The findings are reported in the article, "Psoriasis and
Hypertension Severity: Results from a Case-Control Study," which
is now available online in PLoS ONE, the open-access journal for
the communication of peer-reviewed scientific and medical
research. "Our study makes a strong case that psoriasis is not
just a skin-deep disease," said April W. Armstrong, assistant
clinical professor of dermatology and principal investigator and
lead author of the study. "We are beginning to find that
psoriasis may represent a window into detecting cardiovascular
conditions, including hypertension." Psoriasis affects about 4
percent of the U.S. population and causes patches of itchy,
thickened, dry, reddened skin. It is passed down in families and
is believed to be caused by a person's immune system mistakenly
attacking one's own skin cells. The severity of the condition
varies considerably among individuals and over time. It often
flares up during dry weather or with infections. "The study's
findings can alert primary-care