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A recent study from Uppsala University reveals that psoriasis patients may suffer from hidden gut inflammation, possibly explaining their increased gastrointestinal issues.
Understanding the link between skin and gut inflammation in psoriasis could offer new avenues for treatment, improving patient quality of life.
Uppsala University researchers have discovered hidden gut inflammation in psoriasis patients, which may clarify the connection between their skin and gastrointestinal symptoms. The study highlights the increased presence of pro-inflammatory immune cells in the intestines of psoriasis patients compared to healthy controls, with half of the patients exhibiting leaky gut symptoms. This finding underscores the importance of considering gut health in the management of psoriasis, as it may influence both skin and systemic inflammation.
Recognizing invisible gut inflammation can aid in understanding psoriasis-related gastrointestinal symptoms. Psoriasis patients may experience hidden inflammation in their intestines that contributes to gastrointestinal problems.
The study conducted by Uppsala University highlights significant pro-inflammatory activity in the small intestine of psoriasis patients. Based on the observations of immune cell activity in the intestines compared to healthy controls, it can be deduced there is a link between gut inflammation and psoriasis.
Patients suffering from psoriasis often also report gastrointestinal issues, yet the underlying cause for this link has remained elusive. Uppsala University's recent study shines a light on this connection, revealing that invisible inflammation in the intestines may be responsible.
“We can now show that people with psoriasis often have invisible inflammation in their small intestines, with an increased risk of what's called leaky gut,” said the research team.
This finding suggests that healthcare providers should consider monitoring intestinal health as part of comprehensive psoriasis management.
Identifying inflammation patterns in the gut may provide insights into psoriasis flare-ups and potential comorbidities. The presence of similar immune cells in both gut and skin flare-ups suggests interconnected inflammatory pathways.
Researchers found a correlation between types of immune cells in psoriasis skin lesions and gut inflammation. Drawing on similar immune reactions in different body sites suggests a systemic inflammatory response that affects both skin and gut.
The study highlighted the intriguing overlap between gut and skin inflammation in psoriasis patients. This shared immune activity could signal a broader systemic inflammatory disorder, which may also impact other organs.
Researchers observed that "the same type of immune cells found in skin flare-ups from psoriasis patients" were present in the small intestine. This points to a potential systemic issue linking these conditions.
Understanding this link could lead to holistic treatment strategies that address both skin and intestinal symptoms, potentially mitigating the risk of further systemic complications.
Integrating gut health into psoriasis treatment plans could improve patient outcomes and reduce system-wide inflammation. Addressing gut health could provide a novel approach to managing psoriasis and its associated symptoms.
The study's findings suggest that leaky gut and inflammation in the gut might be key therapeutic targets for psoriasis. Considering the data, exploring gut health management as a treatment option is a plausible and potentially effective strategy for psoriasis patients.
With half of the psoriasis patients in the study showing signs of leaky gut, addressing intestinal health could become a cornerstone of psoriasis treatment. By focusing on reducing gut inflammation, patients may experience relief from both skin and systemic symptoms.
Maria Lampinen, one of the researchers, noted the importance of this study: “A greater understanding of gastrointestinal problems in psoriasis patients can help the healthcare system to pay more attention to the link between the gut and the skin in patients with psoriasis.”
This understanding paves the way for future research to explore therapies targeting intestinal integrity, potentially offering new hope for psoriasis patients seeking comprehensive care.
Lundquist, P., Lampinen, M., et al. (2024). Mild-to-moderate psoriasis is associated with subclinical inflammation in the duodenum and a tendency of disturbed intestinal barrier. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Basis of Disease, 1871(3), 167634. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbadis.2024.167634
Uppsala University. (2025). Inflammation may explain stomach problems in psoriasis sufferers. Retrieved from https://www.uu.se/en/press/press-releases/2025/2025-01-20-inflammation-may-explain-stomach-problems-in-psoriasis-sufferers