Symptoms of ‘Invisible Disease’ Affecting Half a Million Brits Linked to Scaly Skin Condition
Hundreds of thousands of people in the UK are living with symptoms of an ‘invisible disease,’ now linked to a common skin condition affecting millions globally.
New research from Uppsala University in Sweden has shed light on the connection between psoriasis and a condition known as ‘leaky gut.’
Leaky gut occurs when the intestinal lining becomes permeable, allowing bacteria and harmful substances to pass through, potentially causing illness.
The study suggests that individuals with psoriasis and leaky gut are at a heightened risk of developing Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory condition of the digestive tract often referred to as an ‘invisible disease.’
Crohn’s and Colitis
Maria Lampinen, a researcher from Uppsala University’s Department of Pharmacy, led a groundbreaking study published this week.
“Previous research has shown that people with psoriasis experience more gastrointestinal problems than the general population,” Lampinen explained.
“However, the reasons behind this were unclear. Our study now reveals that individuals with psoriasis often have invisible inflammation in their small intestines, increasing their risk of developing what’s known as leaky gut.”
The study highlights that leaky gut—characterized by a compromised intestinal barrier—could explain why psoriasis patients frequently experience gastrointestinal issues.
As a result, they are more susceptible to developing Crohn’s disease, a chronic and often debilitating inflammatory bowel condition, commonly referred to as an ‘invisible disease.’
Crohn’s disease causes real issues for some people (Getty Stock Images)
Given it happens inside your body and can’t be seen to anyone else, Crohn’s is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that can impact someone anywhere in their digestive tract.
We’re talking from your mouth right down to the other end.
It is similar to ulcerative colitis, a different inflammatory bowel disease that is limited to a person’s colon and rectum and usually impacts the entire region.
On the flip side, Crohn’s can become inflamed in just a section of the digestive tract with the remaining parts healthy.
Psoriasis has now been linked to potentially causing Crohn’s disease (Getty Stock Images)
Psoriasis has now been linked to potentially causing Crohn’s disease (Getty Stock Images)
Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s disease symptoms often occur in flare-ups that can last for weeks or months, especially if left untreated.
According to the NHS, the primary symptoms include:
Diarrhoea: This can come on suddenly and may persist.
Stomach aches and cramps: These are most commonly felt in the lower-right part of the abdomen.
Blood in your stool: A sign of inflammation or damage in the digestive tract.
Fatigue: Persistent tiredness due to the body’s immune response or nutrient deficiencies.
Weight loss: Unintentional and often linked to poor nutrient absorption or loss of appetite.
It’s important to note that not everyone will experience all these symptoms, and their severity can vary from person to person.
A link between Crohn’s disease and psoriasis? Maybe, for some (Getty Stock Images)
A link between Crohn’s disease and psoriasis? Maybe, for some (Getty Stock Images)
ther symptoms that people may experience include a high temperature; feeling and being sick; joint pains; sore, red eyes; patches of painful, red and swollen skin that are usually on your legs; and mouth ulcers.
You should book an appointment with a doctor if you or your child have:
blood in your poo;
diarrhoea for more than seven days;
frequent stomach aches or cramps; and / or
lost weight for no reason, or your child is not growing as fast as you’d expect.