Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that primarily impacts the skin, causing itchy, scaly sections to form on the bodies of those affected. However, psoriasis is not just a skin disease. There are a host of other problems that can come along with it, including arthritis, infections, obesity, diabetes, and more. Research has shown in the past that those with psoriasis are more likely to develop cardiovascular diseases, and new observations are shedding even more light on this. Now, many scientists believe that treating psoriasis more thoroughly can help to prevent cardiovascular illness in many impacted individuals.
Psoriasis occurs when white blood cells attack the skin cells. This causes inflammation, and that inflammation doesn’t stay just at the dermatological level. This can impact joints and create what is known as psoriatic arthritis, making movement painful. Newer research has shown that the inflammation can also have an impact on cardiovascular health. It is encouraged that all patients with psoriasis see a doctor to talk about controlling the disease, maintaining a healthy weight, and in some cases, be screened for any sort of cardiovascular disease, just to be proactive with their health. The sooner problems are addressed, the better.
According to estimates, there are about 7.5 million people in the United States that have psoriasis. And while the disease is incredibly painful at times, the vast majority of these people do not know that it can have an impact on the health of their heart and lungs. Much of this is because of the fact that psoriatic arthritis can discourage those that suffer from it to exercise, leading to weight gain and the health problems that accompany this. There’s no cure for the disease, and the impact that it can have on someone’s health grows as they age. This leaves the elderly at a special type of risk, especially when psoriasis is accompanied by other types of arthritis. But even though there’s no cure, there are effective treatments for the disease available. This is also a field where great advances are being made quickly, so younger people suffering from the disease have reason to be optimistic.
When the skin inflammation associated with psoriasis is relieved, there is a strong chance that inflammation elsewhere in the body can be controlled, too. This helps to improve the overall health of the person being treated, and helps to eliminate some of the possibility of cardiovascular disease. In the younger population, this is not so much of an issue, but as people age, the repercussions become far more severe. That is why it is important that if you have an elderly loved one with psoriasis that they see a doctor regularly and the best course of action for their treatment for their specific situation is determined. Psoriasis might be primarily thought of as a skin disease, but it is one that can lead to disability, illness, and a greater need for in-home care or another type of senior care. In other words, it is far more than just a skin disease.
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