As a patient living with psoriasis, you should be aware of other common health conditions that are linked to psoriasis, also referred to as "comorbidities." If you are aware of these associated comorbidities, you will be able to identify them early on and gain better control in managing them before they get complicated and put you at greater risk.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Many people with psoriasis tend to develop psoriatic arthritis. This depends on the severity of your psoriasis condition. The good news is that if you become aware of this complication and your doctor diagnoses it on time, you can control the arthritis before it damages the joints or causes permanent disability.
Pregnancy Complications
Pregnant women suffering from psoriasis, may experience adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as a preterm birth and low birth weight. This complication could be the result of the continued use of certain psoriasis treatments, such as, Restasis (cyclosporine), an immunosuppressive drug for adults with severe psoriasis, where there is some evidence that it may harm a developing fetus.
Cancer
According to studies, people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are at an increased risk of getting certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer. A recent study suggested that the disease itself raises your risk. Therefore, you should include regular cancer screenings into your routine care.
Cardiovascular Disease
People with psoriasis, especially severe conditions, may be at an increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Still, treating your disease can reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. It is recommended that you talk to your doctor about your risk for cardiovascular disease. If you are found to be at risk, you should consider a healthy diet and exercise program, although a healthy lifestyle is good to adopt in any case.
Crohn's Disease
Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are associated with inflammatory bowel disease. In a recent study of women with psoriasis, 10 percent developed a form of inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's Disease or ulcerative colitis. Those who had psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis were at even greater risk of developing Crohn's. Consult with your doctor if you have symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease such as diarrhoea, abdominal cramping and bloody stools.
Depression
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, 63 percent of all people with psoriasis say the disease greatly affects their emotional well-being. This includes low self-esteem, and an increased chance of mood disorders, such as depression. People with psoriatic arthritis are at greater risk of developing depression than those with psoriasis alone. Managing your psoriasis with proper treatment may ease the symptoms of depression.
Diabetes
People with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are at an increased risk for developing type-2 diabetes, mostly because of the high blood sugar levels due to insulin resistance associated with the condition. If you have symptoms of type 2 diabetes, such as increased thirst, hunger, blurred vision or fatigue, consult with your doctor, and ask about a drug called glucagon-like peptide-1 which is used to treat type 2 diabetes and may help psoriasis, too.
Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is characterized by abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar levels and elevated blood fats.
There is a tight connection between psoriatic disease and metabolic syndrome. People with severe psoriatic arthritis are found to be at even a higher risk.
Obesity
People with psoriatic disease are more likely to be obese than the average population. Losing weight can improve psoriatic disease symptoms and help make treatments more effective.
Inflammatory Disease of the Eye (Uveitis)
Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can lead to the eye inflammation known as uveitis. People with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, are at an increased risk of eye problems and can develop uveitis. If you ever develop a loss of vision or other problems with your eyes, you should see an eye specialist immediately. Uveitis related to psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis usually requires specific treatment for the eyes, with the goal of reducing inflammation, but in some cases systemic treatment for psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis helps uveitis.
Early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing serious complications. Treating psoriasis doesn't have to be a hassle. Given both the physical and emotional impact of psoriasis, there is a constant need for new and improved formulas to fight the disease, as many of the existing therapies, such as medication and light therapies, have serious side effects and others lose their effectiveness when your body builds up a resistance to them. Cannabis is now being used to treat a wide range of medical conditions including Crohn’s disease, and is also being used to treat psoriasis. Cannabis is thought to interact with the endocannabinoid receptor system located throughout the body and responsible for overseeing metabolic regulation, pain, anxiety, immune response and bone growth. This cluster of conditions addresses most of the comorbidities discussed above. DermaZor® harnesses the unique healing properties of Cannabis, alongside the clinically proven ingredients of Salicylic acid, Zinc and other natural essential oils and flower extracts, to improve the efficacy of psoriasis treatment and its related conditions.