Psoriasis is a long-lasting skin condition that causes red, itchy, and scaly patches. These usually show up on the elbows, knees, scalp, or torso. The symptoms can come and go—sometimes getting worse for a few weeks or months and then calming down.
In some cases, the condition goes into remission, where the symptoms completely disappear for a while.
There’s no cure for psoriasis, but treatments like creams, light therapy, and certain medications can help control it. These treatments slow down how quickly skin cells grow and help reduce inflammation.
Now, new research from Ewha Woman’s University has found something surprising. Some medicines used to treat high blood pressure may raise the risk of developing psoriasis.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, happens when the force of blood in the arteries stays high over time. It can lead to serious health issues like heart disease and stroke. Doctors often treat high blood pressure with different types of medication. These include:
– ACE inhibitors, which help blood vessels relax.
– Beta-blockers, which slow the heart rate.
– Calcium-channel blockers, which make it easier for the heart to pump.
– Diuretics, also called water pills, which remove extra fluid.
– Renin inhibitors, which lower chemicals that tighten blood vessels.
– Alpha-blockers, which relax blood vessels by calming nerve signals.
All of these medications help control blood pressure, but the new study suggests they might have an unexpected side effect—making it more likely for someone to get psoriasis.
The research team, led by Hye Sun Gwak, looked at results from 13 different studies. They saw that people taking ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium-channel blockers, and thiazide diuretics were more likely to develop psoriasis.
The reason why this happens isn’t fully understood, but the scientists think these drugs might affect the immune system or the skin’s natural protection. That could make the skin more likely to become inflamed, which is a big part of psoriasis.
This is important news for both patients and doctors. People who are taking these medications should be aware of the possible link and tell their doctor if they notice any skin changes. If someone already has psoriasis or other skin issues, doctors might need to watch for flare-ups or consider different blood pressure treatments.
This research reminds us that treating one health problem shouldn’t cause another. Every person is different, so doctors need to think carefully about which medicines are best for each patient.
Living a healthy lifestyle also helps. Eating well, staying active, and managing stress are good for both blood pressure and psoriasis. For people with psoriasis, avoiding triggers like smoking, certain foods, or high stress can help prevent flare-ups.
The study by Hye Sun Gwak and her team, published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, shows just how connected our health is. It’s another reason why doctors and patients should work together to create a health plan that works for the whole person, not just one condition.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies that black licorice could cause dangerous high blood pressure, and this common plant nutrient could help reduce high blood pressure.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how coffee influence your risk of high blood pressure, and results showing this olive oil could reduce blood pressure in healthy people.
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