Psoriasis and the Gut: Unveiling Invisible Inflammation

**New research from Uppsala University** uncovers a hidden link between psoriasis and gut inflammation, revealing that patients often have invisible inflammation in their small intestine, with a tendency for 'leaky gut'. Psoriasis, a hereditary skin condition affecting around 300,000 people in Sweden, also leads to increased joint and gut inflammation, potentially explaining why these sufferers often experience gastrointestinal issues and a higher risk of developing chronic inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease. In the study involving 18 psoriasis patients and 15 healthy controls, researchers found a higher number of pro-inflammatory immune cells in the small intestine of psoriasis patients—cells also present in skin flare-ups. **Half of the psoriasis patients** exhibited increased intestinal permeability, correlating with more frequent gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain and bloating. Despite mild skin symptoms, these patients showed significant changes in their small intestine, emphasizing the need for healthcare systems to address the gut-skin connection in psoriasis treatment. Funded by the Psoriasis Association and the Skin Foundation, this research highlights the importance of understanding and addressing gastrointestinal problems in psoriasis patients for better healthcare outcomes.