9 health problems linked to psoriasis

ahsan65@gmail.comOctober 21, 2025

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3. Metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a condition characterized by high blood pressure, increased waist circumference, high blood sugar due to insulin resistance, and increased fats in the blood. Together, these factors increase your risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other serious health problems.

According to one study, an estimated 20 to 50 percent of people with psoriasis are affected by metabolic syndrome, and the risk of suffering from this health problem increases with the severity of the psoriasis.

It is not clear whether psoriasis predisposes people to metabolic syndrome or vice versa. But experts stress that it’s especially important for people with psoriasis to do everything they can to reduce their risk of metabolic syndrome, including maintaining a healthy weight, eating a varied diet low in saturated fat, and getting plenty of exercise.

4. Heart disease

There is strong evidence linking severe psoriasis to an increased risk of heart disease.

This risk may increase further if you have other common risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad”) cholesterol, and obesity. So, if you have psoriasis, you should consider a cardiovascular disease prevention strategy as part of your psoriasis treatment and management.

“Chronic inflammation has long been associated with increased risk of heart attack and stroke,” says Kevin Campbell, MD, a cardiologist at HealthFirst in Melbourne, Florida. This is because inflammation can damage the arteries.

If you have psoriasis, it’s important to monitor your heart health and take steps to reduce your risk of heart disease. “I want to emphasize that the first-line treatment for psoriasis is diet and lifestyle,” says Dr. Treloar.

5. Sleep disorders

A study found that sleep disorders, which can have a significant impact on physical and psychological health, are common among people with psoriasis.

Researchers noted that sleep apnea is prevalent among people with psoriasis, affecting approximately 36 to 82 percent. They also found that people with psoriasis are at increased risk of insomnia and restless legs syndrome.

And the relationship goes both ways, according to the review: Sleep problems increase the risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, depression and anxiety, all of which are comorbidities of psoriasis.

Researchers emphasize the importance of assessing and treating sleep problems if you have psoriasis, as early detection and treatment can greatly affect quality of life. For example, the review notes, research has shown that treating sleep apnea with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) leads to improvement in psoriasis lesions and a reduction in inflammation.

6. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The inflammation associated with psoriasis can affect the lungs and increase the risk of lung diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a collective term for a group of lung conditions that block airflow and make breathing difficult.

According to a research review, a number of studies have shown that COPD, asthma and other lung conditions are common in people with psoriasis. And even people with mild cases of psoriasis are at increased risk of developing COPD.

Another study found that people with psoriasis were more likely to have COPD than those without it. The rate of COPD was 9.64 percent among study participants with psoriasis and 6.94 percent among those without psoriasis. However, psoriasis does not appear to be an independent risk factor for COPD.

Lung disease can have a negative effect on the quality of life of people with psoriasis, and COPD – like other psoriasis comorbidities, such as sleep apnea and high blood pressure – can have a significant impact on your overall health and lifespan.

For this reason, it is important that anyone with psoriasis be screened for lung problems and receive treatment if necessary.

People with psoriasis should also avoid lung irritants, such as smoking and exposure to air pollution, chemical fumes and dust, all of which contribute to COPD risk.

And doctors should test at-risk people early for reduced lung function.

7. Uveitis

Uveitis is an inflammation of the eye that causes pain, redness and blurred vision. If left untreated, it can lead to vision loss. It is estimated that this occurs in 7 to 20 percent of people with psoriasis.

The likelihood tends to be higher in people with both psoriasis and PsA, but there is growing evidence that psoriasis alone, without PsA, is associated with an increased risk of uveitis.

The link between psoriasis and uveitis is not yet fully understood. Further research needs to be done.

But researchers note that regular eye exams are crucial for people with psoriasis, even when there are no symptoms of eye or vision problems. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce systemic inflammation and improve both psoriasis and uveitis.

8. Cancer

“Psoriasis impairs your immune system in such a way that overall inflammation increases, which may slightly increase your risk of developing cancer,” says Stephanie K. Fabbro, MD, a dermatologist at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus.

Researchers cite “chronic low-grade inflammation” as one potential reason for this link, as well as certain behaviors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, that tend to be more common in people with psoriasis. They also note that it’s possible that certain psoriasis medications are involved.

9. Inflammatory bowel disease

Research suggests that psoriasis is significantly associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

A review of the medical literature indicates that a “shared genetic background” is likely at work, but genetics is only one piece of the puzzle. Changes in the gut microbiota may also be involved.

According to a systematic review and meta-analysis, the rate of IBD is higher in participants with psoriasis than in those without psoriasis. The rate of psoriasis was 3.6 percent among people with Crohn’s disease and 2.8 percent among those with ulcerative colitis. Additionally, the rate of psoriasis was 6.7 percent among people with IBD treated with anti-TNF agents and 3.1 percent among those not treated with biologics. And it appears that as the severity of psoriasis increases, so does the risk of developing IBD.

Experts recommend that people with psoriasis who experience gut symptoms consider seeing a gastroenterologist.

Takeaways

Although there appears to be a link between psoriasis and a number of other chronic illnesses, these complications are not inevitable.

By managing your psoriasis, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and working closely with your healthcare team, you can reduce your risk of developing other conditions.

Emotional support and mental health care can reduce the risk of depression and anxiety in people with psoriasis, promoting a better quality of life.

Always consult a healthcare professional if you experience new or worsening symptoms related to psoriasis. Many associated conditions, such as uveitis and COPD, require prompt attention.