Back to Journals » Psoriasis: Targets and Therapy » Volume 2

Psoriasis: epidemiology, natural history, and differential diagnosis

Authors Basko-Plluska J, Petronic-Rosic V

Received 30 May 2012

Accepted for publication 16 July 2012

Published 11 September 2012 Volume 2012:2 Pages 67—76

DOI https://doi.org/10.2147/PTT.S24009

Checked for plagiarism Yes

Review by Single anonymous peer review

Peer reviewer comments 3



Juliana L Basko-Plluska, Vesna Petronic-Rosic

Department of Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA

Abstract: Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated, inflammatory disease which affects primarily the skin and joints. It occurs worldwide, but its prevalence varies considerably between different regions of the world. Genetic susceptibility as well as environmental factors play an important role in determining the development and prognosis of psoriasis. Genome-wide association studies have identified many genetic loci as potential psoriasis susceptibility regions, including PSORS1 through PSORS7. Histocompatibility antigen (HLA) studies have also identified several HLA antigens, with HLA-Cw6 being the most frequently associated antigen. Epidemiological studies identified several modifiable risk factors that may predispose individuals to developing psoriasis or exacerbate pre-existing disease. These include smoking, obesity, alcohol consumption, diet, infections, medications and stressful life events. The exact mechanism by which they trigger psoriasis remains to be elucidated; however, existing data suggest that they are linked through Th1-mediated immunological pathways. The natural history of psoriasis varies depending on the clinical subtype as well as special circumstances, including pregnancy and HIV infection. In general, psoriasis is a chronic disease with intermittent remissions and exacerbations. The differential diagnosis is vast and includes many other immune-mediated, inflammatory disorders.

Keywords: psoriasis, epidemiology, natural history, differential diagnosis

Creative Commons License © 2012 The Author(s). This work is published and licensed by Dove Medical Press Limited. The full terms of this license are available at https://www.dovepress.com/terms.php and incorporate the Creative Commons Attribution - Non Commercial (unported, v3.0) License. By accessing the work you hereby accept the Terms. Non-commercial uses of the work are permitted without any further permission from Dove Medical Press Limited, provided the work is properly attributed. For permission for commercial use of this work, please see paragraphs 4.2 and 5 of our Terms.