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Psoriasis: familial predisposition and environmental factors
British Medical Journal (Clinical Research Ed.)
|October 12, 1985
Summary
Psoriasis prevalence is increasing, with genetics being the primary driver. Environmental factors like lifestyle and diet appear to have minimal impact on psoriasis development, though a link with rheumatoid arthritis exists.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with a significant public health impact.
- Understanding the prevalence and contributing factors of psoriasis is crucial for effective management and prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of psoriasis in a large adult population.
- To explore the association between psoriasis and various lifestyle, dietary, and health factors, including family history and rheumatoid arthritis.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey of 14,667 adult men and women.
- Data collection via questionnaire on lifestyle, diet, health, and family history of psoriasis.
- Multiple regression analysis to assess the influence of different variables on psoriasis occurrence.
Main Results:
- Overall psoriasis prevalence was 4.79% in men and 4.85% in women.
- Psoriasis occurrence in first-degree relatives explained over 90% of the variance.
- A significant positive association was found between psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis in both sexes.
Conclusions:
- Genetic predisposition, specifically family history, is the predominant factor in psoriasis development.
- Environmental factors examined have a minor influence on psoriasis prevalence.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is a significant comorbidity associated with psoriasis.