Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition that affects millions of people around the world.
It causes patches of skin to become red, thick, dry, itchy, and covered with silvery scales.
These patches often appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, but they can develop almost anywhere on the body.
Although psoriasis mainly affects the skin, it is now recognised as an inflammatory disease involving the immune system.
The condition often comes and goes, with flare-ups lasting for weeks or months before improving. While there is no cure, many treatments can reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Researchers from Ewha Woman’s University have found evidence that some medicines used to treat high blood pressure may increase the risk of developing psoriasis. Their findings were published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
Instead of studying a single group of patients, the researchers reviewed results from 13 previous studies. Combining information from many studies allows scientists to look for patterns that may not be obvious in smaller investigations.
The review found that several commonly prescribed blood pressure medicines were linked with a higher risk of psoriasis. These included ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, calcium-channel blockers, and thiazide diuretics. These medicines are widely used because they help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious cardiovascular diseases.
Scientists do not yet know exactly why the association exists. One possible explanation is that these medicines may influence the immune system or affect the skin’s natural protective barrier. Because psoriasis is driven by abnormal immune activity, these changes could make the disease more likely to develop or trigger flare-ups in people who are already at risk.
The findings do not mean people should stop taking their blood pressure medicines. High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” because it usually causes no symptoms while quietly damaging the heart, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels. Stopping treatment without medical advice can greatly increase the risk of serious complications.
Instead, the researchers suggest that doctors should monitor patients for early signs of psoriasis after starting these medicines. Symptoms such as persistent red, itchy, or scaly skin patches should be discussed with a healthcare professional so that treatment can begin early if needed.
There are many effective ways to manage psoriasis. Depending on how severe the condition is, treatment may include moisturisers, medicated creams, light therapy, tablets, or injectable medicines that calm the immune system. Many people can successfully control their symptoms with the right treatment plan.
Managing high blood pressure also involves more than medication. Eating a healthy diet, limiting salt, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and managing stress all help lower blood pressure and improve overall health.
The researchers emphasise that different people respond differently to blood pressure medicines. If one medicine causes unwanted side effects, doctors can often recommend another option. Patients should always discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider rather than stopping medication on their own.
This review highlights the importance of balancing the benefits and risks of treatment. Blood pressure medicines save countless lives every year, but recognising possible side effects allows doctors to provide more personalised care and protect both heart health and skin health.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies about what to eat and to avoid for high blood pressure, and 12 foods that lower blood pressure.
For more health information, please see recent studies about the connection between potato and high blood pressure, and how to eat your way to healthy blood pressure.
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