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Epidemiology of psoriasis
1Department of Dermatology Bergamo General Hospital & Coordinating Center of the Italian Group for Epidemiologic Research in Dermatology, Bergamo, Italy. luigi.naldi@gised.it
Current Drug Targets. Inflammation and Allergy
|June 8, 2004
Summary
Psoriasis affects 0.6%-4.8% of people, often due to chronic inflammation and lack of cure. Epidemiological studies are crucial for understanding environmental risk factors and improving patient quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology and Epidemiology
Background:
- Psoriasis prevalence is significant (0.6%-4.8%), characterized by chronicity and no definitive cure.
- While genetic-environmental interactions are suspected, evidence for environmental triggers in psoriasis remains limited.
- Existing research on psoriasis natural history and prognosis is scarce, necessitating further formal studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significant public health impact of psoriasis.
- To emphasize the need for rigorous epidemiological research in understanding psoriasis causation.
- To underscore the potential of epidemiological methods in elucidating environmental factors and improving the management of psoriasis.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing epidemiological data on psoriasis risk factors.
- Discussion of the application of methodologic control and quantitative approaches in psoriasis research.
- Identification of documented risk factors including smoking, alcohol, diet, infections, drugs, and stress.
Main Results:
- Psoriasis significantly impacts patients' quality of life.
- Epidemiological studies have identified several potential risk factors for psoriasis.
- A gap exists in formal studies on the natural history and prognosis of established psoriasis.
Conclusions:
- Epidemiology offers a powerful framework for understanding psoriasis, particularly its environmental influences.
- Further research is needed to formally study the natural history and prognosis of psoriasis.
- A numerate and methodologically controlled approach is essential for advancing psoriasis knowledge.