Names |
- Guttate psoriasis (subtype)
Category: Skin |
Prevalence |
Published: From 8,665,800 to 12,332,100 cases in the US (Rachakonda 2014).
ARI Data: An estimated 2,338,685 cases in the U.S. Female/Male ratio: 1.2x. |
Age of Onset |
Onset typically occurs between ages 15 and 35. |
Description |
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes raised, red, scaly patches to appear on the skin. It affects 1% to 3% of people in Western countries. Psoriasis can appear anywhere on the body, with some cases being mild and others severe enough to significantly impact quality of life. The condition can develop at any age, with earlier onset associated with more severe disease than later onset. Various triggers, including trauma, infections, dry skin, and certain medications, can worsen the condition. Some people with psoriasis may also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint pain and stiffness.
The disease is caused by an overactive immune system, where T cells mistakenly attack the skin, leading to inflammation and rapid skin cell turnover. This process is driven by immune system proteins called cytokines, such as IL-23 and TNF-α, which promote inflammation. Treatments targeting these immune responses, such as biologic medications and immunosuppressants, have been effective in managing symptoms. Despite its autoimmune features, researchers have yet to identify the exact self-antigen that triggers the immune response in psoriasis.
The development of psoriasis involves a complex cycle of immune activation and skin cell dysfunction. Triggers such as physical injury or infections can initiate an immune response that leads to inflammation and the recruitment of immune cells into the skin. These immune cells release cytokines that further stimulate skin cells, causing thickening and scaling. While genetic factors play a role in susceptibility, environmental triggers are also important. Ongoing research aims to better understand the disease mechanisms and develop more targeted therapies to improve treatment outcomes.
Evidence of autoimmunity: T cells ICD-10 Codes: L40     SNOMED Codes: 9014002
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Symptoms |
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Resources |
Link to Clinical Trials Link to PubMed |
References |
Link to Mayo Clinic
Link to Cleveland Clinic
Link to Healthline
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Profile by: Aaron AbendProfile updated February 2025Charts generated Feb 19, 2025 at 06:51 PM ET |
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Psoriasis sex breakdown
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Psoriasis age breakdown
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Patient ethnicities
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