Have you ever noticed red, scaly patches on your skin that don’t recede despite various treatments? Well, these rashes could be more than just surface-deep. Psoriasis, often misunderstood as a mere skin condition, is a complex – and chronic – autoimmune disorder with implications that extend far beyond visible symptoms.
The non-contagious affliction manifests in various forms, but ‘plaque psoriasis’ is the most common type. It results in raised, scaly skin lesions called plaques. While these plaques can sprout anywhere on the body, they predominantly appear on the scalp, knees, and elbows. Additionally, they may manifest in or around the belly button and lower back.
The exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, but it has been ascertained that one’s genes and immune system can play a significant role in its onset.
Psoriasis ripples through the body and impacts various organs and systems. Most dangerously, it can trigger ‘metabolic syndrome’ – a cluster of health conditions that can put a person at increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke. The more severe the psoriasis, the higher the chances of a patient developing metabolic syndrome.
Metabolic syndrome is commonly identified by multiple interconnected metabolic abnormalities. These include insulin resistance, dysglycemia (fluctuations in blood sugar levels), hypertension, abdominal obesity and atherogenic dyslipidemia.
How psoriasis triggers metabolic syndrome
The relationship between psoriasis and metabolic syndrome is closely tied to pro-inflammatory cytokines, which disrupt insulin signalling and lipid metabolism in individuals with psoriasis. Both conditions exhibit oxidative stress, a threat to cellular health, and endoplasmic reticulum stress, which disrupts essential bodily functions.
Furthermore, low levels of adipocytokines in psoriasis patients increase their risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Adipocytokines, crucial for regulating metabolic processes, play a significant role in fat digestion and organ functioning. Imbalanced levels of adipocytokines can contribute to metabolic syndrome.
Recent research has emphasised the role gut microbiomes play in psoriasis and metabolic syndrome. Changes in the gut microbiome can influence the development of metabolic syndrome in individuals with psoriasis. The diverse gut microbiome, which plays a vital role in metabolic processes, causes notable changes in individuals with obesity and psoriasis. Such alterations might influence metabolic syndrome development in people with psoriasis.
This highlights the intricate relationship between our body’s microbial community and complex health conditions.
Also read: Don’t go holidaying to a beach if you have psoriasis. There’s a trick to getting enough sun
Detecting metabolic syndrome
People are diagnosed with metabolic syndrome if they exhibit at least three of the following risk factors.
- Hypertension: A reading higher than 130/80 is considered elevated.
- Highfasting blood sugar: Fasting blood sugar levels of 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) and above are not ideal.
- Increased triglyceride levels: Triglyceride levels equal to or higher than 150 mg/dl should be acause for concern.
- Low levels of High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol: HDL cholesterol levels of 40 mg/dl or lowerare risky.
- Large waistline: Waist measurements exceeding 40 inches for males and 35 inches for females are categorised as large and cancontribute to metabolic syndrome
Also read: Rashes, blisters, itching—allergy to sunlight not curable but treatable. Get your basics right
Prevention is better than cure
Preventing metabolic syndrome in individuals with psoriasis requires a comprehensive approach. Patients must understand that they need to look beyond aesthetics to manage their condition. Here are some targeted strategies to enhance gut health and reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome among people who have psoriasis:
- Make dietary adjustments. Have a balanced diet that is rich infibre, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Introduce probiotic-rich foods such as yoghurt and fermented vegetables into your regimen. Limit processed foods and sugary snacks and ensure adequate hydration. Seek guidance from nutritionists if need be.
- Manage stress with meditation, yoga, and mindfulness techniques. They willbenefit your mental health and help maintain a healthy gut.
- Indulge in regular physical activity. It helps prevent psoriasis and metabolic syndrome by improving immune function, reducing inflammation, promoting healthy weight management, enhancing insulin sensitivity, and supporting overall metabolic health, thereby reducing the risk factors associated with both conditions.
- Use antibiotics judiciously. Patients should consult healthcare providers before taking antibiotics.
- Prioritise regular health check-ups.
Educating healthcare professionals, particularly dermatologists, is equally crucial, as they are often the initial point of contact for psoriasis patients. Understanding the systemic implications of psoriasis and its potential to induce metabolic syndrome enables healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care. Appropriate referrals and timely intervention by doctors can help address the skin condition as well as its overall implications on health.
The connection between psoriasis and metabolic syndrome is a powerful reminder that illnesses are not isolated entities – they have interconnected components, too. This knowledge will encourage people to prioritise their health and take action before it’s late.
The author holds an MD in dermatology, venereology, and leprosy. She is currently working as a specialist dermatologist in ESIC, Okhla, New Delhi. Views are personal.
(Edited by Zoya Bhatti)