Yes, psoriasis can have an effect on more than just your skin. This chronic skin condition can increase your risk of developing other medical conditions. If you have psoriasis and you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s important to see your doctor:
Scalp Flare-Ups
- Psoriasis can impact how your scalp and hair look. Because your skin is more sensitive, psoriasis causes hair loss and dandruff. Be gentle when you brush your hair, avoid using heat, don’t wear tight hairstyles, and be cautious when dying or perming your hair.
Mood Changes
- Psoriasis can impact your mood, which may lead to feeling anxious, depressed, or having thoughts of suicide. If you have psoriasis, it’s important to see your doctor if you experience any changes in your mood or mental state. You may need treatment for depression or anxiety.
Eye Problems
- Eyelids can be difficult to get open and stick together — especially after sleeping. It’s common for your eyelids to be red, swollen, itchy, and sore.
- Eyelashes can get crusty and greasy.
- Your eyes can be red, dry, and sensitive to light.
- Your eyes can be watery or have a yellow discharge
- Blurry vision, trouble seeing in the dark, and floating spots.
Swollen Gums
- If you have psoriasis, you may be at an increased risk of developing swollen and bleeding gums. Many people who have psoriasis are also diagnosed with periodontal disease and swollen and bleeding gums are the first signs of it.
Nail Changes
- About half of all people with psoriasis also have nail changes. Nails may become yellowish-brown, pitted, flaky, or thickened. The nails may also pull away from the nail bed. Keep your nails short, wear gloves, and moisturize your hands to make your nails look better.
Pain in Abdomen
- Psoriasis can also cause pain in the upper right abdomen and fatigue. This is because psoriasis can lead to the development of liver disease. Liver disease is a serious condition that can be life-threatening. These patients may also experience weight loss.
- Pain in your lower abdomen may be a sign of Crohn’s disease. Having a fever and diarrhea are also common symptoms of Crohn’s.
Weight Gain
- Many people with psoriasis find that they gain weight. This may be due to the fact that psoriasis can make it difficult to exercise and eat a healthy diet. If you have psoriasis, it’s important to talk to your doctor about ways to maintain a healthy weight.
- Having extra weight and psoriasis can lead to more health problems like high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, heart and blood vessel disease, and diabetes.
Retaining Fluid
- Psoriasis can cause you to retain fluid and urinate less. This can make your legs, ankles, and feet swell. This paired with psoriasis and feeling drowsy or fatigued can be a sign of kidney disease.
Stiff Joints
- Psoriasis can cause joint pain and stiffness. This is because psoriasis leads to the development of psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that causes inflammation in the joints. Most people will experience stiff joints in the morning before they are diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent psoriatic arthritis from getting worse.
Developing Cancer
Psoriasis can also increase your risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as colon, kidney, liver, lymphoma, and pancreatic. This is likely due to having overactive immune cells in the body.
Closing Thoughts
If you have psoriasis, it’s important to see your doctor if you experience any changes in your skin or if you develop any new medical conditions. Psoriasis can lead to serious health complications and it’s important to get treatment as soon as possible.
At Complete Family Dermatology, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care for patients of all ages. We offer a variety of services, including treatment for psoriasis. If you have psoriasis or any other skin condition, we invite you to make an appointment with us today. To schedule an appointment, please call 402-423-1111.
Reference: American Academy of Dermatology, Can Psoriasis Affect More Than My Skin?
