#psoriasis - the benefits of physical activity on the course of the disease. Font: Medscape.

Psoriasis and Metabolic Syndrome

Psoriasis is a common dermatological condition that presents with periodic recurrences and remissions. Patients with psoriasis are at higher risk for metabolic syndrome, making exercise particularly important for this patient population.

It is well known that higher body mass index represents a risk factor for psoriasis and that obesity, with its chronic low-grade inflammatory status, may put individuals at increased risk for the development of the dermatosis. On the other hand, physical activity is one of the most powerful weapons to fight against weight gain, and it is able to decrease chronic inflammation, lowering levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6, which play a major role in psoriasis pathogenesis, and elevating levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines, including adiponectin, whose expression is significantly lower in psoriasis subjects, according to a new Italian research.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Unfortunately, many patients with psoriasis experience joint impairment and consequent physical limitations resulting from psoriatic arthritis. Dr. Megna, one of the Italian researchers, believes exercise can help these patients as well.

The positive effects of physical activity on the natural course of psoriasis should encourage sports practice also in subjects suffering from psoriatic arthritis. However, psoriatic arthritis is able to significantly limit the range of motion and physical activity habits due to joint pain and impairment. Therefore, a full medical consultation (especially with a rheumatologist) is strictly necessary to determine, on the basis of the number, type, and features of joints involvement, the specific types of exercise which can be more appropriate in an individual in order to get the positive effects of physical activity in overall well-being, range of motion, joint pain and stiffness, flexibility, and endurance, avoiding the possible negative influence of uncorrected and/or overexercising.

Melissa Piliang, MD, a dermatologist at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, who is not affiliated with the study, agrees there is a role for exercise in the lives of patients with psoriatic arthritis.

Patients with psoriatic arthritis must find a way to include exercise in their treatment regimen. Physicians need to work closely with patients whose arthritis may limit their mobility and physical therapists to find a regimen that the patient can follow without causing additional joint pain. Low-impact sports such as swimming or water aerobics are a good option for many patients with psoriatic arthritis.