Psoriasis is a common skin disease that causes red, itchy, and flaky patches on the skin. It often shows up on the knees, elbows, back, or scalp.
This condition is long-lasting and comes and goes over time. There is no cure yet, but doctors can help manage the symptoms with different treatments.
Psoriasis is linked to the immune system, and things like infections, stress, or cold weather can make it worse.
In a surprising discovery, scientists from Ewha Woman’s University have found a possible connection between medicine for high blood pressure and the development of psoriasis. They looked at data from 13 different studies and noticed that several types of blood pressure medications might raise the chance of getting psoriasis.
The medications in question include ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium-channel blockers, and thiazide diuretics. These drugs are commonly used to help people control their blood pressure and avoid heart problems.
But the researchers think these medications might affect how the immune system works or weaken the skin’s natural barrier. When that happens, the skin can become more sensitive and more likely to develop conditions like psoriasis.
Because of this, doctors may need to keep a close eye on patients who are taking blood pressure medicine, especially if they notice skin changes or signs of psoriasis. This information could help both doctors and patients make smarter choices about how to treat high blood pressure while also taking care of the skin.
Psoriasis usually goes through cycles. Sometimes the skin flares up, and other times it improves. The main goal of treatment is to slow down how fast skin cells grow and to remove the flaky scales. Treatments include creams, light therapy, and pills or injections.
High blood pressure is another health problem that affects many people around the world. It raises the risk of heart disease, strokes, and other serious issues. There are many types of medications to treat it, and they work in different ways:
ACE inhibitors help relax blood vessels.
Beta-blockers slow down the heartbeat.
Calcium-channel blockers help blood vessels relax and lower calcium levels in the heart.
Diuretics help the body get rid of extra salt and water.
Renin inhibitors block a hormone that helps control blood pressure.
Alpha-blockers make it easier for blood to flow by relaxing blood vessels.
Not everyone reacts to these drugs in the same way. It often takes time to find the best treatment or combination. That’s why it’s so important to work closely with a doctor and report any new symptoms, like skin problems.
Also, living a healthy lifestyle—eating well, staying active, and managing stress—can help control both high blood pressure and skin issues like psoriasis.
This new research was published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology by Hye Sun Gwak and her team. It reminds us that all medications have side effects, and doctors need to think about the whole person when choosing the right treatment.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies that widely used blood pressure drug may increase eye disease risk and common blood pressure drugs linked to cognitive decline.
For more about blood pressure, please read studies about why checking blood pressure while lying down is very important and lowering top blood pressure number to less than 120 mm Hg effectively prevents heart disease.
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