Low T and psoriasis: Is it a cause?

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There’s a lot happening on your skin. Not only do skin cells have hormone receptors to regulate their growth and function, but they also produce sex hormones, including estrogen, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. 

That’s why low testosterone, clinically called hypogonadism, can lead to various dermatological conditions — extra wrinkles, less body hair and (perhaps beneficially) the absence of male-pattern balding. While the exact pathway is unknown, psoriasis may be triggered by low testosterone as well. 

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Low T and psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition marked by rapidly multiplying skin cells. It creates itchy, scaly patches often on the elbows, knees and head and commonly arises due to stress. Both genetic and external factors underlie psoriasis, but the causes aren’t fully understood.

Living with psoriasis can increase the risk of developing psoriatic arthritis, in which inflammation from the disease causes joint stiffness. As a chronic condition, psoriasis requires medical attention and monitoring. Understanding the underlying factors triggering psoriasis to determine the best treatment can help keep further risks at bay. 

‍In a study of 121 men with psoriasis, researchers found a correlation between the condition and low levels of testosterone. Slightly over half of the men studied who experienced psoriasis exhibited low T, significantly more than a control group of 217 men without psoriasis. Additionally, men with lower T values displayed more severe forms of psoriasis as measured by redness, scaling and the extent of the skin disruption.

Results from another, smaller study of 15 men experiencing both low T and psoriasis showed that consistent testosterone treatments significantly improved psoriatic severity over a two-year period. While the researchers noted more studies are necessary to investigate the observed effects, it provided more evidence of the interaction between testosterone levels and psoriasis.

Is testosterone a treatment for psoriasis?

While there isn’t a cure for psoriasis, it often appears in a mild form and tends to be cyclical, flaring up and subsiding. There are a number of treatments for the various forms of psoriasis, such as:

• Steroid creams
• Prescription drugs
• Light exposure (either by getting in the sun daily or UVB treatments)
• Synthetic vitamin D
• Shampoos with salicylic acid
• And others

There are multiple factors that contribute to psoriasis while experiencing low T levels. The guidance of a physician is highly recommended to determine the best course of action to alleviate the condition, as testosterone supplements may not be a long-term solution. 

If you’re experiencing the symptoms of psoriasis, consider visiting a board-certified dermatologist. Equipped to diagnose and treat thousands of skin, hair, and nail conditions, their expert assessment can both determine the cause of your concern — whether stress, environmental factors, an infection, or even low testosterone — and direct your path forward.

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Go to getcortina.com for a no-hassle, online consultation and a personalized treatment plan from one of their board-certified dermatologists.

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