How Does Psoriasis Affect Your Overall Health?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition. In this condition, the immune system becomes overactive and causes skin cells to divide quickly and produce too many new cells. This leads to inflammation and patches of scaly skin.^1,2

Beyond skin symptoms, psoriasis has long-term impacts on overall health. People living with psoriasis have a higher risk of mental health challenges, psoriatic arthritis, and other chronic health conditions.¹

How does psoriasis affect daily life?

Psoriasis impacts daily life in many ways. It can change how you see yourself and how you spend your time. Symptoms can interfere with your personal and professional activities and relationships. All of this can affect your overall mental and physical health.³

People living with psoriasis often face high levels of stigma, or negative beliefs from others. Some people incorrectly believe that psoriasis is infectious and contagious. This can interfere with relationships at school or in the workplace. Because of this, many people with psoriasis feel isolated.³

It is common for people with psoriasis to experience stress, anxiety, and depression. Unfortunately, stress is also a common trigger for psoriasis and can worsen symptoms. Talk to your doctor about ways to manage stress and deal with mental health challenges. A professional therapist or counselor can help you find ways to cope with psoriasis.³

What is the risk of psoriatic arthritis?

People with psoriasis have a higher risk of developing psoriatic arthritis (PsA). PsA is a chronic condition that causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. A common symptom of PsA is fingers and toes that swell and begin to look like sausages (dactylitis). About 1 in 3 people with plaque psoriasis develop PsA.^2,4

Like psoriasis, PsA is an autoimmune condition, and its symptoms are caused by inflammation. But symptoms may come and go over time.⁴

What other health conditions are linked to psoriasis?

Psoriasis increases the risk of developing certain other long-term health conditions too. This is partly because people with psoriasis have high levels of inflammation in their bodies. Inflammation can cause damage to other parts of the body beyond the skin.^2,4,5

Having psoriasis increases the risk of developing:^1,2,4

• Heart disease, including heart attack and stroke
• Anxiety and depression
• Type 2 diabetes
• Obesity and metabolic syndrome
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Certain cancers
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Bone weakness (osteoporosis)
• Inflammation in the eye (uveitis)

How can I take care of my overall health?

There is no single best treatment for psoriasis, but it is important to treat it. The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms and reduce complications. Treating your psoriasis can lower your risk for other health conditions. Work with your doctor to create a treatment plan, which may include:^2,4,6

• Medicines applied to your skin (topicals)
• UV light therapy (phototherapy)
• Medicines that work throughout the body (systemic drugs and/or biological agents)
• Complementary and integrative medicine

Also, visit your doctor regularly to get screened for PsA and other conditions. When other conditions are diagnosed early, they are easier to treat. Lifestyle changes you make and medicines you take will be more effective.⁴

Certain lifestyle changes can help improve overall health as well. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce chronic inflammation. Regular gentle exercise can lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions. Exposure to sunlight also may have benefits. Your doctor can advise you on what changes may be safe and effective for you.²