Cholesterol and Psoriasis

For most of us who have had psoriasis for a long time, comorbidities are nothing new. In fact, it seems like the list of comorbidities keeps getting longer each year. The more that is understood about psoriasis the more these other conditions are found to have a link to it.

Making the connection

In the Winter 2020 issue of NPF Advance, which is issued by the National Psoriasis Foundation included an article titled "New Advances Need New Guidelines". One of the things the writer talks about is a link between psoriasis and cholesterol.

This really caught my attention. I have been on cholesterol-lowering medication for some time now. I never associated having psoriasis with having high cholesterol. Chances are you are not aware of this either. Let me tell you more so you can have that all-important talk with your doctor especially if you have high cholesterol.

Could my high cholesterol be related?

It has been several years since I first started having a problem with high cholesterol. When my doctor mentioned it and put me on medication, I automatically assumed it had to do with my being overweight and eating too much fried food.

I have cut back on eating as much fried food as much as possible. I have to admit it is not always easy. I love french fries especially when they are hot. However, even cutting back, my cholesterol level has always been high. This article shed a whole new light on my situation.

New guidelines and studies

The National Psoriasis Foundation in collaboration with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has put out new treatment guidelines for those with moderate to severe psoriasis.

Their guidelines state that people with psoriasis be screened for high cholesterol. It also states that if high cholesterol is detected that it is imperative to "manage" or get the high cholesterol under control.

There were also two studies that link high cholesterol and skin symptoms. Those with high cholesterol showed visible skin lesions and shared the same reactive T-cells as those living with psoriasis.

Psoriasis keeps on giving

If you are like me and have had high blood pressure for a while, please talk with your doctor. We have to be our own health advocates. Chances are good that your doctor might not even know this correlation between high cholesterol and psoriasis.

"Psoriasis keeps on giving." That is one of my favorite sayings when it comes to living with psoriasis. The comorbidities list of psoriasis is a good indication of that. Now high cholesterol has to be added to the list.

Wouldn't that be something if this correlation between high cholesterol and psoriasis brings about the possibility of a cure for psoriasis?