Fibromyalgia and Psoriasis: Is there a Connection?
Fibromyalgia is a complex chronic condition that doctors cannot easily diagnose or treat. No one knows for sure what causes this disorder, although there are theories involving infections, stress and sleep disorders. There is also no known cure for fibromyalgia, so treatment options revolve around alleviating the painful symptoms of the disorder as effectively as possible. There have also been suggestions that fibromyalgia is linked to other chronic conditions, particularly rheumatic disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and psoriatic arthritis. In particular, we will explore a link between fibromyalgia and psoriasis.
An Immune System Malfunction
This is where the question regarding a link between fibromyalgia and psoriasis has come up with many health care professionals and patients who are suffering from both conditions. And in terms of the research that has been done thus far, there does indeed seem to be a link for some people. Both fibromyalgia and psoriasis may be the result of an immune system that does not work the way it should. With some people, the immune system may turn on its own body and create autoimmune disorders like psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. The immune system may prove to be the link between fibromyalgia and psoriasis and other conditions.
Sometimes fibromyalgia is difficult to diagnose because it is seen in tandem with other conditions. For example, some patients will present with both fibromyalgia and psoriasis, and more specifically, psoriatic arthritis. This is a type of psoriasis that is seen in about five percent of all of the people who have psoriasis, and is characterized by the red, scaly patches of psoriasis accompanied by pain and swelling in the joints of the body. When a person is suffering from both fibromyalgia and psoriasis, the body can feel pain from the outside in. These two conditions can be excruciatingly uncomfortable for the person suffering from them, which makes effective treatment options even more critical.
Treatment Options for Fibromyalgia and Psoriasis
There are some holistic remedies that can be effective for both fibromyalgia and psoriasis. A detox diet can rid the body of toxins that can lead to many chronic conditions. By cleansing the body of these toxins, some people find that the symptoms of disorders like fibromyalgia and psoriasis can be greatly reduced. A regular exercise program can also be an effective way to treat the pain of fibromyalgia and psoriasis like psoriatic arthritis. Pain medication and antidepressants are also effective ways to treat the uncomfortable symptoms of these conditions. If you are suffering from both fibromyalgia and psoriasis, talk to your doctor about treatments that can help both conditions today.
