Psoriasis is more than just a skin disease! Research has shown that psoriasis is a more complex disease can have severe effects on the body. Click on each picture below to learn more about eight other psoriasis-related diseases.
Depression is common among psoriasis sufferers with 63% complaining about the disease affecting their emotional wellbeing. This can be attributed to a combination of body image issues and physical discomfort.
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
Psoriasis increases the risk for developing a heart attack and stroke1. According to the Annual Report of the Malaysian Psoriasis Registry 2016, 5.6% of adult patients with psoriasis had ischaemic heart disease and 1.6% had a previous history of stroke3.
METABOLIC SYNDROME
Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a cluster of conditions including heart disease, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, increased waist circumference and abnormal blood cholesterol or fat levels4. In Malaysia, as many as 23.6% of psoriasis patients are obese, 26.3% have hypertension and 17.4% are known diabetics3.
POLYCYSTIC OVARIAN SYNDROME (PCOS)
PCOS is a condition that affects a woman’s hormone levels. Small cysts form on the ovaries, which can increase the risk of developing endometrial cancers. PCOS can also result in fertility issues, adult acne and development of facial hair. Women with psoriasis are at six times greater risk for developing PCOS.
CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
COPD is a chronic inflammation of the airways that obstructs airflow5. It can be fatal and lead to severely reduced quality of life6. Research has indicated that those with psoriasis are at a greater risk of developing COPD7.
PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS
Psoriasis does not affect a woman’s ability to get pregnant. However, some women with severe psoriasis are more likely to have a baby with low birth weight than those without psoriasis.
INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBD)
IBD is an umbrella term used to describe disorders involving chronic inflammation of your digestive tract9. Psoriasis patients are nearly three times more likely to develop IBD10. Common symptoms include diarrhoea, fever, reduced appetite, weight loss and bloody stools.
PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS
Many people with severe psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis. While some patients present joint pain and stiffness, 1 out of 10 psoriasis patients go undiagnosed1. Psoriatic arthritis affects up to 30% of patients with psoriasis.
