If you have psoriasis, you know that there are a number of things you need to do to protect your skin and prevent flare-ups. However, you may not have thought about these seven health conditions that are associated with psoriasis.
1. Psoriatic Arthritis
Many people with plaque psoriasis experience inflammation that causes skin symptoms that eventually affect the joints and lead to psoriatic arthritis (PsA).
The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are similar to other types of arthritis:
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- stiffness and pain in joints
- swelling of the soft tissue surrounding joints
- a decrease in range of motion.
It can be difficult to spot psoriatic arthritis, but it is important to begin treating PsA as soon as it’s diagnosed. This will help you get control of it before it damages your joints or causes permanent disability. The best way to get an early diagnosis is to be aware of your risk, keep an eye out for symptoms, and see your doctor as soon as you suspect the early stages of psoriatic arthritis.
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2. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition of the female reproductive system, which causes small cysts (tiny sacs of fluid) to form on the ovaries increasing the risk of endometrial cancer.
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According to studies, women with psoriatic disease are at risk of developing PCOS and other skin issues — namely, adult acne and male-pattern facial hair. PCOS also can be a factor in infertility.
Medications such as birth control pills and metformin, an anti-inflammatory diet (which also may help ease psoriasis symptoms), and stress management are all effective treatment options for PCOS.
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3. Mental Health Disorders
Many people with psoriasis, especially those who are young, are at risk for developing negative body image and low self-esteem as a result of the visible symptoms of psoriasis.
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, “people with psoriatic disease are 39 percent more likely to be diagnosed with depression and 31 percent more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety” than those who don’t have psoriasis.
Because both conditions share certain underlying causes, including inflammation, family history, and low levels of vitamin D3, they can amplify each other, according to researchers.
4. Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a condition characterized by high blood pressure, increased waist circumference, elevated blood sugar levels due to insulin resistance, and elevated blood fats.
A study published in the journal Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia shows that people with psoriasis are nearly six times more likely to have metabolic syndrome. You can lower your risk of metabolic syndrome by maintaining a healthy weight, eating a diet low in saturated fats and exercising.
5. Heart Disease
According to a study published in April 2021 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, people with psoriasis are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease because inflammation can damage arteries.
If you have psoriasis, remember to monitor your heart health and take steps to lower your risk of heart disease.
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6. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
The inflammation often associated with psoriasis can affect the lungs. This raises your risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — a group of lung conditions that block airflow and make it hard to breathe.
According to a study published in the journal PLoS One, people with psoriasis have a two-fold increased risk of developing COPD, especially if the disease is severe.
If you have psoriasis, you should avoid smoking and lung irritants like air pollution, chemical fumes, and dust. All of these factors contribute to COPD risk. If you are at risk, consider asking your doctor to test you for reduced lung function.
7. Cancer
Because psoriasis alters your immune system and increases inflammation, you will have a slightly higher risk of developing cancers such as non-melanoma skin cancer, lymphoma, and lung cancer, according to a study published in May 2020 in the journal Expert Review of Clinical Immunology.
The researchers cited “chronic low-grade inflammation” as one potential reason for the link, along with certain behaviors such as smoking and alcohol use that tend to be more common in people with psoriasis. Another culprit may be psoriasis medications.
There is a connection between psoriasis and a number of other chronic conditions, however, these complications are not inevitable.
The good news is, you can maintain a healthy lifestyle by working closely with your healthcare providers and monitoring your condition before it progresses into something more serious.
