Medical experts warn psoriasis affects heart and joints

During a conference for World Psoriasis Day, medical specialists highlighted that psoriasis is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease that extends beyond skin conditions. Experts, including Seyed Samaneh Mirvaedi, CEO of the Psoriasis Patient Support Association, and rheumatology specialist Lida Shoushani, noted that the condition can affect internal organs such as the heart, eyes, and joints.

Common symptoms include red skin lesions and scaling, but advanced cases may involve joint pain in the fingers, toes, back, and pelvis, as well as dry eyes. While genetic factors play a role, environmental triggers such as stress, certain medications, and nutritional habits can exacerbate the condition.

Experts emphasized the importance of lifestyle modifications, stress management, and specialized consultations to improve patient quality of life. While global statistics suggest approximately 2 to 3 percent of the population is affected, comprehensive data for Iran remains unavailable.