The Link Between Psoriasis and Fatigue
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Is Psoriasis Causing Your Fatigue?

Is Psoriasis Causing Your Fatigue?
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Updated on May 27, 2025
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Psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune disease, is most commonly associated with symptoms that affect the skin. But it can also cause persistent fatigue, sometimes so severe that it reduces your quality of life.

Some research has found that 17 percent of people with psoriasis experience severe fatigue.

 While the relationship between psoriasis and fatigue is not exactly clear, there are steps you can take to up your energy levels and help you manage.

Does Psoriasis Cause Fatigue?

Dermatologist Andrew Alexis, MD, discusses the connection between psoriasis and fatigue.
Does Psoriasis Cause Fatigue?

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Why Psoriasis May Lead to Fatigue

There may be a few reasons why psoriasis causes fatigue.

Psoriasis is a systemic disease. “Psoriasis is something people see on their skin so they may think it’s just skin-deep, but it really isn’t,” says Rosalyn George, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and owner of Wilmington Dermatology Center in North Carolina. “It’s actually a truly systemic disease.” This means psoriasis can affect the entire body, not just the skin. One of the ways it does so is by causing persistent fatigue, notes Dr. George.

Psoriasis involves the immune system. Psoriasis causes an immune system reaction, and when your immune system is on hyper alert all the time, your body gets tired because it’s constantly working, explains George.

Psoriasis involves inflammation. “Inflammation can go to the skin, to the joints, and to other places in the body,” says Neelam Vashi, MD, a dermatologist at the Dermatology Institute of Boston.

According to Dr. Vashi, when the body has disease, it makes proteins called cytokines that cause inflammation. It’s not fully understood how these proteins can cause fatigue, but they set off the immune system and trigger inflammation, which takes up the body’s energy.

Psoriasis can disturb your sleep. Itching and discomfort may keep you from getting the rest you need.

Perspectives
Portrait of a person
Joni
Living with psoriasis
“I think that psoriasis has this deep patience that goes along with it because you will be trying things, you will find things that work, and that will change. And then you have to shift and pivot.”
Transcript Available

Psoriasis-Related Conditions May Contribute to Fatigue

Psoriasis can increase your risk of developing other health conditions that may also interfere with sleep and contribute to fatigue. 

Psoriatic Arthritis About 30 percent of people with psoriasis are affected by psoriatic arthritis.

 “A significant number of patients with psoriatic arthritis have joint pain, and that can also interfere with sleep patterns,” says says Stephen P. Stone, MD, an emeritus professor of dermatology at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois.
Sleep Apnea Research notes that people with psoriasis have a significantly increased risk for obstructive sleep apnea, which typically causes daytime sleepiness.

Depression Many people with psoriasis can feel down and depressed, and may find themselves dealing with intense feelings of anxiety, worry, sadness, and fear, which can be exhausting and take a toll on overall health.

Studies suggest that as many as 1 in 5 people with psoriasis will experience symptoms of depression and that more than 1 in 4 will be diagnosed with depression or anxiety during their lifetimes.

Medication Side Effects The American Academy of Dermatology notes that certain medications, such as some pain medications and methotrexate, which is commonly prescribed by doctors to treat psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, can make you feel tired.

Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms Psoriasis, particularly if it’s accompanied by depression or anxiety, may lead to some unhealthy habits. “It could contribute to [people] making poor choices that will exacerbate fatigue, such as turning to food or alcohol, which can contribute to poor sleep,” says George. She notes that poor diet and alcohol can also worsen inflammation and psoriasis – a cycle that’s difficult to break.

Any of the factors above can contribute to the fatigue commonly experienced by many people with psoriasis. “It’s kind of a combination — the disease process itself, other diseases that are associated with psoriasis, and then some medications as well,” says George.

How to Manage Your Fatigue

If you have psoriasis and are experiencing persistent fatigue, there are several strategies you can try to boost your energy and improve your sleep.

Talk to your doctor. The first thing you should do is see your dermatologist to make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your psoriasis well controlled. “We don’t have a cure for psoriasis but we have a lot of medications out there that really do work well to control it,” says Vashi.

Your dermatologist can also refer you to other specialists who can deal with related conditions such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, depression, substance abuse, and more, says George.

Exercise regularly. “When people have health conditions, it can be hard to get into the habit of exercising, but even starting a little can make such a big difference,” says George. “Get outside, take a brief walk, and find something that can keep you active because if you get a little exercise, it can make it easier to fall asleep at night, too.”

Eat a healthy diet. A well-balanced diet of whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean proteins may help reduce fatigue and keep your energy levels stable.

“When you eat all that processed, sugary food, your body is on high alert all the time and inflammation is increased,” says George.

Get treatment for depression and anxiety. Depression and anxiety, common in people with psoriasis, have been linked to sleep problems. As many as 75 percent of people with depression exhibit symptoms of insomnia and many have been shown to also experience excessive daytime sleepiness and hypersomnia (sleeping too much).

 In addition, poor sleep has been associated with worsening depression, which then further impacts sleep.
Similarly, anxiety is also associated with an increased risk of insomnia, and poor sleep can in turn worsen anxiety and make it harder to fall asleep.

Practice good good sleep habits. These include:

  • Keeping your bedroom dark and quiet
  • Sticking to the same sleep and wake schedule every day
  • Avoiding alcohol
  • Limiting caffeine, especially close to bedtime
  • Reducing stress (Meditation apps can be helpful, as can identifying things that may be causing your stress, says George.)
  • Keeping electronic gadgets that emit blue light (such as the TV, tablets, computers, and cell phones) out of the bedroom
Conserve your energy. The Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance recommends you allow yourself to rest during the day, if possible. And instead of trying to accomplish too much at once, like household chores, spread your to-do list out over a few days. Be kind to yourself and don’t push too hard, let people know when you’re tired, and say no when you don’t have the energy for something.

The Takeaway

  • The exact link between psoriasis and fatigue isn’t clear, but the immune system being in constant overdrive might use up your energy reserves.
  • Psoriasis can also lead to related conditions that contribute to fatigue, including psoriatic arthritis, sleep apnea, and depression.
  • Talk to your doctor about getting your psoriasis under better control or treating related health problems, as this may help to reduce fatigue symptoms.
  • Lifestyle measures like good sleep hygiene, regular exercise, a nutrient-dense diet, and stress reduction can also help.
If your skin condition is a source of stress in your life, therapy may help. Find a provider easily with our guide to the best online therapy services.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. American Academy of Dermatology. Can Psoriasis Make You Feel Tired?
  2. Krajewska-Włodarczyk M et al. Prevalence and severity of fatigue in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology. February 2020.
  3. Can Psoriasis Make You Feel Tired? American Academy of Dermatology.
  4. National Psoriasis Foundation. About Psoriatic Arthritis. April 21, 2025.
  5. Nowowiejska J et al. Mutual Relationship Between Sleep Disorders, Quality of Life and Psychosocial Aspects in Patients With Psoriasis. Frontiers in Psychiatry. July 5, 2021.
  6. Hepat A et al. Psychological Well-Being of Adult Psoriasis Patients: A Narrative Review. Cureus. April 17, 2023.
  7. Mental Health and Sleep. Sleep Foundation. March 26, 2024.
  8. Psoriatic Fatigue. PAPAA.

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