Update on Comorbidities in Psoriasis

Purpose of Review: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting approximately 3% of the general population. Over the past decades, psoriasis has been associated with a range of comorbidities. In the current review, we summarize epidemiological and pathophysiological traits of comorbidities in patients with psoriasis. Recent Findings: In addition to psoriatic arthritis, studies have found increased prevalence of certain cancers, as well as cardiometabolic, neuropsychiatric, gastroenterologic and autoimmune diseases in patients with psoriasis. While the etiopathogenesis is likely multifactorial, psoriasis-associated systemic low-grade inflammation is believed to play an important role in the development and maintenance of a number of these concurring diseases. Summary: In order to effectively manage patients with psoriasis, increased awareness and timely intervention on such comorbidities and modifiable risk factors are warranted by treating physicians. Since comorbidities may confer a substantial disease and healthcare burden, the importance of routine screening for high-prevalence and high-risk comorbidities in patients with psoriasis should be emphasized. © 2017, Springer Science+Business Media New York.