Research Links Smoking to Heightened Psoriasis Risk

A study published in the “Frontiers in Immunology” journal earlier this year has tied smoking to an increased risk of developing psoriasis. Psoriasis affects more than 8 million people in the United States and more than 125 million people globally, and the disease has no cure.

It causes dry, itchy, raised, scaly-looking lesions on the skin that are discolored and can be quite sore. Triggers for the chronic condition include heavy alcohol consumption, smoking, skin injuries, infections, insect bites, cold temperatures and stress. Psoriasis is also associated with an increased risk of conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia and metabolic syndrome.

Previous studies have suggested that psoriasis patients are more likely to be cigarette smokers and that more patients with psoriasis tend to continue smoking after being diagnosed. They have also indicated that smoking may increase the severity of psoriasis and reduce patients’ response to psoriasis treatment.

Furthermore, prenatal exposure to tobacco is also associated with an increased risk of psoriasis during childhood.

Researchers from Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte wanted to determine if smoking had an independent association with psoriasis. Led by medical doctor and PhD student Charlotte Näslund-Koch, the group analyzed data from 105,912 individuals collected in the Copenhagen General Population Study. Some 1,240 of the study participants had moderate-to-severe psoriasis.

The researchers found that smokers have a higher risk of developing moderate-to-severe psoriasis compared to people who had never smoked. They say that their findings indicate that smoking has an independent association with psoriasis but doesn’t seem to present a causal risk. Furthermore, they noted that while they did not find a causal relationship between moderate-to-severe psoriasis and smoking, abstaining from smoking is crucial in the prevention of other health risks.

Data has consistently shown that smoking causes stroke, lung disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer. It also heightens the risk of tuberculosis, eye diseases and issues with one’s immune system, including rheumatoid arthritis.

However, recent surveys have revealed that adults in the United States are smoking less, with a 2022 Gallup study finding that only 11% of adults in America smoke cigarettes. An analysis of national survey data published in the “Journal of the American Medical Association” (JAMA) last year also found that people with substance use disorder and major depression are smoking tobacco at reduced rates.

The analysis suggested that these groups likely reduced their smoking because of tobacco use prevention and cessation efforts. Since 2000, states such as New York and California have spent millions of dollars on public antismoking campaigns.

Many companies, such as Jupiter Wellness Inc. (NASDAQ: JUPW), are putting effort into availing products that can help people suffering from psoriasis have a better quality of life despite having this condition.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Jupiter Wellness Inc. (NASDAQ: JUPW) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/JUPW

About BioMedWire

BioMedWire (BMW) is a bio-med news and content distribution company that provides (1) access to a network of wire services via InvestorWire to reach all target markets, industries and demographics in the most effective manner possible, (2) article and editorial syndication to 5,000+ news outlets (3), enhanced press release services to ensure maximum impact, (4) social media distribution via the Investor Brand Network (IBN) to millions of social media followers, (5) a full array of corporate communications solutions, and (6) a total news coverage solution with BMW Prime. As a multifaceted organization with an extensive team of contributing journalists and writers, BMW is uniquely positioned to best serve private and public companies that desire to reach a wide audience of investors, consumers, journalists and the general public. By cutting through the overload of information in today’s market, BMW brings its clients unparalleled visibility, recognition and brand awareness. BMW is where news, content and information converge.

To receive SMS text alerts from BioMedWire, text “Biotech” to 888-902-4192 (U.S. Mobile Phones Only)

For more information, please visit https://www.biomedwire.com

Please see full terms of use and disclaimers on the BioMedWire website applicable to all content provided by BMW, wherever published or re-published: http://BMW.fm/Disclaimer

BioMedWire (BMW)
San Francisco, California
www.biomedwire.com
415.949.5050 Office
Editor@BioMedWire.com

BioMedWire is part of the InvestorBrandNetwork.