Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Measuring Psoriasis Severity at Home
02:28

Measuring Psoriasis Severity at Home

Published on: March 1, 2024

Epidemiology and comorbidity of psoriasis in children

M Augustin1, G Glaeske, M A Radtke

  • 1CVderm - German Center for Health Services Research in Dermatology, Department of Dermatology, University Clinics of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany. m.augustin@derma.de

The British Journal of Dermatology
|November 20, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Psoriasis is common in children, affecting 0.71% of those under 18. Juvenile psoriasis significantly increases the risk of other health issues like obesity and diabetes, requiring early detection and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Epidemiology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Psoriasis affects all age groups, but epidemiological studies on childhood psoriasis are limited.
  • Understanding the prevalence and associated conditions in juvenile psoriasis is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of juvenile psoriasis in Germany.
  • To assess comorbidities associated with childhood psoriasis using health insurance data.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of a German statutory health insurance database covering approximately 1.3 million individuals.
  • Identification of psoriasis cases using ICD-10 codes (L40.*) for all patient contacts in 2005.
  • Evaluation of comorbidities through ICD-10 diagnoses.

Main Results:

  • Psoriasis prevalence was 2.5% in 2005; 0.71% in children under 18.
  • Prevalence increased linearly from 0.12% at age 1 to 1.2% at age 18.
  • Juvenile psoriasis patients (under 20) had double the comorbidity rate, including hyperlipidemia, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and Crohn disease.

Conclusions:

  • Psoriasis is a prevalent condition in children, similar to adults.
  • Juvenile psoriasis is linked to significant comorbidities, necessitating early detection and management.
  • Increased clinical attention to early diagnosis and treatment of pediatric psoriasis is recommended.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Prevalence and Incidence01:08

Prevalence and Incidence

In statistical epidemiology and health sciences, two essential metrics—prevalence and incidence—are fundamental for understanding disease dynamics within a population. These measures enable public health officials, epidemiologists, and researchers to assess the burden of diseases, allocate resources effectively, and design impactful public health policies and interventions.
Prevalence indicates the proportion of individuals in a population who have a specific disease or health condition at a...
Acne Infection01:27

Acne Infection

Acne is a multifactorial skin condition primarily affecting adolescents and young adults, with a global prevalence estimated to exceed 75% in this demographic. The condition is characterized by the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, pustules, nodules, and, in severe cases, cysts, particularly in areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the face, neck, chest, and back. The pathogenesis involves increased sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, colonization by...
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia01:29

Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, a complex psychiatric disorder, has been historically misunderstood. Early psychological theories attributed its origins to childhood trauma and unresponsive parenting. However, contemporary research largely rejects these notions, favoring the vulnerability-stress hypothesis. This model proposes that individuals with a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia may develop the disorder following exposure to significant environmental stressors. Notably, studies on high-risk...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism01:24

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism

In pediatric care, understanding the nuances of hepatic drug metabolism is crucial, as it significantly differs from that of adults. This divergence is primarily due to the developmental stage of drug-metabolizing enzymes, which affects how medications are processed in the body. In neonates, for instance, the activity of Phase I enzymes—critical for the initial breakdown of drugs—is markedly reduced, functioning at just 20–40% of the levels seen in adults. This reduction poses a challenge in...
Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption01:23

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...