6 common health conditions linked to psoriasis
Psoriasis is one of the most commonly diagnosed skin disorders among adults. It is long-term with no cure and mainly causes rashes, scaly patches, and dry skin that cracks, causing a burning sensation. The skin condition causes inflammation, and these symptoms develop due to the persistent inflammatory responses that destroy healthy skin cells. People diagnosed with this skin disorder also develop one or more of the following conditions linked to psoriasis.
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA)
PsA is one of the primary conditions linked to psoriasis in many cases. The higher the severity of psoriasis, the greater the chances of developing psoriatic arthritis. According to many studies, PsA goes undiagnosed among 1 in 10 people until the later stages.
Type 2 diabetes and hypertension
Psoriasis triggers an imbalance in both blood glucose and blood pressure levels. Inflammation, one of the primary symptoms of the skin disorder, has been cited as a reason why comorbidities like diabetes and high blood pressure can develop simultaneously with severe psoriasis.
Metabolic disorders
Abnormal blood pressure, high blood glucose, and an imbalance in good cholesterol, bad cholesterol, and triglyceride levels increase the prevalence of metabolic syndromes with psoriasis.
Cardiovascular diseases
Prolonged severe psoriasis can trigger bouts of chronic inflammation. These inflammatory responses damage the arteries that carry blood vessels. Damaged arteries, in turn, affect blood circulation and increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
IBD is not a singular condition. It refers to a group of disorders like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis that causes inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract affecting digestive organs. The risk of developing IBD conditions linked to psoriasis is higher as compared to people who don’t have the skin condition.
Anxiety and depression
Prolonged psoriasis symptoms can also affect the psyche and trigger psychological problems, including anxiety and depression. Living with a skin disorder with multiple symptom flare-ups is difficult, so depression is one of the most common and consistent conditions linked to psoriasis.
Note that the risk and severity of comorbidities linked to psoriasis will vary depending on the progression of the skin disorder. No two cases will be similar.
