Thousands of individuals worldwide suffer from the chronic skin disorder, psoriasis. It is an autoimmune disease that quickly accumulates skin cells, causing thick, scaly, and itchy patches on the skin’s surface. Although psoriasis predominantly affects the skin, it can also cause problems with other aspects of health. Due to the psoriasis-related inflammation and insulin response, patients with psoriasis may be more likely to acquire specific medical disorders, such as:

1. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovarian syndrome also known as PCOS is a hormonal condition that affects fertile women. Due to the underlying inflammation brought on by the illness, women with psoriasis may be more likely to develop PCOS. According to studies, women with psoriasis are more prone to experience PCOS symptoms, including irregular periods, high levels of androgens (male hormones), and insulin resistance.

2. Heart disease

Psoriasis patients have a higher risk of heart disease, including heart attacks and strokes. Although the cause of the connection between psoriasis and cardiovascular disease is not entirely understood, it is thought to be the persistent inflammation brought on by psoriasis. In addition, some psoriasis drugs, including IL-17 inhibitors like Cosentyx and TNF inhibitors like Tremfya, Skyrizi, and Stelara, may raise your chance of developing heart disease. Yet more recent drugs like Xeljanx, Otezla, and Ilumya tildrakizumab don’t seem to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

3. Psoriatic arthritis

Some persons with psoriasis experience psoriatic arthritis, a kind of arthritis. If left untreated, it can result in irreversible joint degeneration and causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Although the relationship between psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis is not entirely known, the inflammation brought on by psoriasis may be what causes the condition to develop. According to studies, the condition can occur in up to 30% of psoriasis patients.

4. Depression

Anybody can experience depression, a common mental health disorder, but those with psoriasis are more likely to do so. Living with psoriasis can have a negative effect on a person’s mental health, causing them to experience depression, worry, and hopelessness. According to research, folks who have psoriasis are 39% more likely to experience the condition than those who do not.

5. Lymphoma

A form of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system is lymphoma. People living with serious psoriasis, particularly those who have used systemic medications like methotrexate or UV light therapy, may be at higher risk of developing the condition. The risk is still low overall, and routine monitoring can aid in identifying lymphoma’s early warning symptoms.

6. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Breathing is challenging for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD, a chronic lung condition. It is thought that the inflammation and oxidative stress brought on by psoriasis enhance the incidence of COPD in psoriasis patients. Moreover, people with psoriasis are more likely to smoke, a known risk factor for COPD. According to research, those with psoriasis are 37% more likely to get COPD than those without.

Psoriasis patients should be aware of the increased risk of contracting specific illnesses and take precautions to manage their general health. Regular monitoring, lifestyle changes, and proper medical care can help lower the risk of problems and enhance the quality of life for those with psoriasis. In the future, new medicines like rituximab and gene therapy may provide new choices for treating psoriasis and related disorders. Research suggests that those who adequately manage their psoriasis can also reduce their chance of developing additional comorbidities.