A Look at Conditions That Can Accompany Psoriasis

An estimated 1 out of every 50 Americans suffers from psoriasis, an irritating skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and scaly skin patches. Psoriasis can pop up nearly anywhere on your body, but it’s often seen in highly visible areas such as the scalp. As your dermatologist can tell you, psoriasis isn’t just an annoyance—it can go hand in hand with other troublesome conditions. These are some of the conditions that are most often associated with psoriasis:

Depression

As psoriasis affects your appearance, it can cause you to suffer from extreme self-consciousness and poor self-esteem. Having untreated psoriasis can fuel existing issues with depression, causing a person severe emotional problems. Psoriasis has also been linked to obesity, which itself can exacerbate an individual’s depression. By the same token, having your psoriasis effectively treated can help to improve your self-esteem and make you feel better in general.

Osteoporosis

Some studies have suggested that there is a possible link between early osteoporosis and psoriasis. Osteoporosis is a chronic disorder that causes a person’s bones to gradually become very weak and brittle, putting them at higher risk of injury. Your chances of developing osteoporosis may go up if you do not have your psoriasis treated.

Cancer

Untreated psoriasis has also been linked with several forms of cancer. Having the condition long-term can make a person more vulnerable to lymphoma, nonmelanoma skin cancer, and other life-threatening health issues. In addition to having your psoriasis treated, you should be sure to get regular screenings for possible skin cancer.

Access to comprehensive dermatological care is a must if you want to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy. For more than four decades, Arlington Dermatology has been providing patients in and around Arlington Heights with the quality skin care they deserve. Call our office today at 847-392-5440 for more information about the services we offer.