Thirteen potential health issues associated with psoriasis
In a fascinating exploration of the human body, a growing body of research is uncovering intricate connections between the skin condition psoriasis and various gastrointestinal disorders. This article delves into the complex interplay between psoriasis and conditions such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and chronic kidney disease (CKD).
## Celiac Disease and Psoriasis: A Shared Immune Response
At the heart of this connection lies the immune system. Both psoriasis and celiac disease involve autoimmune responses. Psoriasis is characterised by immune-mediated inflammation affecting the skin, while celiac disease is triggered by an immune reaction to gluten, leading to small intestine inflammation and damage [2].
Interestingly, dermatitis herpetiformis, a skin manifestation of celiac disease, shares some inflammatory mechanisms with psoriasis. Both conditions can improve with appropriate dietary changes, such as a gluten-free diet for celiac disease [2].
## Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Psoriasis: A Tangled Web
The link between psoriasis and IBD, which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is equally intriguing. Both conditions involve dysregulated immune responses and inflammation. The gut-skin axis theory suggests that gastrointestinal inflammation can influence skin health, and vice versa [4].
Psoriasis and Crohn's disease can coexist, with some patients experiencing both conditions. Psoriasis treatment with certain medications, like secukinumab (an IL-17 inhibitor), can paradoxically induce or exacerbate Crohn's disease in some cases [3].
## Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Psoriasis Patients
Some psoriasis patients may have underlying gastrointestinal issues, which can be exacerbated by psoriasis treatments. Recognising these connections is crucial for managing both conditions effectively [1][3].
## A Wider Health Impact
Understanding these connections is essential for comprehensive management of patients with psoriasis and gastrointestinal disorders. Eye problems, such as uveitis, are associated with psoriasis and occur in up to 5% of people with psoriasis [5].
Research suggests that people with severe psoriasis have a higher risk of dying from cancer than those with less severe psoriasis [6]. The use of systemic medications in psoriasis treatment, which affect the whole body, may be one reason for the increased cancer risk.
Up to 30% of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis (PsA) [7]. Research indicates that psoriasis and mouth problems may share similar genetic factors or be caused by exposure to similar triggers, such as stress and alcohol [8].
People with psoriasis also experience a higher risk of metabolic syndrome, which includes heart problems, diabetes, fatty liver disease, and obesity [9]. A 2023 study found that people with psoriasis have a higher risk of developing CKD and end stage renal disease than those without the condition [10].
Symptoms of PsA include fatigue, pain and swelling over the tendons, swollen fingers and toes, reduced mobility, stiffness and pain in one or more joints, pitted nails, and uveitis [11].
As research continues to unravel the complexities of these connections, healthcare professionals can better tailor treatments to manage the overall health of patients with psoriasis and related gastrointestinal disorders.
- Both psoriasis and celiac disease, being autoimmune responses, share a common link in their immune systems, with dermatitis herpetiformis, a skin manifestation of celiac disease, mirroring some inflammatory mechanisms seen in psoriasis.
- The connection between psoriasis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is equally intriguing, as both conditions involve dysregulated immune responses and inflammation, with the gut-skin axis theory suggesting that gastrointestinal inflammation can influence skin health, and vice versa.
- Recognizing gastrointestinal symptoms in psoriasis patients is crucial, as some patients may have underlying gastrointestinal issues that can be exacerbated by psoriasis treatments.
- Understanding the connections between psoriasis and various medical conditions, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), is essential for comprehensive management of patients with psoriasis, as research indicates that people with psoriasis have a higher risk of developing CKD and end-stage renal disease.
