Increased risk of health complications: People living with psoriasis are at a higher risk of developing associated conditions or comorbidities. The most common of these is psoriatic arthritis — which affects 30 per cent of psoriasis patients. It is a chronic and inflammatory disease of the joints, resulting in stiffness, pain, throbbing, swelling and tenderness in joints. If this is not treated, long-term joint damage can result.People with psoriasis, particularly in more severe cases, are also more likely to have other inflammatory conditions, including heart attack, stroke, type-2 diabetes, and inflammatory bowel disease. Other related health issues can also include obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, kidney or liver disease uveitis, and sleep apnea.Treatment to prevent flare-ups: If unmanaged, psoriasis can lead to plaques and scales that continue to build and spread. Over time, these can become quite painful, causing severe itching. Without adequate treatment to prevent flare-ups, these can increase in severity and frequency. This can even happen to patients who begin medication but suddenly discontinue adhering to their recommended prescription.It’s important to remember that psoriasis can be treated. By adopting advanced therapies, such as biologics, the disease, as well as flare-ups, can be effectively managed.Mental health & Quality of Life: Another long-term effect of psoriasis is its effects on an individual’s mental health and across one’s overall quality of life. Physical symptoms, especially in commonly visible areas like the face or hands can lead to distress and affect one’s self-esteem. Psoriasis, which is highly stigmatized, can be isolating or even affect social relationships.It is also associated with psychological conditions, including depression and anxiety. These place an individual in a vicious cycle — increased plaques can lead to anxiety or depression, and such stressors act as common triggers for a psoriasis flare.
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