Psoriasis is a common long-term skin condition that causes red, itchy, and scaly patches. These patches often appear on the elbows, knees, back, and scalp. Psoriasis tends to come and go—sometimes disappearing for months before flaring up again.
While it can’t be cured, treatments like creams, light therapy, and certain medications help reduce inflammation and slow the fast growth of skin cells that causes these symptoms.
Now, surprising new research from Ewha Woman’s University in South Korea has found a possible link between some medications used to treat high blood pressure and an increased risk of developing psoriasis. This discovery could change the way doctors manage care for patients with both heart and skin concerns.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a serious condition that increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. To control it, doctors often prescribe medications such as ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium-channel blockers, diuretics (also called water pills), renin inhibitors, and alpha-blockers. Each type works in a different way to help lower blood pressure and protect the heart.
However, this new study, led by researcher Hye Sun Gwak, reviewed data from 13 different studies and found that some of these blood pressure medications may also raise the risk of developing psoriasis. Specifically, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium-channel blockers, and thiazide diuretics were most commonly linked to the skin condition.
While the researchers don’t yet know exactly why this happens, they believe these drugs might affect the immune system or weaken the skin’s natural defenses. Since psoriasis is an inflammatory disease connected to immune system activity, anything that triggers or worsens inflammation in the skin could increase the chance of developing it.
For patients, this information is important. If you are taking blood pressure medication and begin to notice red, scaly, or itchy patches on your skin, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. It doesn’t mean you should stop taking your medicine on your own—high blood pressure needs to be managed carefully—but it may be worth exploring other treatment options.
Doctors may also want to pay closer attention to patients who are using these medications, especially if they already have psoriasis or a family history of skin conditions. In some cases, switching to a different type of blood pressure medicine may be a better choice.
This study also reminds us of how important it is to look at the whole picture when treating patients. A drug that helps one part of the body could unintentionally cause problems elsewhere. Personalized care—where doctors consider a patient’s full medical history and lifestyle—is key to choosing the best treatment plan.
Beyond medication, simple lifestyle habits can also help manage both high blood pressure and psoriasis. Regular exercise, eating a healthy diet, managing stress, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol are good for heart health and can reduce the risk of flare-ups in people with psoriasis.
For those living with psoriasis, avoiding known triggers—like certain foods or extreme stress—can also help keep symptoms under control.
This research, published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, shows how different parts of our health are closely connected. It’s a valuable reminder for doctors and patients alike to work together, ask questions, and adjust treatments when necessary to protect both heart and skin health.
If you care about inflammation, please read studies about turmeric: nature’s golden answer to inflammation, and what to eat to reduce chronic Inflammation.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how a plant-based diet could help ease inflammation, and Vitamin D deficiency linked to increased inflammation.
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