New Study Reveals Hidden Danger in Psoriasis Patients
Even when psoriasis appears well-controlled on the skin, many patients may still have ongoing inflammation inside their bodies. That’s the main message from a new international study led by experts from the University of Pennsylvania and other institutions.
“Just because the skin looks better doesn’t mean the disease is fully under control,” said Dr. Joel M. Gelfand, a dermatologist at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine. “We need to think beyond the skin and address what’s going on inside the body.”
Study Highlights Hidden Risks in Treated Patients
Researchers looked at 209 adults with psoriasis from the US, Spain, and Sweden who had either no visible signs of the disease or only mild symptoms, thanks to stable treatment with biologic drugs. Despite this, more than one in three (36.3%) of these patients still showed signs of internal, or “systemic,” inflammation.
This leftover inflammation was more common in people who had:
- A higher body mass index (BMI)
- Fatty liver disease is linked to metabolic problems (called MASLD)
- Higher levels of inflammation before starting treatment
- More body fat overall
The Role of Metabolism and Weight
The findings suggest that psoriasis is more than just a skin condition—it’s a whole-body disease that often goes hand-in-hand with other health problems like obesity and liver disease.
“This study shows an urgent need to treat the underlying inflammation, not just the skin symptoms,” said lead author Dr. Álvaro González-Cantero from Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal in Spain. “That may mean helping patients manage their weight or other metabolic issues to improve long-term health.”
Conclusion
The researchers recommend that doctors caring for psoriasis patients do more than just check their skin. They suggest:
- Monitoring blood tests that show inflammation, such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)
- Keeping an eye on liver health
- Supporting patients with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise
These steps could help detect related health problems earlier and prevent long-term complications.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
