People who smoke have 2-3 times higher risk of developing psoriasis, a chronic skin condition. In severe cases, psoriasis can be disabling and greatly diminish the quality of life of affected individuals. Although psoriasis is not a life-threatening disorder, in severe cases, it can cause extreme discomfort and pain, and even become disfiguring. Researchers have established a link between psoriasis and smoking. Smokers with psoriasis can experience a worsening of their skin disease. Some studies have found a dose-dependant relationship with smoking and psoriasis, which translates into a higher risk of developing the disease as the person continues to smoke or as the frequency of smoking increases. Interestingly, smoking also appears to be more strongly associated with psoriasis among women than men. It is estimated that smoking may cause as many as one-quarter of all psoriasis cases.
