Yes, psoriasis can be related to liver function as there is a strong association between psoriasis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Complete answer
Psoriasis is a skin condition that affects nearly 125 million people globally. While the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, recent research suggests that there is a link between psoriasis and liver function. In fact, there is a strong association between psoriasis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
NAFLD is a condition where excessive fat builds up in the liver, causing it to become inflamed. This condition is common among people who are overweight or obese, which is also a risk factor for psoriasis. Studies have found that people with psoriasis are more likely to have NAFLD than those without the skin condition.
According to Dr. Alexa Kimball, a dermatologist, “the link between psoriasis and NAFLD is not entirely understood, but it is thought that inflammatory cytokines produced in psoriasis may play a role in the development of NAFLD.”
Interestingly, studies have also shown that treating NAFLD can improve psoriasis symptoms. This is because reducing the amount of fat in the liver can help reduce inflammation throughout the body, including the skin.
In addition to NAFLD, other liver conditions such as hepatitis B and C have been associated with psoriasis. It is important for individuals with psoriasis to monitor their liver function and discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider.
In conclusion, while the link between psoriasis and liver function is not fully understood, there is evidence to suggest that the two conditions are related. It is essential to maintain a healthy weight, monitor liver function, and seek medical attention if necessary. As dermatologist Dr. Mark Lebwohl says, “We remind our patients to be mindful that their psoriasis is not just a skin condition but an overarching systemic disease with potentially serious comorbidities, including liver disease.”
Table:
Liver condition | Psoriasis association |
---|---|
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease | Strong association |
Hepatitis B and C | Associated |
Sources:
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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5837714/
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https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324435
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https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/scaly-skin/psoriasis/related-conditions
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https://www.psoriasis.org/researchers-discover-link-between-psoriasis-and-liver-disease/
Answer in the video
The video discusses various skin signs that could signify liver disease, the leading cause of health problems globally. Some indications include yellowing skin, spider angiomas, paper money skin, easy bruising and bleeding, nail clubbing, Janthalisma, and beer spots. White nails with a narrow pink band at the tip can point to serious underlying conditions such as liver disease. However, liver spots are small dark areas caused by overactive pigment cells and not related to liver conditions. Fatty liver disease is also a common problem, and viewers are encouraged to check out related videos.
There are alternative points of view
Many psoriasis patients develop liver disease. Here’s what we know about how the conditions are related. Up to 47 percent of psoriasis patients develop nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a potentially life-threatening condition involving fat deposits in the liver not caused by alcohol abuse.
People with psoriasis may be at a higher risk of developing liver disease. The two conditions can have similar causes, such as systemic inflammation. Liver disease is also a potential side effect of some psoriasis medications.
In general, the more psoriasis you have on your body, the greater your risk to not only have liver disease, but severe liver disease. This lines up with other research that has found that people who had psoriasis on at least 10 percent of their body had nearly double the risk of death.
People with psoriasis have increased inflammation throughout the body, which increases the risk of developing comorbid conditions (more than one chronic disease at the same time). For example, people with psoriasis have a higher prevalence of fatty liver disease compared to the general population.
Liver enzyme abnormalities are common in psoriasis patients and are mostly associated with drugs and NAFLD. Although most cases can be managed by avoiding hepatotoxic medications and close follow up, severe consequences like cirrhosis may develop.
Coherent with previous studies, psoriasis is actually thought to have a potential and intrinsic hepatolesivity. This idea was recently supported by the first mouse-model of hepatitis in imiquimod-induced psoriasis [ 2 ].
Psoriasis is an inflammatory systemic disorder with cutaneous, joint, and other manifestations, including the metabolic syndrome. Liver problems in psoriasis can be: Systemic manifestations and associations of psoriasis — non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, neutrophilic cholangitis
Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease associated with a variety of comorbidities. It has been shown that psoriasis patients have an increased incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease over controls.
Up to 47 percent of psoriasis patients develop nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a potentially life-threatening condition involving fat deposits in the liver not caused by alcohol abuse.
Interesting Facts on the Subject
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- Health Conditions Linked to Psoriasis.
- Psoriatic Arthritis.
- Cardiovascular Disease.
- Metabolic Syndrome.
- Obesity.
- Hypertension.
- Dyslipidemia.
- Diabetes.
- Easy bruising and bleeding.
- Yellow tint to your skin or the whites of your eyes (jaundice).
- Itchy skin.
- Swelling (edema) in your legs, feet and ankles.
- Fluid buildup in your belly/abdomen (ascites).