Skin problems health centre

Healthy eating and exercise

People with psoriasis have a slightly higher risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease, although it is not known why. Regular exercise and a healthy diet are recommended for everyone, not just people with psoriasis, because they can help prevent many conditions, including heart disease and many forms of cancer. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly can also relieve stress, which may have an effect on your psoriasis.

Want to know more?

• PAPAA: psoriasis and the heart.
• PAPAA: psoriasis and smoking.

Emotional impact of psoriasis

Due to the unpleasant effects that psoriasis can have on physical appearance, low self-esteem and anxiety are common among people with psoriasis. This can lead to depression, especially if the psoriasis get worse.

Your GP or dermatologist will understand the psychological and emotional impact of psoriasis, so talk to them about your concerns or anxieties.

Want to know more?

• PAPAA: psoriasis and psychological factors.

Psoriatic arthritis

Between 10% and 20% of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis. This causes tenderness, pain and swelling in the joints and connective tissue, as well as stiffness. It commonly affects the ends of the fingers and toes. In some people, it affects the lower back, neck and knees. About 80% of people affected develop psoriatic arthritis after the onset of psoriasis, and about 20% develop it before the onset of psoriasis.

There is no single test for psoriatic arthritis. It is normally diagnosed using a combination of methods, including looking at your medical history, physical examinations, blood tests, X-rays and MRI scans.

Psoriatic arthritis can be treated with anti-inflammatory or anti-rheumatic medicines.

Want to know more?

• The Psoriasis Association: psoriatic arthritis.
• PAPAA: psoriatic arthritis.

Pregnancy

Psoriasis does not affect fertility and women with psoriasis can have a normal pregnancy and a healthy baby. Some women find that their psoriasis improves during pregnancy but for some it gets worse.

Talk to your healthcare team if you are thinking of having a baby. Some treatments for psoriasis can be harmful to a developing baby, so use contraception while you are taking them. This applies to both men and women. Your healthcare team can suggest the best ways to control your psoriasis before you start trying for a family.

Want to know more?

• PAPAA: fertility, conception and pregnancy.
• The pregnancy care planner.

Talk to others

Many people with psoriasis have found that getting involved in support groups helps. Support groups can increase your self-confidence and reduce any feelings of isolation, and give you practical advice about living with the condition.

Want to know more?

• The Psoriasis Association. Call the helpline on 0845 676 0076, Mon-Thurs 9.15am-4.45pm and Fri 9.15am-4.15pm (calls are charged at local rate).
• PAPAA: The Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance.
• The Psoriasis Association: patient podcasts.