Complications

Complication
Timeframe
Likelihood
long term
high

Patients with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis have an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease (e.g., myocardial infarction and stroke) and cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, and metabolic syndrome.[35][141][142][143]

There is also evidence to suggest that psoriasis is associated with an increased prevalence and incidence of diabetes and obesity, particularly in patients with severe psoriasis.[144][145][146] The cause is not yet known.[147][148]

long term
medium

Up to 30% of people with psoriasis have psoriatic arthritis.[1] The arthritis most commonly involves fingers, hands, toes, and feet, and, less commonly, knees, elbows, and axial and sacroiliac joints.

Psoriatic arthritis

variable
medium

Patients with psoriasis have an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidality.[139]

Depression in adults

variable
low

Patients with psoriasis have an increased risk of developing lymphoma. The cause of this association is unknown, but is thought to result from pathophysiology, treatment, or a combination of both.[140] Absolute risk is low.

variable
low

Pruritus may lead to skin breaks from scratching

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