Is Psoriasis Deadly? This Is What You Need to Know

Psoriasis is one of the most common skin conditions found in the dermatologist office, but is psoriasis deadly?

There is certainly some research to suggest that patients that suffer from psoriasis are at more risk than those without the disease for morbidity. Let’s take a look at what psoriasis is and how it affects different individuals.

Everything You Need to Know About the Skin Disease Psoriasis

Learning about psoriasis can be confusing because it’s not talked about as a mainstream health issue. However, the truth is that this disease affects some 2 to 3 percent of the world population or 125 million people. It is a serious health condition in some cases and deserves more attention so that a cure can be found.

What is Psoriasis and What Does it Look Like?

Psoriasis is an auto-immune disease that affects the skin. It most typically appears as a scaly rash, however, there are different types of psoriasis and it can be severe or mild. It can affect anybody and is thought to be hereditary.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

The most severe cases of psoriasis cover almost the entire body and is known as erythrodermic psoriasis. Although rare, it is also the most dangerous.

Psoriasis Vulgaris

Also known as plaque psoriasis, this type of psoriasis affects most people diagnosed with the condition. It appears as pink or red plaque scales on the skin.

Inverse Psoriasis

This type of psoriasis appears as red and patchy across the entire body but is most significantly found in creased areas like the armpits and groin or under breasts. It is generally moist and smooth.

Guttate Psoriasis

Usually triggered by strep throat, guttate psoriasis covers larger parts of the body such as the back and chest, legs, and arms. It presents itself as red and scaly.

Pustular Psoriasis

Pustular psoriasis can often be mistaken for acne. As the name suggests, it presents itself as little spots of puss-filled spots all over the body.

Psoriasis and Morbidity

Psoriasis itself is not curable, however, it is usually possible to maintain the disease. The problems exist in other related or non-related conditions.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is the most commonly recognized condition linked with the skin condition. It presents itself similarly to rheumatoid arthritis which causes pain and permanent joint deformities.

Psoriasis and Cancer

Perhaps the most concerning disease indirectly related to psoriasis is cancer. Because psoriasis is an auto-immune disease, the body is at a higher risk for morbidity if cancer is detected including squamous cell carcinoma, lymphoma, and basal cell carcinoma.

Is Psoriasis Deadly?

So, is psoriasis deadly? The answer is, it’s complicated. While psoriasis is not directly linked to loss of life, it can play a role in morbidity rates.

The important thing to note if you have psoriasis is to talk with your doctor about maintaining the disease to lessen the risk of other health issues and complications associated.

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