The multiple comorbidities of psoriasis: The importance of a holistic approach.

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a common immune-mediated skin condition that affects at least 2% of the Australian population. Though psoriasis was often considered a cutaneous condition alone, more recent literature has shown other organ involvement. These comorbidities may be missed unless specifically looked for.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this article is to outline the well-recognised comorbidities associated with psoriasis to facilitate a discussion for general practitioners (GPs) to have with their patients about lifestyle changes, the need to screen for other diseases and management of comorbidities.

DISCUSSION: GPs are in a prime position to screen, diagnose and manage comorbidities in a patient with psoriasis. GPs have a broad understanding of and exposure to general medicine and are in a privileged position of seeing many patients with psoriasis within the spectrum of the disease.