Get to know the family and risks that come with them
Many people with plaque psoriasis (PsO) are unaware that the disease may be related to psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but the risks are real, and with PsA, the damage can be permanent.
Up to 30% of people with PsO may also experience symptoms of PsA
40-50% of people with PsO show signs of intestinal inflammation linked to IBD
How are PsO and PsA related?
Shared inflammation: The same inflammation that causes plaques to appear on the skin may also settle in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling that may cause irreversible damage.
The timeline: For many people, skin symptoms may appear 7 to 12 years before any joint symptoms begin, making skin history an important clue for future joint health.
It's important to note that some people may experience joint pain, stiffness, and swelling even before skin symptoms from PsO appear.
Location matters: Certain types of PsO may be more closely linked to PsA—for example, if plaques appear on the scalp or fingernails and toenails have pitting or discoloration, these can be important signs to share with your doctor.
The risk of PsA is nearly 4 times higher in people with PsO who have scalp lesions.
Over 80% of patients with PsO and PsA have nail and scalp involvement, making it one of the strongest clinical predictors of PsA.
How are PsO and IBD related?
The immune connection: Skin and the digestive system are surprisingly connected through what is sometimes called the "gut-skin axis."
The gut-skin axis: A large part of the immune system is in the gut, so disturbance there can lead to inflammation on the skin, as well as the other way around.
Increased IBD risk: People with PsO are at a higher risk for developing IBD, which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
The connection between PsO, PsA, and IBD is hidden under the skin: an overactive immune system causing chronic inflammation.
Treating the surface isn't always enough, so recognizing this relationship could help manage your health.
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