Psoriasis: epidemiology, clinical features, and quality of life

Abstract

Psoriasis is a common chronic, recurrent, immune mediated disease of the skin and joints. It can have a significant negative impact on the physical, emotional, and, psychosocial wellbeing of affected patients. Psoriasis is found worldwide but the prevalence varies among different ethnic groups. It has a strong genetic component but environmental factors such as infections can play an important role in the presentation of disease. There are several clinical cutaneous manifestations of psoriasis but most commonly the disease presents as chronic, symmetrical, erythematous, scaling papules and plaques. The epidemiology, clinical features, and impact on quality of life of psoriasis are reviewed.

Figure 1

Symmetrical distribution of psoriatic lesions on the back and elbows.

Figure 2

Nummular (coin-sized) lesions of psoriasis.

Figure 3

Palmoplantar pustulosis.

Figure 4

Nail changes in psoriasis. Reproduced with permission.

Figure 5

Nail plates in a patient with psoriasis. They are thickened, dystrophic, and show orange-yellow areas (oil spots).