New Study Links Psoriasis to Severe Health Conditions

Do you suffer from Psoriasis? If so, you know the pain and embarrassment it can cause in your every day life. And now, unfortunately, you may have to worry about more than just the effects of psoriasis. A recent report presented by the National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board indicates that psoriasis is linked to a number of serious medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease, depression and cancer.

Depression, Cancer, Diabetes, Heart Disease may occur more often in psoriasis patients

Do you suffer from Psoriasis? If so, you know the pain and embarrassment it can cause in your every day life. And while there are things you can do to ease the symptoms of psoriasis, it is a condition you must deal with for the rest of your life.

And now, unfortunately, you may have to worry about more than just the effects of psoriasis. A recent report presented by the National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board indicates that psoriasis (especially of the severe sort) is linked to a number of serious medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease, depression and cancer.

Research Summary
Dr. Alexa B. Kimball, MD, MPH, FAAD, associate professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School in Boston, stated, “Our review found that people with more severe cases of psoriasis appear to have an increased incidence of psoriatic arthritis [a joint condition marked by tenderness, swelling and pain], cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, depression, obesity and even other immune-related conditions such as Crohn’s disease.”

Kimball went on to say that there are ways to prevent such conditions from surfacing, despite the increased link, including “getting regular, comprehensive exams and working to make lifestyle changes such as losing weight, exercising more, quitting smoking, reducing high blood pressure, controlling cholesterol, maintaining emotional health, and managing diabetes as needed.”

Overall, Kimball and the team of researchers suggested that psoriasis patients work together with their dermatologists, as well as other appropriate physicians, to develop a preventative program based on each individual’s medical history and known risk factors to ensure they keep on top of any health issues related to psoriasis.

If you’re not familiar with psoriasis, you may not be able to identify it in yourself – or your loved ones. Below is some information about psoriasis, including the different types and treatment options.

What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a complicated condition, and can present itself in different ways on different areas of the body. There are five different types of psoriasis:

Plaque: Occurring in over 80 percent of all cases, plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris) is characterized by red, inflamed lesions with a flaky white coating.

Erythrodermic: Affecting most of the body’s surface, this form of psoriasis is red, flaky and inflamed can be extremely itchy and painful. It can also present with edema, a swelling that results from fluid retention.

Guttate: Presents as small red spots that look like a rash, usually on the torso and arms. A guttate flare-up can be brought on by strep throat, respiratory infections and stress.

Inverse: Similar to erythrodermic, but not on as large as a scale. Typically appears in areas where the skin folds, like the armpits, elbows and groin.

Pustular: Red inflamed skin marked by blisters filled with white blood cells. It can be brought about by pregnancy, sensitivity to ultraviolet light, stress and reactions to medications.

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, 10 to 30 percent of psoriasis sufferers will develop psoriatic arthritis (mentioned above), a joint condition marked by tenderness, swelling and pain.

Treatment Options
The type of treatment you may wish to pursue can vary based on the exact type of psoriasis you have. Topical treatments, such as prescription medications containing steroids, can help, as can dietary changes and avoidance of medicines that trigger flare-ups.

But alternative treatments are also gaining popularity.
• Tea tree oil, applied directly to the scalp in extract or shampoo form or applied to other areas of the body in a lotion or cream, can soothe inflamed skin.
• Evening primrose oil, commonly used to treat eczema, is showing promise in the treatment of psoriasis as well.
• Aloe Vera gel can help clear up outbreaks, and capsaicin, the chemical found in cayenne peppers, may help relieve itching, redness and swelling.

As always, before pursing any form of treatment for your psoriasis, it’s best to talk with your health care professional.