4 Possible Psoriasis Complications (and How to Reduce Your Risk)

Scaly, red, and irritated skin seems to take over your life during psoriasis flare-ups. These symptoms can quickly become debilitating, especially with the risk of pain or infections from broken skin. 

Complications from psoriasis further complicate life with the condition, but you can take steps to lower your risk. At Orlando Dermatology Center in Oviedo and Orlando, Florida, world-class dermatologist Vitaly Blatnoy, MD, and the team specialize in psoriasis management. 

Beyond minimizing symptoms and flares, our experts can educate you about common psoriasis complications and help you maintain a healthy lifestyle to reduce your risk. 

For National Psoriasis Awareness Month, we’re reviewing four of the most common psoriasis complications and giving you several basic prevention tips.

Common psoriasis complications

Psoriasis and other chronic diseases often co-occur, which means you have more than one of them at the same time and must manage them simultaneously. Chronic diseases often share similar risk factors, which is why it's common for people to develop more than one over time.

People with psoriasis can develop a wide range of other health concerns that go beyond the skin. Here are four of the most common psoriasis complications: 

1. Joint problems

Roughly one-third of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, a complication that causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Psoriasis itself tends to develop first, and arthritic symptoms appear years after diagnosis. 

Just like your skin symptoms, joint problems from psoriatic arthritis flare up periodically. To manage both skin and joint symptoms, avoid any known triggers and work with your healthcare provider to lower inflammation in your body. 

2. Heart disease

Cardiovascular issues can develop alongside psoriasis for many people who have the condition. Some common heart and vascular problems associated with psoriasis are: 

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High cholesterol
• Heart attack
• Stroke

Obesity, another condition that commonly affects people with psoriasis, can worsen heart and blood vessel issues like these. 

3. Eye problems

Psoriasis can cause inflammation in your eyes just as it causes inflammation in your skin. Talk to an eye doctor if you have psoriasis and experience blurry vision, eye floaters, light sensitivity, or other eye symptoms. 

4. Diabetes

If you have psoriasis, your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes is about 30% higher than that of someone without psoriasis, on average. Diabetes makes it hard for your body to process glucose (sugar) and leads to high blood sugar. 

Diabetes has many complications of its own, including eye problems, skin ulcers, and neuropathy (nerve damage).

Reducing your risk of psoriasis complications

You can reduce your risk of psoriasis complications by keeping inflammation in your body to a minimum. Your healthcare team can support you by helping you adopt a healthy lifestyle.

It’s important to:

• Quit or avoid smoking
• Eat a balanced diet
• Getting enough sleep
• Exercising regularly
• Minimizing stress in your life

Also, be sure to follow your psoriasis treatment plan, and avoid the triggers that cause psoriasis to flare up. 

Psoriasis complications aren’t always avoidable, but you can lower your risk. For expert help with psoriasis management, call Orlando Dermatology Center or request an appointment online today.