Psoriasis itself isn’t a life-threatening condition, but it’s linked to other health conditions — called comorbidities — that can impact your overall health and potentially shorten life expectancy. The good news: Managing psoriasis effectively may reduce your risk of developing these related conditions and support a longer, healthier life.

If you’re living with psoriasis, it’s important to understand how psoriasis affects life expectancy and what you can do to manage your risk.

How Long Can People Live With Psoriasis?

People with moderate to severe psoriasis may live, on average, about 6.4 years less than people without psoriasis, according to one large study from Taiwan. Cardiovascular disease — already known to be more common in people with psoriasis — was one of the leading causes of death identified in the study.

The National Psoriasis Foundation defines “moderate psoriasis” as having plaques that affect 3 percent to 10 percent of the body. “Severe psoriasis” refers to having plaques on more than 10 percent of the body.

One study showed that people with severe cases of psoriasis have an increased risk of death compared to people without psoriasis. An increased risk of death is also referred to as a mortality risk.

Risk factors associated with moderate to severe psoriasis include:

• Having a family history of psoriasis
• Smoking
• Drinking more than the recommended alcohol limits
• Having other health conditions
• Being male
• Being diagnosed before age 30
• Living in an urban area

Some systemic (whole-body) treatments such as biologics and methotrexate have been shown to reduce mortality risk in people with psoriasis. Research shows that biologic treatments can start lowering the risk of mortality in as little as three months of therapy.

Psoriasis and Comorbidities

Psoriasis isn’t just a skin disease. It causes chronic (long-term) inflammation that’s associated with many co-occurring health problems, or comorbidities. Psoriasis comorbidities include:

• Psoriatic arthritis
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Cardiovascular disease
• Depression

Comorbidities that can shorten life expectancy include cardiovascular disease, cancer, liver and kidney diseases, and metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions that increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. People with metabolic syndrome may have several medical conditions, including:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels
• High glucose (blood sugar) levels
• Obesity — Typically diagnosed when a person has a high body mass index (BMI), a measure based on height and weight

People with psoriasis develop metabolic syndrome nearly twice as often as those in the general population. This rate may be even higher in people who have psoriatic arthritis, depending on their treatment regimen. Metabolic syndrome is also more common in people with more severe psoriasis.

People with psoriatic disease — psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis — have metabolic syndrome at about twice the rate of people without psoriatic conditions.

People with metabolic syndrome have a higher risk of liver disease and kidney disease. Both of these diseases are associated with a lower life expectancy among people with psoriasis.

Lifestyle changes are key to preventing and treating metabolic syndrome. Some people with metabolic syndrome may need medications to control their high cholesterol, blood sugar level, and blood pressure. Exercising regularly, managing weight, and eating a balanced diet may also help prevent or treat metabolic syndrome.

Cardiovascular Disease

The connection between psoriasis and cardiovascular disease is linked to inflammation. Researchers believe chronic inflammation in moderate to severe psoriasis may impact the heart and blood vessels. This can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. It may also raise the risk of a life-threatening heart attack or stroke.

Risk factors associated with psoriasis and heart disease include:

• Obesity
• High cholesterol and lipid (blood fat) levels
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Metabolic syndrome
• Smoking
• High alcohol consumption
• Psoriatic arthritis (when combined with psoriasis)

Some psoriasis treatments have been shown to protect against cardiovascular disease. Others may increase the risk. Always talk to your doctor before making any changes to your treatment plan.

Cancer

Researchers have linked psoriasis to an increased risk of developing cancer. People with psoriasis have a higher risk of developing cancer of the liver, esophagus, skin, and pancreas, as well as lymphoma. Cancer with psoriasis is associated with alcohol consumption, smoking, and obesity.

Kidney and Liver Disease

Studies show that people with psoriasis also have a higher risk of certain kidney and liver issues. One study found that people with psoriasis are more likely than people in the general population to develop end-stage and chronic kidney disease.

Another study looked at the link between plaque psoriasis and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). In MASLD, the body stores an excess amount of fat in the liver. The study found that people with plaque psoriasis have a higher chance of developing MASLD than those in the general population.

Manage Your Risk and Support Your Overall Health

Early and consistent psoriasis treatment can help lower the risk of comorbidities that may shorten your lifespan. Be sure to follow your treatment plan. If your treatment isn’t working well, talk to your dermatologist about other options. Never stop your medications without medical advice.

Regular follow-up visits with your healthcare team can help monitor comorbidities and complications that could impact your life expectancy. If you have any new symptoms or health changes, report them to your doctor right away. These could signal that you’re developing another condition in addition to psoriasis.

Regular treatment and follow-up for psoriasis can help monitor comorbidities and complications that can impact life expectancy.

Important Lifestyle Changes

By taking a few small steps, you can improve your overall health and quality of life. Lifestyle changes can boost your sense of well-being and improve your psoriasis symptoms. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends:

• Quitting smoking — This can help to reduce psoriasis flare-ups. Ask your doctor before using nicotine patches — some people with psoriasis react poorly to them.
• Limiting alcohol intake — Reducing how much alcohol you drink can help improve treatment results and lower the risk of comorbidities.
• Maintaining a healthy weight — This can also help improve treatment outcomes and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and liver disease.
• Eating a healthy diet — Following a nutritious eating plan can help improve your general health and lower the risk of comorbidities.
• Exercising regularly — Doing so improves your physical and mental health and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and other comorbidities
• Managing stress — This may help decrease psoriasis flare-ups and lower the risk of comorbidities such as depression.

Certain lifestyle changes can help improve your psoriasis symptoms and overall health, like quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, eating a healthy diet, and getting regular movement.

If you need help making lifestyle changes, talk to your healthcare team. They can connect you with dietitians, physical therapists, and mental health professionals.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyPsoriasisTeam is the social network for people with psoriasis and their loved ones. Here, more than 195,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with psoriasis.

Do you have questions about psoriasis and life expectancy? Have you developed comorbidities while living with this skin condition? Share your experiences or questions in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.