Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by red patches, silvery scales, and inflamed skin.

While psoriasis primarily affects the skin, it can also lead to several comorbidities that affect other parts of the body. These comorbidities can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, leading to physical and emotional distress. In this article, we will discuss the most common comorbidities of psoriasis.

1. Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects some people with psoriasis. It typically causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, which can make it difficult to move.

Psoriatic arthritis can affect any joint in the body, but it commonly affects the fingers, toes, and back. If left untreated, psoriatic arthritis can lead to permanent joint damage and disability.

2. Cardiovascular Disease

Studies have found that people with psoriasis are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, which includes heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.

The exact reason behind this link is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to the inflammation that occurs in both conditions. To reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, it’s important for people with psoriasis to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and not smoking.

3. Depression and Anxiety

Psoriasis can have a significant impact on a person’s mental health, leading to feelings of depression and anxiety. The visible nature of psoriasis can lead to social stigma and isolation, which can exacerbate these feelings.

It’s important for people with psoriasis to seek treatment for their mental health, whether through therapy, medication, or both.

4. Diabetes

People with psoriasis are at a higher risk of developing diabetes, which is a condition that affects how the body processes glucose.

The exact link between psoriasis and diabetes is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to the inflammation that occurs in both conditions. To reduce the risk of diabetes, it’s important for people with psoriasis to maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly.

5. Obesity

Obesity is a common comorbidity of psoriasis, as studies have found that people with psoriasis are more likely to be overweight or obese.

It’s thought that the inflammation that occurs in psoriasis can lead to weight gain and difficulty losing weight. To reduce the risk of obesity, it’s important for people with psoriasis to maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise.

6. Eye Conditions

Several eye conditions have been linked to psoriasis, including uveitis, conjunctivitis, and blepharitis. Uveitis is an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye and can cause eye pain, redness, and sensitivity to light.

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the outer layer of the eye and can cause redness, itching, and discharge. Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid and can cause redness, crusting, and itching.

7. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition that occurs when fat builds up in the liver. People with psoriasis are at a higher risk of developing NAFLD, as the inflammation that occurs in psoriasis can lead to liver damage.

To reduce the risk of NAFLD, it’s important for people with psoriasis to maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly.

8. Kidney Disease

Studies have found that people with psoriasis are at a higher risk of developing kidney disease, which is a condition that affects how the kidneys function.

The exact link between psoriasis and kidney disease is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to the inflammation that occurs in both conditions. To reduce the risk of kidney disease, it’s important for people with psoriasis to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and not smoking.

9. Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together, including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels.

People with psoriasis are at a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome, which can increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes. To reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome, it’s important for people with psoriasis to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and not smoking.

10. Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Several studies have found a link between psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

IBD is characterized by inflammation in the digestive tract and can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. The exact link between psoriasis and IBD is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to the inflammation that occurs in both conditions.