Psoriasis Risk Linked to Obesity; Weight Loss Shown to Improve Symptoms
SKIN-The Journal of Cutaneous Medicine® Article: Psoriasis and Obesity: A Review of the Current Literature
Because of the numerous detrimental effects of obesity on psoriasis, management should include weight loss as a foremost goal. ”
NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, November 13, 2018 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Psoriasis is a common skin condition that affects 2-3% of the world population. On the skin, psoriasis looks like red raised plaques with a dandruff like scale on top. Psoriasis doesn’t just affect the skin; it can cause psychological harm to patients due to low self esteem. — Joshua Kaminetsky, BA
Several studies have shown that psoriasis is more common in obese patients. A recent article published in SKIN: The Journal of Cutaneous Medicine thoroughly reviews the relationship between psoriasis and obesity by analyzing many different studies and data sources. The article, authored by Orloff et al, states “Because of the numerous detrimental effects of obesity on psoriasis, management should include weight loss as a foremost goal. Weight reduction strategies have a well-documented beneficial effect.”
Understanding the effect of obesity on psoriasis is doubly important for patients because it can affect the dosing of their medications. Obese patients require more medication in order to treat their psoriasis. The review goes on to propose that “evidence suggests that weight loss also potentiates the efficacy of commonly used psoriasis medications.” Weight loss can make those stubborn psoriasis plaques easier to treat.
The authors close by suggesting that patients with psoriasis should discuss a well-rounded treatment plan with their dermatologists. This could include a combination of psoriasis medication and lifestyle changes that lead to weight loss.
SKIN: The Journal of Cutaneous Medicine® is a peer-reviewed online medical journal that is the official journal of The National Society for Cutaneous Medicine. The mission of SKIN is to provide an enhanced and accelerated route to disseminate new dermatologic knowledge for all aspects of cutaneous disease.
For more details please visit www.jofskin.org or contact jofskin@gmail.com.
Link to article
(DOI: 10.25251/skin.2.6.4)
Joshua Kaminetsky
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
+1 212-659-9530
email us here
