Severe Psoriasis Epidemiology Forecast 2025-2034

The World Psoriasis Day Consortium estimates that approximately 2% to 3% of the global population suffers from some form of psoriasis, including severe cases. This equates to over 125 million individuals worldwide living with this condition. Psoriasis can develop at any age but typically first appears between the ages of 15 and 25.

Severe Psoriasis Epidemiology Forecast Report Coverage

The Severe Psoriasis Epidemiology Forecast Report 2025-2034 delivers a comprehensive analysis of the condition’s prevalence and associated demographic factors. It projects future incidence and prevalence trends across diverse population groups, considering key variables such as age, gender, and severe psoriasis type. The report highlights change in prevalence over time and offers data-driven forecasts based on influencing factors. Additionally, it provides an in-depth overview of the disease, along with historical and projected epidemiological data for eight key markets:

The United States, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Japan, and India.

Severe Psoriasis:

Disease Overview

Severe psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition characterised by inflamed, thickened, and scaly skin. It is more extensive and intense than mild or moderate psoriasis, often affecting large areas of the body. This form can lead to red, inflamed patches of skin covered with silvery scales, commonly on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Severe psoriasis can significantly impact a person's quality of life, causing discomfort, pain, and emotional distress. It may also be linked with other health issues such as arthritis and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Treatment often involves systemic therapy.

Epidemiology Overview

The epidemiology section of severe psoriasis provides insights into the patient pool from historical data to current trends, as well as projected trends for the major markets. The Research reviews a wide range of studies to assess both present and future trends for severe psoriasis. The report also details diagnosed cases and trends, categorising the data by factors such as age groups and patient demographics.

• According to the Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance, approximately 65,000 individuals in the United Kingdom, or 5% of those with psoriasis, have severe psoriasis.
• A 2021 study in The United States, which involved 12,625 participants, showed that 21.5% had moderate to severe psoriasis.
• Psoriasis affects around 2% of the population in Western countries, with regional variations ranging from 0.09% to 11.43%. In the UK, it impacts 2 in 100 people, and the condition can appear at any age, affecting both men and women equally.

Severe Psoriasis:

Treatment Overview

Severe psoriasis requires a comprehensive treatment approach to manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and improve quality of life. Treatments are aimed at controlling flare-ups, preventing complications, and addressing the underlying immune system dysfunction. Several therapies are available, including topical treatments, phototherapy, systemic medications, and biologic therapies. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of the condition, the patient's overall health, and the specific type of psoriasis.

1. Topical Treatments:

Topical treatments are commonly used for mild to moderate psoriasis but can also benefit individuals with severe cases. These include corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, and retinoids. They help reduce inflammation, slow skin cell turnover, and manage plaques. However, prolonged use of corticosteroids may lead to skin thinning, so these should be used with caution.

2. Phototherapy:

Phototherapy involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet (UV) light, specifically UVB light. This treatment reduces the rapid skin cell turnover associated with psoriasis. Phototherapy is effective for widespread psoriasis and can be combined with other treatments. It requires multiple sessions in a clinical setting but can significantly improve skin condition over time.

3. Systemic Medications:

For moderate to severe psoriasis, systemic medications may be prescribed. These include oral drugs like methotrexate, cyclosporine, and acitretin, which work by suppressing the immune system or slowing down skin cell growth. While effective, they can have side effects such as liver damage and increased risk of infections, so regular monitoring is required.

4. Biologic Therapies:

Biologics are targeted therapies that work by blocking specific immune system pathways involved in psoriasis. These include medications like TNF inhibitors (e.g., etanercept), IL-17 inhibitors (e.g., secukinumab), and IL-23 inhibitors (e.g., guselkumab). Administered via injection, biologics are highly effective for severe cases and offer long-term relief with fewer side effects than systemic drugs.

5. Lifestyle and Supportive Measures:

In addition to medical treatments, lifestyle changes can help manage psoriasis symptoms. These include maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding triggers such as stress and alcohol, and practicing proper skin care with moisturizers to prevent dryness and cracking. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can also improve immune function and skin health.

Severe Psoriasis:

Burden Analysis

Severe psoriasis significantly impacts patients’ quality of life, often leading to physical, emotional, and social challenges. The constant discomfort from itching, pain, and skin lesions can affect daily activities, making it difficult to work, maintain relationships, or engage in social interactions. Mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety are common due to the visible nature of the condition. The chronic nature of severe psoriasis can also result in a sense of isolation, affecting overall well-being. Additionally, the need for ongoing treatment and frequent flare-ups can lead to increased healthcare costs and a reduction in overall productivity.

Key Epidemiology Trends

• Increasing Prevalence and Awareness

The global prevalence of severe psoriasis has shown a consistent increase, primarily due to rising risk factors like obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and stress. As the global population ages and lifestyle-related conditions become more common, the incidence of severe psoriasis is expected to rise, particularly in regions with high levels of urbanization and changing dietary patterns. Additionally, greater awareness and improved diagnostic practices have led to more people being diagnosed with the condition. This trend underscores the growing burden of severe psoriasis on both individuals and healthcare systems worldwide.

• Higher Incidence in Western Countries

Severe psoriasis remains more prevalent in Western countries compared to other regions, especially those with high rates of obesity and metabolic syndrome. In The United States and parts of Europe, the incidence of severe psoriasis is significantly higher than in areas with less urbanization. This is partly due to lifestyle factors such as diet and the increasing prevalence of comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension, which are closely associated with psoriasis. The trend suggests that improving lifestyle factors in these regions could be key in controlling the disease burden.

• Gender and Age-related Trends

While severe psoriasis affects both men and women equally, emerging data has shown that men tend to develop the condition at a younger age compared to women. The average age of onset is typically between 15 and 25 years, although severe cases can emerge later. For both genders, the severity of the disease tends to increase with age, potentially due to prolonged exposure to environmental and lifestyle risk factors. The trend of earlier onset in men also presents unique challenges for healthcare providers in terms of early intervention and management strategies.

• Increasing Comorbidities

An important epidemiological trend in severe psoriasis is its association with several comorbid conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, and inflammatory bowel diseases. Psoriasis is now recognized as a systemic inflammatory condition, and patients with severe psoriasis are at an increased risk for developing other chronic diseases. Cardiovascular diseases, in particular, are a major concern, with individuals suffering from severe psoriasis having a higher likelihood of experiencing heart attacks, strokes, and hypertension. This trend has shifted the focus from merely treating skin symptoms to managing overall health and comorbidities in patients with severe psoriasis.

• Impact of Climate and Environmental Factors

Environmental and climatic changes have shown to influence the onset and severity of psoriasis. For example, cold and dry climates are often associated with increased flare-ups, while warmer and more humid environments may offer some relief. Research has shown that changes in air quality, pollution levels, and increased exposure to chemicals and allergens may exacerbate psoriasis symptoms. Furthermore, individuals living in regions with high ultraviolet (UV) exposure have been found to have a lower risk of developing severe psoriasis, highlighting the complex interplay between environmental factors and disease manifestation.

Analysis By Region

The epidemiology of severe psoriasis varies across countries and regions due to differences in healthcare infrastructure, socioeconomic factors, cultural attitudes towards pain, and access to pain management therapies. Understanding these variations is essential for developing targeted interventions and improving patient outcomes.

Key regions include:

• The United States
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Spain
• The United Kingdom
• Japan
• India

These regions exhibit distinct epidemiological trends, reflecting the unique challenges and opportunities within their healthcare systems.

The epidemiology of severe psoriasis differs considerably across countries due to variations in genetic factors, environmental influences (such as sunlight, air pollution, and temperature), healthcare availability, and lifestyle choices, including alcohol and tobacco use, stress levels, and obesity rates. In The United States, psoriasis affects around 3.2% of women and 2.8% of men, based on a 2021 study and the 2020 U.S. census. This means that more than 7.4 million individuals aged 20 and above are living with psoriasis, including severe cases, in the country.

Key Questions Answered

1. How do socioeconomic factors influence the prevalence and outcomes of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease in different regions?
2. What role does vaccination coverage play in reducing the global burden of infectious diseases such as measles or influenza?
3. How does urbanization contribute to the rise in non-communicable diseases, and what interventions can mitigate its effects?
4. What are the key environmental factors contributing to the increasing rates of respiratory diseases in industrialised nations?
5. How do genetic predispositions affect the epidemiology of diseases like diabetes or cancer, and what preventive measures can be taken for high-risk populations?
6. What impact does global travel have on the spread and epidemiology of infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis or COVID-19?
7. How does the ageing population in developed countries affect the burden of diseases like dementia and osteoarthritis, and what public health strategies are needed?
8. In what ways do changes in dietary patterns and physical activity levels influence the prevalence of metabolic syndromes across different populations?
9. How can public health surveillance systems be improved to more accurately track emerging health threats and facilitate timely interventions?
10. What are the long-term epidemiological effects of pandemics, such as COVID-19, on chronic disease management and healthcare systems globally?

Scope of the Report

• The report covers a detailed analysis of signs and symptoms, causes, risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment options, and classification/types of severe psoriasis based on several factors.
• The severe psoriasis epidemiology forecast report covers data for the eight major markets (the US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, Japan, and India)
• The report helps to identify the patient population, the unmet needs of severe psoriasis are highlighted along with an assessment of the disease's risk and burden.