Who is affected by psoriasis

Who is affected by psoriasis

Psoriasis is more common in adults than in children. It is equally common in women and men.1

Psoriasis affects:

  • 1% to 3% of people throughout the world.2
  • About 2% to 3% of people in the United States. Every year about 150,000 people in the U.S. are newly diagnosed with psoriasis.1
  • Some cultures more than others.3 For example, it is common in Japanese people but not in native North Americans or native South Americans. It is uncommon among blacks in tropical areas, but it is seen more often among blacks in temperate areas, such as in the United States and Europe, where the year-round climate is moderate.

Citations

  1. Gudjonsson JE, Elder JT (2008). Psoriasis. In K Wolff et al., eds., Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine, 7th ed., vol. 1, pp. 169–193. New York: McGraw-Hill Medical.
  2. Habif TP, et al. (2005). Psoriasis and other papulosquamous diseases. In Skin Disease: Diagnosis and Treatment, pp. 106–115. Philadelphia: Elsevier Mosby.
  3. Abel E, Lebwohl M (2008). Psoriasis. In EG Nabel, ed., ACP Medicine, section 2, chap. 3. Hamilton, ON: BC Decker.
By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Last Revised January 6, 2010

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