Psoriasis isn’t life-threatening, but it’s linked to other health conditions known as comorbidities. These conditions can affect your overall health and may shorten life expectancy. The good news is that 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 it may affect life expectancy and what you can do to lower your risk.

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How Long Can People Live With Psoriasis?

People with moderate to severe psoriasis may live about 6.4 years less than people without psoriasis, according to one large study from Taiwan. Cardiovascular disease is already known to be more common in people with psoriasis. It 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 means plaques affect more than 10 percent of the body. Severity is also based on how much the condition affects quality of life.

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

Risk factors associated with moderate to severe psoriasis include:

• Having a family history of psoriasis
• Smoking
• Drinking more alcohol than recommended
• Having other health conditions
• Being male (according to a chapter in An Interdisciplinary Approach to Psoriasis)
• 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.

Psoriasis and Comorbidities

Psoriasis is linked to several comorbidities, including:

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

Some comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, liver disease, kidney disease, and metabolic syndrome, may shorten life expectancy.

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 are nearly twice as likely to develop metabolic syndrome as people 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 those with more severe psoriasis.

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 long-term inflammation in moderate to severe psoriasis may affect 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
• Heavy alcohol use
• 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

People with psoriasis may have a slightly higher risk of developing certain cancers, including skin cancer and lymphoma. Research is mixed and more study is needed to better understand this potential relationship. The cause of the possible increased risk is not clear.

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 long-term 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 taking your medications without asking your doctor first.

Regular follow-up visits with your healthcare team can help monitor comorbidities and other complications that may affect 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.

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, if you smoke — This can help reduce psoriasis flare-ups. Ask your doctor before using nicotine patches because they may trigger psoriasis flare-ups in some people.
• Limiting alcohol intake — Reducing how much alcohol you drink can help improve treatment results and lower the risk of comorbidities.
• Maintaining a healthy weight — Weight loss 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 — Exercise 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.

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

Join the Conversation

On MyPsoriasisTeam, ​​people share their experiences with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Do you have questions about psoriasis and life expectancy? Let others know in the comments below.