Epidemiology

More than 80% of countries in the world lack information on the epidemiology of psoriasis.[4] Published data report prevalence ranging from 0.09% to 11.43%.[5][6] 

A systematic analysis and modeling study reported psoriasis incidence of 30.3 per 100,000 person-years to 321.0 per 100,000 person-years, and prevalence of 0.14% to 1.99%.[4] Incidence and prevalence were relatively low in regions with young populations (e.g., south Asia and sub-Saharan Africa) and higher in regions with older populations (i.e., high-income regions).[4]

In the US, a population-based cross-sectional study (using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data) suggested that psoriasis affects 3% of the adult population (>7.5 million adults).[7] Psoriasis prevalence was similar between women and men.[7] 

A UK population-based cohort study estimated psoriasis incidence to be 129 per 100,000 person-years.[8] 

Peak incidence increases up to 39 years of age then decreases; there may be a second peak between 50 to 59 years or 60 to 69 years.[4] 

Psoriasis is uncommon in children. Patients presenting at a younger age are more likely to have an affected parent and to demonstrate human leukocyte antigen association.[9]

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