What In The World? A Look At Psoriasis Comorbidities

All across the globe, there are so many myths and misconceptions about psoriasis. What it always seems to come down to is that this seemingly visible skin condition affects so much more than the skin.

While skin symptoms may be what people see, it's not what those with psoriasis singularly get. It's why those who live with this painful chronic condition face so much stigma and misrepresentation. The physical and emotional toll takes a fierce resiliency.

By recognizing World Psoriasis Day, we can bring awareness to the unnoticed realities of managing this invisible visible illness.

It's time to talk about comorbidities

One part of managing life with psoriasis that goes unnoticed is managing the linked health conditions that come with this skin-cracking painful condition. These linked conditions are known as comorbidities. That's right, living with psoriasis, an autoimmune condition can potentially put you at risk for additional different chronic conditions, either at the same time or at different times.

Comorbidities can also affect the way that the patient’s psoriasis is treated. Certain types of medicines can also make comorbidities worse, and some comorbidities can affect the way that psoriasis treatments work. Please talk with your doctor about your entire treatment plan. They will be able to treat you more wholly as a person knowing your entire medical history.

What types of comorbidities are linked to psoriasis?

Managing multiple conditions can take a significant toll on one's quality of life. Studies have shown that people with psoriasis have a higher chance of developing the following health conditions^1,2:

• Psoriatic arthritis
• Cardiovascular conditions, such as high blood pressure and heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Obesity and metabolic syndrome
• Inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn’s Disease
• Certain types of cancers
• Mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety

And for those who are unsure that they may have them? Talk to your healthcare team. Screening people with psoriasis for comorbidities is important. Detecting these conditions early can make them much easier to treat, and can reduce the damage they can cause.

Straight from those who live it

So, we've shared clinical articles that provide information about comorbidities of psoriasis, but what about those who actually live it? Here's what our advocates have to say. Chris has a heart-to-heart about heart disease risk. Can psoriasis impact your eyesight? Vickie shares what she knows about uveitis. And our own editorial team breaks down, what exactly are the first symptoms of psoriatic arthritis?

What else do those who live with psoriasis have to say?

Comorbidities and link health conditions are very important topics to bring up to your doctor. It solidifies the future of your health as a priority. You're basically taking care of future you. We asked our Facebook community, "In addition to your psoriasis, what additional health conditions do you live with?" Here are a few of their responses:

• Psoriatic arthritis, alopecia, fibromyalgia.
• Asthma, sleep apnea, depression.
• Hidradenitis suppurativa,psoriatic arthritis, stress.
• Too many to list.

Share your experience

Psoriasis can take a significant emotional and physical toll in so many areas of our daily life. Here at PlaquePsoriasis.com, we are a community that offers a safe place for sharing, support, validation, and kindness.

You can create an account or share your story. If you want to share your experience with comorbidities, we want to hear that too. Click on the blue button below to see what others have to say. Who knows? You might just provide the right kind of support and validation for someone who needs it.

However you feel comfortable getting involved, we are here for you.