The link between psoriasis and fatty liver disease

(NaturalHealth365) Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease known for speeding up the life cycle of your skin cells. This results in the buildup of these cells on the surface of the skin, forming red, scaly patches that may be painful or itchy.

And, while the signs and symptoms may vary, the most common symptoms include itching or burning skin, stiff and swollen joints, small spots of scaling skin, red patches of skin with silvery, thick scales, and cracked dry skin.

Within the past few years, studies have shown a link between psoriasis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease – a condition that may result in serious liver complications.  For example, a more recent study delved into this link even further, discovering that there’s not just a link between the two diseases, but that the severity of an individual’s skin problems can predict fatty liver disease severity, too.

The relationship between fatty liver disease and psoriasis

A study published in Gastroenterology Review in 2016 found the link between psoriasis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Previously, studies had suggested a link between this skin problem and health problems like metabolic syndrome and obesity, both of which are linked to fatty liver disease that goes on to cause liver cirrhosis and fibrosis, as well as end-stage liver disease.

Among the psoriasis patients included in the study, nearly half of the psoriasis patients also had fatty liver disease.  The patients with fatty liver disease were generally more obese and younger than patients who only had psoriasis.

Patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease had higher fibrosis scores, too. With the high comorbidity rate of fatty liver disease, researchers believe that the two conditions may develop at the same time.

Since fatty liver disease often has no symptoms, in the beginning, it’s essential to be aware of this link for earlier diagnosis and treatment to delay the progression of liver disease.

New study showed more severe liver damage in individuals with severe psoriasis

More recently, a new study revealed that the severity of a patient’s psoriasis is also associated with the severity of the individual’s fatty liver disease. Presented at the EADV Congress in Spain, researchers presented findings that showed patients with both fatty liver disease and psoriasis had more serious hepatic damage if their psoriasis was more severe.

Another study conducted in Iran found that liver disease severity increased in patients with high-level psoriasis. Likewise, they discovered that the severity of fatty liver disease correlated with the grade of the patient’s psoriasis as well, likely due to the increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines in those with liver problems.

These new findings show the importance of managing both conditions well. When psoriasis becomes severe, liver disease may become more severe, too. Patients and their physicians must prioritize managing both conditions to prevent the progression of both disorders.

Editor’s note: To reduce your risk of fatty liver disease, take a look at this article published by NaturalHealth365 – which features some of the best foods, herbs and supplements to promote healthy liver function.

Sources for this article include:

Eurekalert.org
PsoriasisNewsToday.com
NIH.gov
MayoClinic.org