What Other Health Conditions Are Related to Psoriasis?

Psoriasis may seem like a condition that only impacts the skin. But it also affects other parts of the body. People with psoriasis are at a higher risk of developing certain comorbidities. A comorbidity is a condition or disease that occurs at the same time as a disease that you already have.^1,2

What conditions are comorbidities of psoriasis?

Conditions that are linked to psoriasis include:^1,2

• Other autoimmune conditions, including psoriatic arthritis
• Heart disease
• Type 2 diabetes
• Obesity and metabolic syndrome
• Anxiety and depression
• Liver disease
• Cancer

Other autoimmune conditions

Autoimmune conditions are conditions that are caused by an overactive immune system. Having 1 autoimmune disease, like psoriasis, makes a person more likely to develop other autoimmune conditions. Psoriasis is especially strongly linked to psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).^1-4

About 1 in 3 people with psoriasis also have PsA. It is the most common comorbidity of psoriasis. PsA causes your joints to:^1-4

• Be painful
• Swell
• Feel stiff

IBD is a term for 2 conditions, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. People with psoriasis are at a higher risk for both conditions. Also, some people with IBD may be more likely to develop psoriasis.^1-4

Heart disease

Studies show that people with psoriasis run a higher risk of developing heart disease. Heart disease is also called cardiovascular disease. That is because the heart and all of the body’s blood vessels make up the cardiovascular system. Heart conditions linked to psoriasis include:^1-5

• Coronary artery disease, which can lead to heart attack
• Disease of the blood vessels outside the heart (peripheral vascular disease)
• Stroke
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Irregular heartbeat
• High levels of fats in the blood, including cholesterol (dyslipidemia)

Type 2 diabetes

People with psoriasis have an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes causes cells in the body to not respond properly to insulin and affects the ability of the pancreas to make insulin. Insulin helps cells use blood sugar for energy. Type 2 diabetes can lead to too much blood sugar.^1-4

Obesity and metabolic syndrome

Metabolism is the process that converts the food we eat into energy for the body. Metabolic syndrome is the name for a group of symptoms that impact the normal processes of metabolism. These symptoms include:^1-4

• High blood pressure
• High blood sugar
• High levels of blood cholesterol

Obesity is a condition when a person has an excess amount of body fat. Obesity and metabolic syndrome also increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Both conditions are more likely for people with psoriasis.^1-4

Anxiety and depression

Anxiety and depression are both mental health conditions. Anxiety can make people feel worried, fearful, or panicked. Depression can make people feel sad, hopeless, and abnormally tired. Both conditions can impact daily life.^1-4

Up to 60 percent of people with psoriasis may deal with mental health conditions. It is possible that this link is because of the negative and frustrating impact psoriasis can have on people’s lives.^1-4

Liver disease

Liver diseases are conditions that impact the liver. They can range from mild to very serious. Psoriasis can increase your chance of developing liver disease. This can be especially risky because some psoriasis treatments can also cause liver damage.^1-4

Cancer

People with psoriasis have a slightly higher risk of developing certain types of cancer, including skin cancer. Certain psoriasis treatments also increase the risk of cancer, such as some drugs and treatment with UV (ultraviolet) light.^1-4

Things to know about psoriasis comorbidities

These are not all the possible comorbidities of psoriasis. Talk with your doctor if you are worried about conditions related to psoriasis. Your doctor may screen for these conditions to catch them early on. Treating your psoriasis is also important. Research shows that when you treat your psoriasis effectively, it can lower your risk of developing other conditions.^1,2