A prominent TV commercial in the 1960s and ‘70s used to pitch a product offering relief for the “heartbreak of psoriasis.” Here we are decades later, and there is still no cure for this chronic inflammatory skin disease that affects an estimated 3% of adults in the United States.
Psoriasis comes about when your body produces new skin cells quicker than it can cast off old skin cells. It’s marked by plaque—itchy, red (inflamed) patches of thickened skin covered with silvery scales. But psoriasis is much more than a skin disease. In fact, it could ultimately affect your joints, lungs, heart, kidneys, liver and pancreas—which why early treatment of psoriasis is essential.
In addition to the physical discomfort it can cause, psoriasis has been linked to an increased possibility of developing:
Psoriatic arthritis: Up to 30% of the 7.5 million Americans with psoriasis will eventually develop psoriatic arthritis, which is similar to rheumatoid arthritis and can cause inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and painful joints and tendons.
Bacterial or fungal infections of the skin: The itchy, inflamed nature of psoriasis can lead to increased scratching of the affected areas, which can introduce bacterial or fungal infections that may become quite serious and even lead to cellulitis or open sores and lesions.
Cardiovascular disease: Severe psoriasis can lead to a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease and chronic pulmonary disease. It’s also been associated with metabolic syndrome, a collection of risk factors that can raise your risk of of heart disease, diabetes or stroke.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): A recent study found that among women with psoriasis, 10% developed a form of IBD such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Anyone with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis is at even greater risk. Be sure to let your doctor know if you develop IBD symptoms such as diarrhea, cramping and bloody stools.
Diabetes: Severe psoriasis sufferers are 30% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes.
Cancer: Your risk of developing cancers such as lymphoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer increase if you have psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. Be sure to ask your doctor about which regular cancer screenings are important for you.
Depression: Psoriasis sufferers often experience considerable mental anguish and distress due to feeling self-conscious about their appearance and the discomfort the disease can cause. Some research shows treating psoriasis can head off the development of mood disorders such as depression, or diminish its symptoms.
The best way to prevent these further complications? Be sure to seek medical help and treatment when you notice anything on your skin—especially around the elbows, knees, lower back, scalp or soles of the feet—that may be signaling the onset of psoriasis.
In addition to topical treatments (medicines applied directly to the skin), doctors may suggest treating psoriasis through ultraviolet light treatment or medicines taken orally or through injection.
In addition, if you’ve already been treated for a psoriasis outbreak in the past, work with your healthcare provider to control or minimize psoriasis outbreaks through regular appointments and treatment plans developed to address your individual needs.