Is psoriasis more than skin deep? We take a closer look at what other issues psoriasis can co-exist with.
Psoriasis is a more complicated condition than it might first appear, and can be either symptomatic of - or a prelude to - other health issues. This is because psoriasis is an inflammatory condition that involves the way the whole body works; it isn’t just about the skin.
The picture is complicated, but can be summed up by these two statements:
- Psoriasis can make you more prone to other conditions
- Other conditions can make you more prone to psoriasis
Studies show that psoriasis is part of a wider health picture with other conditions more likely - though not inevitable! - if you have psoriasis. Talk to your doctor if you have psoriasis and find yourself getting other symptoms; it may be that you need to make a different treatment plan.
If you're worried about any of these conditions and need some expert support, contact the Psoriasis Association: discussing your concerns with people who know what you're going through can help put things in perspective and give you some good coping mechanisms for living with psoriasis.
What other conditions are psoriasis sufferers more prone to?
- Depression
- Issues with the eyes
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Arthritis/achy or swollen joints
- Fatigue
- Swollen or loose gums
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Crohn's disease
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
What conditions can trigger psoriasis?
- Stress
- Injury to the skin
- Immune system disorders such as HIV
- Hormonal changes
- Medications
- Throat infections
- Weight gain
The correlation between psoriasis and other health conditions is complicated, and not always totally clear. Some issues certainly seem to be more prevalent in people who already have psoriasis, though it’s unlikely that it’s the psoriasis itself that causes the higher incidence of kidney disease in psoriasis sufferers, for example; it’s more that someone prone to inflammatory skin issues might also be prone to other inflammatory conditions and the knock-on effects of those can cause problems elsewhere in the body. The effect on a serious skin condition on mental health is easier to trace, of course.
This is why it’s important to look at psoriasis holistically, and treat the body as a whole, rather than a collection of unrelated symptoms. If your psoriasis is well-managed, you’re likely to be using strategies which improve your diet and keep your stress levels down, as well as looking after your skin, which will give your body the best possible chance to stay healthy.
Check out our related articles What Is The Link Between Psoriasis and Stress?, How To Manage Your Psoriasis Triggers and Which Foods Should A Psoriasis Patient Avoid? for more information on management strategies for psoriasis.
Recommended products for psoriasis-prone skin:
We recommend a trio of Balmonds products used in tandem to help manage skin prone to psoriasis. There’s a balm, an oil and a cream, all three natural, unfragranced and full of nutrients to keep skin in soft, well-nourished condition.
Balmonds Skin Salvation balm with beeswax, hemp & chamomile (from £7.99 for 30ml) for softening and protecting skin during an intensive flare-up
Balmonds Daily Moisturising Cream with shea butter, hemp & calendula (from £13.99 for 100ml) for daily maintenance, to nourish and replenish thirsty skin
Balmonds Bath & Body Oil with hemp, lavender & chamomile (£12.99 for 200ml) to support healthy regeneration of skin prone to plaque
