Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease, which is commonly associated with other immune-mediated inflammatory disorders. In this article, we will get to know what psoriasis is and its association with endometriosis.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes raised, scaly patches on the skin due to systemic inflammation. In this condition, the skin cells multiply up to 10 times faster than normal, because of which there is a build-up of erythematous plaques (bumpy red patches) with a covering of silvery scales (white scales). The most commonly affected areas are the scalp, knees, elbows, and lower back. However, they can grow anywhere. This is not a contagious disease and doesn’t spread from one person to other. Nevertheless, a genetic component is associated with the disease that is supported by patterns of familial aggregation.
How is endometriosis linked with psoriasis?
The Endometriosis Foundation of America has established that women suffering from psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis have a two-fold high risk of developing subsequent endometriosis. Contrastingly, women diagnosed with endometriosis did not show any association with developing the psoriatic disease later.
A cohort study observed that there may be a higher risk of endometriosis with concomitant PsA (psoriatic arthritis). Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects the joints, making them swollen, stiff and painful. It is a long-term condition that can get progressively worse. Additionally, a suggestive association was also found between endometriosis diagnosis and subsequent risk of psoriasis with PsA.
A study found a bidirectional association between endometriosis and psoriasis. The study stated that because endometriosis is an immune-mediated disorder, it is known to be associated with several other immune-mediated disorders and possibly associated with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
Research found that endometriosis shares many similarities with various other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and psoriasis. There can be elevated levels of cytokines, decreased cell apoptosis, and T- and B-cell abnormalities in these conditions. Similar therapies are there in treating these disorders as the use of immunomodulators and inflammatory modulators are effective in the management of these autoimmune diseases.
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