Psoriasis Statistics

Psoriasis Statistics, Impact on Quality of Life, Age of Onset, Severity, and Economic Burden

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Saturday, 08 Jul, 2023

Psoriasis is a widespread condition affecting millions of individuals in the United States and worldwide. Unfortunately, there is currently no known cure for this chronic disease. In the U.S., more than 8 million people are living with psoriasis, making it a prevalent condition.

Psoriasis Statistics:

- Over 8 million people in the U.S. are affected by psoriasis, and worldwide, around 125 million people (2-3% of the global population) have psoriasis.

- Approximately 30% of individuals with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis.

- The prevalence of psoriasis is lower among African Americans (1.5%) compared to Caucasians (3.6%), but it may be underdiagnosed in individuals with skin of color.

Quality of Life:

- Psoriasis significantly impacts the everyday lives of nearly 60% of people with the condition.

- About 40% of individuals with psoriatic arthritis consider their disease a major problem in their daily life.

- Moderate to severe psoriasis has a greater negative impact on the quality of life, particularly among women and younger patients.

- Psoriasis is associated with higher rates of comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke, metabolic syndrome, and depression.

Age of Onset:

- Psoriasis can manifest at any age, with two peak onset periods: between 20-30 years and 50-60 years.

- Psoriatic arthritis usually develops between the ages of 30 and 50 but can occur at any age.

Severity:

- Mild psoriasis affects less than 3% of the body, moderate psoriasis affects 3-10%, and severe psoriasis affects more than 10%.

- However, the severity of psoriasis is also determined by its impact on a person's quality of life. Approximately 25% of psoriasis cases are considered moderate to severe.

Cost:

- The annual healthcare costs for patients with psoriasis are significantly higher compared to the general population, amounting to approximately $135 billion annually in the United States (as of 2013).

- Psoriasis imposes substantial economic burden due to its negative physical, psychiatric, and social consequences in the United States.

Globally, the statistics are even more staggering, with approximately 125 million people, which accounts for around 2 to 3 percent of the total population, experiencing psoriasis. It's important to note that psoriasis is not limited to a specific demographic, as it can affect people of all ages, races, and ethnicities.

One concerning aspect of psoriasis is its association with psoriatic arthritis. It is estimated that about 30 percent of individuals with psoriasis also develop this form of arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis typically emerges between the ages of 30 and 50, but it can manifest at any age.

Psoriasis not only affects a person's physical well-being but also has a significant impact on their quality of life. Research shows that almost 60 percent of people with psoriasis consider the disease to be a major problem in their everyday lives. Additionally, nearly 40 percent of individuals with psoriatic arthritis report experiencing significant challenges in their daily activities.

The severity of psoriasis can vary from mild to severe, and it is typically categorized based on the percentage of the body affected. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, less than 3 percent of the body being affected is considered mild, while 3 to 10 percent is categorized as moderate. Severe psoriasis is defined as affecting more than 10 percent of the body. However, it is important to note that the impact on an individual's quality of life is another crucial factor in assessing the severity of the disease. Approximately 25 percent of people with psoriasis have moderate to severe cases.

Apart from the physical and emotional toll, psoriasis also imposes a significant financial burden on patients. The healthcare costs associated with psoriasis are considerably higher for affected individuals compared to the general population. In the United States alone, the economic impact of psoriasis amounts to billions of dollars annually, with estimates reaching around $135 billion in 2013.

In summary, psoriasis is a prevalent and chronic condition affecting millions of individuals globally. It can manifest at any age, has the potential to develop into psoriatic arthritis, and significantly impacts a person's quality of life. The economic burden of psoriasis is substantial, underscoring the need for continued research and improved treatment options for individuals living with this condition.

Refernces -

[1] Armstrong AW, Mehta MD, Schupp CW, Gondo GC, Bell SJ, Griffiths CEM. Psoriasis Prevalence in Adults in the United States. JAMA Dermatol. Published online June 30, 2021. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2021.2007

[2] Mease PJ, Gladman DD, Papp KA, et al. Prevalence of rheumatologist-diagnosed psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis in European/North American dermatology clinics. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2013;69(5):729-735.

[3] Alexis AF, Blackcloud P. Psoriasis in skin of color: epidemiology, genetics, clinical presentation, and treatment nuances. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014;7(11):16-24.

[4] Stern RS, Nijsten T, Feldman SR, Margolis DJ, Rolstad T. Psoriasis is common, carries a substantial burden even when not extensive, and is associated with widespread treatment dissatisfaction. J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc. 2004;9(2):136-139.

[5] Gelfand JM, Gladman DD, Mease PJ, et al. Epidemiology of psoriatic arthritis in the population of the United States. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2005;53(4):573.

[6] Gelfand JM, Feldman SR, Stern RS, Thomas J, Rolstad T, Margolis DJ. Determinants of quality of life in patients with psoriasis: a study from the US population. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2004;51(5):704-708.

[7] Gelfand JM, Neimann AL, Shin DB, Wang X, Margolis DJ, Troxel AB. Risk of Myocardial Infarction in Patients With Psoriasis. JAMA. 2006;296(14):1735-1741.

[8] Gelfand JM, Dommasch ED, Shin DB, et al. The risk of stroke in patients with psoriasis. The Journal of investigative dermatology. 2009;129(10):2411-2418.

[9] Armstrong AW, Harskamp CT, Armstrong EJ. Psoriasis and metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2013;68(4):654-662.

[10] Dowlatshahi EA, Wakkee M, Arends LR, Nijsten T. The prevalence and odds of depressive symptoms and clinical depression in psoriasis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Journal of investigative dermatology. 2014;134(6):1542-1551.

[11] Armstrong AW. Psoriasis. JAMA dermatology. 2017;153(9):956-956.

[12] Helmick CG, Lee-Han H, Hirsch SC, Baird TL, Bartlett CL. Prevalence of psoriasis among adults in the U.S.: 2003-2006 and 2009-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. American journal of preventive medicine. 2014;47(1):37-45.

[13] Brezinski EA, Dhillon JS, Armstrong AW. Economic Burden of Psoriasis in the United States: A Systematic Review. JAMA dermatology. 2015;151(6):651-658.

[14] Mercy K, Kwasny M, Cordoro KM, et al. Clinical manifestations of pediatric psoriasis: results of a multicenter study in the United States. Pediatric dermatology. 2013;30(4):424-428.

[15] Burden-Teh E, Thomas KS, Ratib S, Grindlay D, Adaji E, Murphy R. The epidemiology of childhood psoriasis: a scoping review. The British journal of dermatology. 2016;174(6):1242-1257.

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