Psoriatic Arthritis
Do your joints hurt? Are they stiff or swollen? This type of arthritis mainly affects people with psoriasis. Most often, you’ll have skin symptoms before you notice problems in your joints. Tell your doctor if you’re more tired than usual or have new aches and pains. Psoriatic arthritis can cause lasting damage, so it’s important to catch it early.
Heart Disease
Psoriasis may triple your chances of having a heart attack and stroke, because inflammation can damage the blood vessels leading to your heart and brain. For your heart’s sake, watch your blood pressure and cholesterol, and quit smoking. Try to exercise every day. Include healthy fats in your diet. Work with your doctor to control your skin symptoms, which will help keep inflammation in check.
Obesity
Adults and kids with psoriasis are more prone to obesity. The more you weigh, the worse your skin symptoms are likely to be. Why? Fat cells release proteins that can trigger inflammation. (Genes you inherit might play a part, too.) Losing weight may give you clearer skin and help your psoriasis medications work better.
Depression
Someone with psoriasis is twice as likely to be depressed as someone without the skin problem. Scientists think the same inflammation also causes this mental illness. The challenge of living with an ongoing disease can also get you down. If you’re sad or hopeless for more than a couple of weeks, reach out for help. You’ll feel better, and treating depression may make your skin better, too.
Type 2 Diabetes
Inflammation makes it hard for cells to absorb sugar from what you eat. The extra sugar builds up in your blood, which can lead to diabetes. You can lower your blood sugar levels by losing extra weight, exercising regularly, and eating high-fiber foods. If you have psoriasis, you should get tested for type 2 diabetes and have your blood sugar checked often.
Cancer
The link between psoriasis and some health problems isn’t always clear. Cancer is one example. Psoriasis may raise your odds of lung cancer, non-melanoma skin cancer, and lymphoma, which affects your immune system. But we’re not sure if this is because of psoriasis itself or the treatments you get for it. Play it safe. If you smoke, quit. Wear sunscreen year-round. And talk to your doctor about the side effects of medications you take.
Osteoporosis
As you get older, your bones can become more fragile and easy to break. Most studies have not found a link with psoriasis, but there might be. Weight-bearing exercise, like walking or jogging most days, will help keep your bones strong. Get plenty of calcium and vitamin D. Don’t smoke. Women over 65 should get a bone density test to check how healthy their bones are.
Great content.