Psoriasis is known for red patches, scaling and itching, but the chronic, non-contagious inflammatory disease can affect the whole body. According to CNN Brasil, it is associated with a higher risk of obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, especially in moderate-to-severe cases.
The condition is related to alterations in the immune system. On the skin, this process accelerates cell renewal, leading to accumulation on the surface and the appearance of characteristic lesions. Beyond the skin, psoriasis is linked to metabolic changes such as obesity, diabetes and alterations in cholesterol and triglyceride levels, as well as cardiovascular disease and other inflammatory conditions. Psoriatic arthritis, which affects about one third of people with psoriasis, causes inflammation in the joints.
Ricardo Romiti, a dermatologist and coordinator of the Psoriasis Outpatient Clinic at the Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, said psoriasis can appear at any age, although it is frequent among young adults, and affects about 1.3% of Brazilians. “Psoriasis is not just a skin disease. Persistent inflammation can affect other organs and systems, increasing the risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, especially in patients with moderate to severe cases,” he said.
Mental health is another important impact. Visible lesions, scaling and prejudice can affect self-esteem and social relationships, contributing to isolation, anxiety and depression. Romiti noted that people with psoriasis often report discrimination because others mistakenly believe the disease is contagious. There are also daily discomforts, such as scaling that is visible on clothing and can interfere with patients’ activities. Raising awareness is therefore essential to combat stigma and reinforce the importance of care. Clarifying that psoriasis is not contagious helps reduce prejudice, while information about its different manifestations and possible impacts helps patients seek appropriate follow-up.
Diagnosis is mainly clinical, made by a dermatologist based on evaluation of the lesions and the patient’s history. Although there is no cure, psoriasis can be controlled with proper care. Treatment should be individualized, considering the severity of the disease and each patient’s characteristics. In mild cases, moisturizers and topical medications such as ointments may be indicated, as well as guided sun exposure. Moderate-to-severe cases may require phototherapy or systemic oral or injectable medications that act on different mechanisms involved in the inflammatory process. Depending on each patient’s needs, specialists such as rheumatologists and endocrinologists should be involved to assess and manage possible associated diseases.
Among available therapies are oral medications that regulate the inflammatory response, such as PDE4 inhibitors. This option expands treatment possibilities and may be suitable for certain patients according to the characteristics of the disease and medical evaluation. The choice should consider the expected benefits, the safety profile and the individual needs of each patient.
Sources: CNN Brasil.