Craniomandibular disorders in elderly with psoriasis

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Rheumatology
• Oral Medicine

Background:

• Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the skin and joints.
• Craniomandibular (CM) disorders are common in patients with psoriasis, but their relationship with age is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and severity of craniomandibular disorders in relation to age among psoriasis patients.
• To identify specific CM disorder symptoms that may be age-dependent in this population.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire survey was administered to 1776 psoriasis patients.
• Participants were categorized into groups based on age (≥65 vs. <65 years) and disease manifestation (skin only vs. skin and joint symptoms).
• Prevalence and severity of subjective CM disorder symptoms, including temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sounds and pain, were assessed.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant age-related differences in the overall severity of CM disorders were found in either psoriasis group.
• Younger patients with psoriasis (skin symptoms only) reported significantly more subjective CM symptoms than older patients.
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sounds were reported less frequently by older psoriasis patients compared to younger ones across both disease groups.

Conclusions:

• Apart from TMJ sounds, the frequency and severity of craniomandibular disorder symptoms do not appear to be age-related in psoriasis patients.
• Age may influence the reporting of specific symptoms like TMJ sounds in individuals with psoriasis.
• Further research is warranted to explore the complex interplay between psoriasis, age, and CM disorders.