occurs with psoriasis may also contribute to these mental health conditions as inflammation alters brain function and mood.

Psoriasis patients need to be provided with a holistic approach to health care, which means that they have to be offered physical and psychological treatment. This may involve therapy, group support, relaxation exercises, and, at times, the use of drugs to treat depression and anxiety.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Other autoimmune diseases include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. IBD is defined as the inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract for a prolonged period and results in signs such as stomach ache, frequent stools, and loss of weight.

The relationship between psoriasis and IBD is not clearly defined, but it is thought to be mediated by genetic and immunologic links. Both conditions are caused by an abnormal immune response where the immune system attacks normal body tissues.

Psoriasis and IBD are associated with each other in that people with psoriasis are at a higher risk of developing IBD and vice versa. Given the interconnections between these diseases, screening for any signs of gastrointestinal problems and promptly consulting a health care provider is crucial.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

NAFLD is defined as the presence of excess fat in the liver in individuals who consume little or no alcohol. It is commonly linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome.

Some research has proposed that psoriasis is associated with a higher risk of having NAFLD. Psoriasis itself is not directly related to NAFLD, but the chronic inflammation associated with the disease may result in liver damage and may lead to various forms of NAFLD, including Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and cirrhosis.

Thus, weight loss, controlling blood sugar levels, and abstaining from alcoholic beverages are the preventive measures that can help minimise the risk of NAFLD for individuals with psoriasis.

Our skin is our largest organ and a reflection of our internal health. Watch our informative video to learn more about “What diseases are associated with Psoriasis?”

Conclusion

Psoriasis is not only a skin disease but a systemic one with significant impacts on all body systems. Psoriasis is associated with chronic inflammation and other diseases such as psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, depression and anxiety, inflammatory bowel disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

These connections highlight the importance of an integrated approach to the management of psoriasis. Awareness of the connection and regular screening for comorbidities, maintaining a healthy life, and consulting with healthcare providers can ensure that people with psoriasis have fulfilling lives. The future of psoriasis research is bright and with further understanding of this disease, better healing and preventative interventions will be developed which can enhance the living standards of people suffering from this condition.

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!

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