Regularly consulting your primary healthcare provider is crucial for screening these medical conditions, as some of them may exhibit no noticeable symptoms. Moreover, early detection of certain conditions allows for manageable interventions, such as lifestyle adjustments or medication.
Research suggests that effectively managing psoriasis can reduce the risk of concurrent health issues.
In 2019, the National Psoriasis Foundation and the American Academy of Dermatology issued guidelines on psoriasis treatment, emphasizing comorbidities.
The guidelines identify the following health conditions as comorbidities of psoriasis:
- Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) leads to joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness, affecting both joints and areas where tendons and ligaments attach to bones. PsA ranks as the most common comorbidity of psoriasis, affecting an estimated 30 to 33 percent of individuals with psoriasis.
- Cardiovascular Disease (Heart Disease) encompasses various conditions, including heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), and heart valve issues.
- Metabolic Syndrome Metabolic syndrome denotes the presence of elevated blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels, elevating the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
- Obesity Obesity, a multifaceted chronic condition influenced by genetics and environmental factors, entails an excessive accumulation of body fat, especially around the waist, posing health hazards. Obesity heightens the risk of chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Obesity is typically determined using Body Mass Index (BMI), with a BMI of 30 or higher generally indicative of obesity.
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, characterizes the force of blood exerted against arterial walls. High blood pressure is highly prevalent and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and strokes.
- Dyslipidemia denotes persistent elevated levels of cholesterol and other lipids (fats) in the bloodstream, potentially raising the risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Diabetes Type 2 diabetes, also referred to as insulin resistance, manifests when the body’s cells do not respond appropriately to insulin, impairing the regulation of blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes heightens the risk of cardiovascular disease, vision impairment, and kidney disease.
- Anxiety and Depression Anxiety disorders entail intense feelings of anxiety, worry, fear, or panic that can disrupt daily activities. Depression involves persistent sadness that interferes with daily functioning.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Inflammatory bowel disease comprises conditions marked by inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, with ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease being the most prevalent forms.
- Cancer Cancer encompasses diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell division that may invade nearby tissues. There exist over 100 different types of cancer, often named according to their site of origin in the body.
- Kidney Disease Chronic kidney disease results from kidney damage or impaired blood filtration. This condition leads to the accumulation of excess fluids and waste in the body, potentially causing additional health complications.
- Sleep Apnea Sleep apnea, a potentially severe sleep disorder, involves recurring interruptions in breathing during sleep. These interruptions occur when throat muscles relax, obstructing the airway.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease refers to a group of diseases that obstruct airflow and cause breathing-related problems.
- Uveitis Uveitis indicates inflammation in the eye, affecting the middle layer of the eye wall (uvea). Symptoms include eye redness, pain, and blurred vision, often with a sudden onset and rapid progression.
- Hepatic (Liver) Disease Hepatic disease refers to liver inflammation that disrupts liver function, potentially leading to permanent kidney damage.