Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that affects the skin. It causes the cells to build up and turn into thick, scaly patches. The condition is common in both men and women. However, women have a higher risk of developing psoriasis than men do.
Women may also face other medical conditions that are related to psoriasis. Here, we will discuss the connection between psoriasis and other medical conditions in women.
1. Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriasis can also cause inflammation in the joints, a condition called psoriatic arthritis. Women who have psoriasis are more likely to develop psoriatic arthritis than men are.
The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.
2. Cardiovascular Disease
According to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, women with psoriasis have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease than men with the condition.
Women with psoriasis are more likely to have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity, all of which are risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
3. Depression and Anxiety
Psoriasis can affect a woman’s mental health as well.
According to a study in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, women with psoriasis are more likely to experience depression and anxiety than men with the condition. The stigma associated with psoriasis can lead to social isolation and emotional distress, which can worsen the mental health of women with the condition.
4. Diabetes
Women with psoriasis have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes than women without the condition.
According to a study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, women with severe psoriasis are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than women with mild psoriasis.
5. Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a collection of conditions that increase a person’s risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Women with psoriasis have a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome than women without the condition.
According to a study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, women with severe psoriasis are more likely to have metabolic syndrome than women with mild psoriasis.
6. Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease is a condition that causes inflammation in the digestive tract.
Women with psoriasis have a higher risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease than women without the condition, according to a study in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. The symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
7. Chronic Kidney Disease
Women with psoriasis have a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease than women without the condition.
According to a study in the Journal of Dermatological Science, women with severe psoriasis are more likely to develop chronic kidney disease than women with mild psoriasis. The kidneys filter waste from the blood, and chronic kidney disease can lead to kidney failure if left untreated.
8. Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a condition in which fat builds up in the liver.
Women with psoriasis are more likely to develop nonalcoholic fatty liver disease than women without the condition, according to a study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. The symptoms of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease include fatigue, abdominal pain, and an enlarged liver.
9. Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a condition in which a person stops breathing for short periods during sleep.
Women with psoriasis have a higher risk of developing sleep apnea than women without the condition, according to a study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. The symptoms of sleep apnea include loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, and daytime sleepiness.
10. Eye Disorders
Women with psoriasis have a higher risk of developing eye disorders than women without the condition, according to a study in the Journal of Rheumatology. Eye disorders associated with psoriasis include conjunctivitis, uveitis, and blepharitis.
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the membrane that covers the eye, uveitis is an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, and blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids.