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

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.

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.

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.