People with psoriasis have a higher risk of developing a number of other illnesses than the rest of the population.
Co-morbidities
People with psoriasis have a higher risk of developing a number of other illnesses than the rest of the population.
The most common co-morbidities of psoriasis are cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, inflammatory bowel diseases, obesity, and depression and anxiety. People with psoriatic arthritis in particular have an increased risk of developing inflammation of the iris of the eye (iritis) and other infections inside the eye. Dry eyes are common in all people with psoriasis.
Other diseases that people with psoriasis are at increased risk of developing include coeliac disease, gout and cerebrovascular events such as a stroke.
Psoriasis, as well as its co-morbidities, is caused by an inflammation inside the body. The more severe the psoriasis, the higher the risk of developing other diseases. Effective treatment of the inflammation also reduces the risk of co-morbidities.
Effective treatment of psoriasis includes the prevention and screening of co-morbidities. Blood pressure and blood sugar and fat levels should be monitored regularly in patients with psoriasis. The screening and treatment of co-morbidities takes place in primary health care.
The onset of many co-morbidities can be influenced by a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, eating according to nutritional recommendations, good sleep, stress management and avoiding intoxicants all support the treatment of psoriasis and help prevent the onset of other diseases.
It is important to consider professional conversational therapy if fatigue and mental strain are interfering with the patient’s everyday life or limiting their activities.
