Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder that can be challenging to manage, even for the most committed patients. Understanding the symptoms and potential risks of this condition is crucial to prevent it from negatively impacting your daily life.
It’s important to note that psoriasis can have serious consequences if left untreated. By not managing the symptoms, it can lead to complications such as joint damage, increased risk of heart disease, and emotional distress. Therefore, it’s critical to be aware of the potential dangers and take action to address them.
If you’re curious about the potential dangers and side effects of psoriasis when left untreated, keep reading to learn more.
When can Psoriasis be Dangerous?
Psoriasis, though not inherently dangerous, can become a serious health concern if left untreated. Neglecting psoriasis symptoms can lead to complications that may result in potentially life-threatening consequences.
One such complication is pustular psoriasis, a type of psoriasis that causes pus-filled blisters to form and rupture in areas such as the scalp, knees, and elbows. These open sores significantly increase the risk of infection, especially when left untreated, leading to serious health consequences.
Moreover, pustular psoriasis can also affect internal organs, such as the lungs and nose, causing significant damage and posing a severe threat to the individual’s health. Therefore, it’s essential to seek medical treatment and take preventive measures to manage psoriasis effectively and prevent complications.
Can Psoriasis Be Deadly?
Psoriasis is typically considered a chronic, non-life-threatening condition, as there is no known cure for it. However, in some cases, psoriasis can result in severe complications that may become life-threatening.
One potential complication that can arise from psoriasis is a serious infection caused by persistent scratching or picking at the affected skin. In such cases, patients may require hospitalization and antibiotics to manage the infection, as it may not be possible to self-treat.
Furthermore, in rare cases where psoriasis is chronic and extensive, it may cause severe health issues such as organ damage or kidney failure, which could be life-threatening.
Thus, while psoriasis itself may not be inherently deadly, its complications may pose a significant risk to a person’s health and life. It’s essential to seek medical treatment and take preventive measures to manage psoriasis effectively and prevent complications.
Which Type of Psoriasis Is the Most Dangerous?
Psoriasis can cause a range of symptoms and complications, but some types of psoriasis pose a higher risk than others. Among them, the two most severe types of psoriasis are Pustular and Erythrodermic.
Pustular psoriasis is a rare and severe form of psoriasis that causes pus-filled blisters on the skin that can break and become infected, leading to severe health issues. Pustular psoriasis can affect both the skin and internal organs, such as the lungs, posing a significant risk to the patient’s health.
Erythrodermic psoriasis is another rare and severe form of psoriasis that causes widespread redness and inflammation of the skin, affecting most of the body’s surface area. This type of psoriasis can cause intense itching, pain, and fever, leading to complications such as infection, dehydration, and heart failure.
While other types of psoriasis may cause discomfort and inconvenience, Pustular and Erythrodermic psoriasis pose the highest risk to an individual’s health and can become life-threatening. Therefore, it’s essential to seek medical attention and take preventive measures to manage these types of psoriasis effectively.
Can Psoriasis Shorten Your Life?
Psoriasis, in and of itself, is unlikely to shorten a person’s life expectancy. However, having psoriasis can contribute to other health issues that may negatively impact life expectancy.
Individuals with psoriasis may have a higher risk of developing other health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. In particular, psoriasis has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, which may reduce life expectancy.
Psoriasis alone may not directly affect life expectancy, but the increased risk of developing other health problems associated with the condition can contribute to a shorter lifespan. It’s essential to manage psoriasis effectively and address any other health issues that may arise to reduce the risk of negative impacts on life expectancy.
Does Psoriasis Cause Death?
Psoriasis itself is not a condition that directly causes death. However, severe cases of psoriasis may increase the risk of mortality due to a range of potential complications that may arise.
Individuals with severe psoriasis may be at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, which can lead to heart attack or stroke and potentially cause death. Other potential causes of mortality in individuals with psoriasis include kidney disease, infections, and dementia.
While psoriasis itself may not cause death, it can increase the risk of developing other serious health conditions that may lead to mortality. It’s essential to manage psoriasis effectively and address any potential complications to minimize the risk of negative impacts on health and overall wellbeing.
Does Psoriasis Affect Your Organs?
Psoriasis is a chronic and complex autoimmune disease that affects the skin, but it can also have effects on internal organs.
Psoriasis is associated with a systemic inflammatory response in the body, which can cause damage to multiple organs, such as the liver, lungs, and kidneys. This can lead to complications such as cirrhosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and kidney failure.
It’s essential to seek regular medical follow-up with a doctor to monitor psoriasis symptoms and address any potential complications that may arise. This may include regular monitoring of organ function through laboratory tests, imaging studies, and other diagnostic tools.
Therefore, it’s essential to understand that psoriasis is not just a skin condition but a systemic disease that can affect multiple organs in the body. Regular medical follow-up and effective management of psoriasis symptoms are crucial to prevent long-term health complications.
When Should You Go to the Hospital for Psoriasis?
It’s important to monitor your psoriasis symptoms and be aware of the warning signs of potential complications. In some cases, it may be necessary to seek medical attention at a hospital.
The warning signs for pustular psoriasis, as well as other types of psoriasis, may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Severe pain or discomfort
- Difficulty breathing
- Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or pus around affected areas
If you experience any of these symptoms or if your psoriasis symptoms are severe and causing significant discomfort, it may be necessary to seek medical attention at a hospital. It’s also important to seek immediate medical attention if you have psoriasis and contract a serious infection such as malaria or tuberculosis, as this can increase the risk of complications.
It’s recommended to seek medical attention if you experience significant discomfort, notice any new or unusual symptoms, or have concerns about your psoriasis symptoms. Your doctor can provide guidance on when to seek medical attention and may recommend treatments or medications to help manage your symptoms.
How Do I Know if My Psoriasis Is Infected?
Psoriasis can increase the risk of skin infections, so it’s essential to be aware of the warning signs of an infection.
Some of the common signs of an infected psoriasis lesion may include:
- Increased pain, redness, or swelling around the affected area
- Pus or other discharge from the lesion
- A foul odor from the affected area
- Skin that feels hot to the touch
- Fever or chills
If you notice any of these symptoms or are concerned about a psoriasis lesion, you should schedule an appointment with your dermatologist or healthcare provider as soon as possible. Your doctor can examine the affected area and determine if it’s infected or if additional treatment is needed.
It’s also important to avoid scratching or picking at psoriasis lesions, as this can increase the risk of infection. Keep the affected area clean and follow any recommended treatment or care instructions from your healthcare provider. With proper care and attention, you can help manage psoriasis and reduce the risk of complications.
How Do I Recognize a Dangerous Infection?
A serious infection can occur in spots where the skin is broken and pustules have appeared. These infections can be difficult to treat, and the patient may need hospitalization.
These infections are a medical emergency, so you should contact your doctor immediately if you end up developing an infection.
How Can I Recognize an Outbreak?
Psoriasis can increase the risk of skin infections, which can be serious and potentially life-threatening. It’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a dangerous infection, so you can seek prompt medical attention.
Some signs of a dangerous infection in a psoriasis lesion may include:
- Increased pain, redness, or swelling around the affected area
- Pus or other discharge from the lesion
- A foul odor from the affected area
- Skin that feels hot to the touch
- Fever or chills
- Worsening psoriasis symptoms
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should contact your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room right away. A serious infection in a psoriasis lesion can be difficult to treat and may require hospitalization, so it’s important to seek prompt medical attention.
To reduce the risk of infections, it’s important to avoid scratching or picking at psoriasis lesions and to keep the affected area clean and moisturized. You should also follow any recommended treatment or care instructions from your healthcare provider. With proper care and attention, you can help manage psoriasis and reduce the risk of complications.
Can I Go to the ER for Psoriasis?
If you are experiencing a severe psoriasis flare-up that is not responding to your normal treatments, or if you have psoriasis and develop new symptoms such as joint pain or swelling, fever, or a rash, you may need to seek emergency medical care.
While the emergency room may not be the best place to manage your chronic psoriasis, it can be a good option in certain situations such as when your symptoms are severe and uncontrolled, or if you are experiencing an adverse reaction to a medication.
However, it is recommended that you first contact your primary care provider or dermatologist for guidance and advice on how to manage your psoriasis. They can provide you with the best course of action and refer you to a specialist if necessary.
When Should I Have an Appointment With My Dermatologist About Psoriasis?
Regular appointments with your dermatologist are essential in managing psoriasis, especially if you have moderate to severe psoriasis.
It’s recommended to schedule an appointment if you experience a significant change in your condition, such as an increase in lesions or severe itching, or if you develop joint pain or other symptoms.
In addition, you should schedule an appointment if your current treatment plan is not working or if you experience side effects from your medications.
Overall, it’s best to work closely with your dermatologist to develop a treatment plan that works for you and to monitor the progress of your condition.
What Happens if Psoriasis Is Left Untreated?
Psoriasis is a chronic condition that requires ongoing treatment. Left untreated, psoriasis can lead to complications such as permanent skin damage, disfigurement, and a higher risk of developing skin cancer. Additionally, untreated psoriasis can lead to joint damage, which can cause significant disability and affect a person’s ability to perform daily activities.
It is important to work with a healthcare provider to create an effective treatment plan and to follow it consistently to manage the symptoms of psoriasis. In some cases, treatment may include prescription medications, light therapy, or lifestyle changes such as stress reduction and a healthy diet. Regular follow-up appointments with a dermatologist or other healthcare provider are important to monitor the condition and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.
Should I Be Worried About the Dangers of My Psoriasis?
It’s important to take the dangers of psoriasis seriously, as it can have significant impacts on your overall health and wellbeing. The skin is the largest organ in the body, and psoriasis can cause serious complications if left untreated.
That being said, it’s important to remember that with proper management and treatment, most people with psoriasis can lead happy, fulfilling lives. It’s important to stay vigilant and keep up with regular check-ups with your doctor, as well as making lifestyle changes to support your health, such as maintaining a healthy diet and quitting smoking or vaping.
Remember, while psoriasis may pose some risks, it’s not a death sentence. With proper care, you can still enjoy a fulfilling life.