Psoriasis is generally not life threatening, except in cases of erythrodermic psoriasis. This rare type of psoriasis can affect the entire body. Psoriasis can also cause some complications that can affect quality of life.

Psoriasis is a chronic disorder, meaning it can be lifelong and incurable. However, various treatments may improve symptoms and quality of life.

Erythrodermic psoriasis, a rare type of psoriasis, can cause shivering and fluid retention, and may increase the risk of pneumonia and heart failure. Comorbidities include cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Psoriasis is linked to some conditions that may be serious or life threatening.

Experts believe the connection between these conditions and psoriasis is likely due to inflammation.

While psoriasis most often affects the skin, it is a multisystem inflammatory disorder and may result in a higher risk of comorbidities. These include inflammatory arthritis, cardiovascular disease and stroke, and depression.

Inflammatory arthritis

Psoriasis is associated with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). It’s also associated with dactylitis, which causes inflammation of the small joints in the hands and feet, and enthesitis, which causes inflammation where tendons and ligaments meet bone.

Cardiovascular disease and stroke

Psoriasis can cause long-lasting inflammation inside the body that may affect the heart and blood vessels. It can also result in a greater risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke. Treating the condition may help reduce this risk.

Psoriasis is also associated with factors connected to cardiovascular disease and stroke, including:

Depression

Depression is a comorbidity of psoriasis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), depression is a leading cause of disability and can lead to suicide.

Suicide prevention

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

  • Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
  • Listen to the person without judgment.
  • Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
  • Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
  • Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Erythrodermic psoriasis is a potentially life threatening type of psoriasis. The condition often affects the whole body.

Erythrodermic psoriasis increases the risk of:

  • heart failure
  • infection
  • pneumonia

Working with a doctor to create and follow a suitable treatment plan for erythrodermic psoriasis may help to reduce the likelihood of life threatening complications.

To help reduce the risk of complications with psoriasis, it is important to follow a suitable treatment plan.

A person can also take steps to minimize the risk of specific complications. For example, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, it is best to:

  • get enough regular physical activity or exercise
  • consume a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, oily fish, whole grains, and fiber
  • maintain a moderate weight
  • avoid smoking
  • manage stress

Speak with a doctor for advice on managing depression. They may recommend medications such as antidepressants, and they may refer a person to a mental health professional for therapy.

The doctor can also provide more information on ways to reduce the risk of psoriasis complications.

While there is no cure for psoriasis, treating the condition can help manage flare-ups and improve quality of life.

Various treatments may improve symptoms of psoriasis. A doctor can advise on the best options, depending on where the rashes are on the body and the severity of the condition.

  • prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications
  • phototherapy,
  • dietary changes

Prescription medications

A doctor or dermatologist may prescribe certain medications for psoriasis, including methotrexate, which may suppress the overactive immune system.

Apremilast may help reduce scales, and oral retinoids can help reduce swelling and stop the overproduction of skin cells.

Biologic medications may also help. They target the overactive part of the immune system. A doctor can administer biologics through a drip or via injection.

A doctor or dermatologist may also prescribe topical treatments, such as:

  • retinoid for the skin to reduce swelling and redness
  • prescription steroids
  • synthetic vitamin D to slow the growth of overproducing skin cells

OTC medications

These products can be beneficial to people with mild psoriasis.

Various options include:

  • hydrocortisone, which is a mild corticosteroid that can help reduce inflammation and itching
  • coal tar, which can help reduce flaking, itching, overproduction of skin cells, and scaling
  • scale softeners, which include products that contain urea, lactic acid, and salicylic acid
  • anti-itch products that help stop the itching caused by psoriasis

Anti-itch products may contain ingredients such as camphor, calamine, and menthol.

Phototherapy

Phototherapy involves a dermatologist aiming a certain type of UV light at the affected areas of the skin. It can help slow the growth of skin cells, suppress the overactive immune system, and reduce itching and inflammation.

Dietary changes

A person can try consuming a diet containing anti-inflammatory foods to help with psoriasis. Some examples of anti-inflammatory foods include:

  • fatty fish, such as:
    • salmon
    • mackerel
    • tuna
    • sardines
  • nuts such as almonds and walnuts
  • leafy green vegetables such as spinach and kale
  • fruit such as:
    • strawberries
    • cherries
    • oranges
    • blueberries
  • tomatoes

A person should contact a doctor if they have concerns about managing psoriasis. The doctor can take a look at their current treatment plan and advise on any changes they recommend to help manage flare-ups.

Before the appointment, it may be a good idea to keep a diary to track the frequency and severity of flare-ups, as well as any triggers a person can identify.

The doctor can also provide advice on ways to reduce the likelihood of complications and generally improve quality of life.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that can be lifelong. It is not usually fatal. However, a rare type of psoriasis called erythrodermic psoriasis may be life threatening.

Psoriasis may be linked to cardiovascular disease and stroke, depression, and certain types of arthritis.

A doctor may treat psoriasis with topical steroids, topical retinoids, or biologics, or phototherapy. Following a suitable treatment plan for psoriasis can help improve quality of life and reduce the likelihood of complications.