A doctor has raised concerns about an “invisible disease” affecting half a million people in the UK, which could be triggered by psoriasis, a common but often misunderstood skin condition. Psoriasis, which affects around 125 million people worldwide, is known for causing inflamed, scaly patches of skin. While not contagious, it can be painful and lead to symptoms like itchy, dry patches that may even bleed.
Recent research from Uppsala University in Sweden has uncovered a connection between psoriasis and an often-overlooked health issue: “leaky gut,” a condition linked to gastrointestinal problems. Lead researcher Maria Lampinen stated that previous studies had shown people with psoriasis often suffer from more gastrointestinal issues than the general population. However, this new study reveals that psoriasis patients frequently experience hidden inflammation in their small intestines, which may contribute to “leaky gut.”
Leaky gut occurs when the intestinal barrier becomes more permeable, allowing toxins and harmful substances to pass through and trigger inflammation. This condition can increase the risk of developing Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects roughly half a million people in the UK.
Lampinen’s study involved 18 psoriasis patients and 15 healthy individuals. The results showed that psoriasis sufferers had more immune cells in their small intestines, which were also found to be more pro-inflammatory. Interestingly, the same immune cells were present during skin flare-ups, suggesting a potential link between skin inflammation and gut issues.
For psoriasis patients, this research highlights the need for greater awareness of the possible connection between their skin condition and gastrointestinal problems. The findings could explain why those with psoriasis are more likely to develop Crohn’s disease, further underscoring the complexity of this “invisible disease.”
