THE LINK BETWEEN PSORIASIS AND OTHER DISEASES

Psoriatic Arthritis

Symptoms: some common symptoms include swelling, stiffness, and pain around the joints, in addition to nail changes and fatigue.

While a dermatologist can help diagnose and treat psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis is frequently diagnosed and treated by a rheumatologist who specializes in joints, tissues, and bones.

Metabolic Syndrome

Symptoms: diagnosed when three of the five are present: obesity, elevated triglyceride levels/low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), high blood pressure, and diabetes or elevated fasting glucose levels.

Depression

Symptoms: apathy, loss of interest, fatigue, lack of concentration, suicidal thoughts.

People with psoriasis are twice as likely to have depression as the rest of the population. It can impact quality of life and even lead to suicidal thoughts, so if you feel you might be depressed, it’s important to express this to your doctor.

Cardiovascular Disease

Symptoms: chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, and numbness, weakness or pain in legs or arms.

Psoriasis can also increase your risk for cardiovascular disease, or disease of the heart and blood vessels. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor, call 911, or go to the hospital.

Crohn’s Disease

Symptoms: abdominal pain, bloating, fatigue, diarrhea, mouth sores.

Crohn’s disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease, causing inflammation in the digestive tract. Talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing any symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

Talk to your doctor about psoriasis and comorbidities

Knowing there are other diseases that may be associated with psoriasis means it’s even more important to be upfront and open with your doctor about symptoms. Even if you don’t think these symptoms are linked, trust your dermatologist to determine what’s happening in your body.