Psoriasis More Than Just a Skin Problem

Recent studies have shown that psoriasis, a well-known skin and joint condition can actually be acquired in other parts of the body and may also trigger other types of serious illnesses.

In this study, which was conducted by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, 18,000 participants half of which were suffering from psoriasis and half were not, were tested for their susceptibility to various conditions. The study was published Aug. 7 in JAMA Dermatology. 

It was found out that those who are suffering from psoriasis have increased chances of getting illnesses like diabetes, COPD, heart attacks and kidney dysfunctions.

The other half of the participants or those not suffering from psoriasis also has increased chances of developing those diseases, although relatively lower than other.

According to Joel Gelfland MD, an associate professor of dermatology and epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania, there is a need for both patients and physicians to be aware of the increased odds of serious conditions.

Their study also showed direct links between psoriasis and diabetes, peptic ulcers, COPD and kidney failures. This shows that there is also a direct correlation between the parts of the body that are affected with psoriasis and one's immune system.

This correlation is said to have been caused by the increased inflammation as normally seen among psoriasis patients.

Dr. Gelfland stated in an interview that these findings are only the first step at preventing the spread of other equally morbid illnesses.

He said that more studies will still be conducted in the coming months and years.