While many of us might think of psoriasis as an ailment that results in, at most, some degree of discomfort and self-consciousness, it turns out that the skin condition could also be linked to atherosclerosis and even death. Scientists now believe that psoriasis is a systemic immune disorder that is linked to depression and arthritis. Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis are believed to increase the risk for myocardial infarction, or heart attacks.

Researchers examined the records of over 3200 patients with psoriasis and compared them to patients who did not have the condition. After controlling for factors such as sex, age, and all relevant health indicators, what they found was that people suffering from psoriasis were more likely to have atherosclerosis as well as other disorders that affect the blood vessels, including the ones that serve the heart (ischemic heart disease) and brain (cerebral vascular disease). The study also saw an a higher percentage of deaths in patients with psoriasis versus those without (19.6% vs. 9.9%, respectively), leading the authors to conclude that psoriasis is in fact a risk factor for mortality.

Psoriasis results from a malfunctioning of the body’s signaling system, which can result in inflammation and the overproduction of skin cells. This often manifests itself as psoriatic patches, which are areas of the skin that appear scaly and silvery-white. It is different from eczema in that it tends to affect the extensor surfaces (the back of the elbows and front of the knees) while eczema usually occurs on the inside of arms and back of knees, or the flexor surfaces. Some commonly afflicted areas of the body include the elbows, knees, scalp, and genitals. Psoriasis can also afflict the joints, resulting in psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriasis afflicts nearly 2-3% of the world’s population and nearly 7 million Americans. It is not contagious. The exact causes are not completely known, though it is believed to have a genetic component. Certain factors can aggravate the condition, including stress, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking. Like eczema, it can often be treated with a topical steroid.

In most cases psoriasis is not life threatening, but it can hamper one’s quality of life. Skin plaques can be uncomfortable and interfere with regular daily activities, including sleeping and work. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, 71% of psoriasis sufferers reported that the disease significantly affected their daily lives. Psoriasis affects both men and women equally and most commonly first appears between the ages of 15 to 25 years.

If you suspect that you or someone you know has psoriasis, speak to your primary care physician or seek the advice of a dermatologist. For more information, visit the website for the National Psoriasis Foundation.