Leslie Massey
Psoriasis is a long-term inflammatory disease that causes red, scaly skin lesions. It is estimated that between 2.3% and 6.6% of the Australian population, or over 600,000 individuals, have psoriasis. This amounts to more than 600,000 Australians facing the daily challenges of the condition, which can significantly impact their physical and mental well-being, leading to pain, itching, social stigma, and anxiety. The condition can also affect the nails and joints, with about 1 in 4 people with psoriasis developing psoriatic arthritis.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevalence in Australia | Between 2.3% and 6.6% of the population or over 600,000 individuals |
| Prevalence worldwide | 60 million people |
| Prevalence in the UK | 1.52% of the population |
| Prevalence in Taiwan | 0.05% of the population |
| Most common form | Plaque psoriasis |
| Age of onset | Usually begins in young adulthood, and 3 out of 4 people develop it before the age of 45 |
| Symptoms | Dry, raised, red patches of skin covered with silvery scales |
| Body parts affected | Knees, elbows, lower back, scalp, nails, genitals, hands, feet, and finger or toenails |
| Nail changes | Affects about 1 in 2 people with psoriasis, causing pitted, discoloured or crumbly nails |
| Joint pain | Affects about 3 out of 10 people with psoriasis |
| Comorbidities | Psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, obesity, insulin resistance, mental health disorders, certain types of malignancy, inflammatory bowel disease, hepatic and renal disease, and immune-related disorders |
| Treatment | Topical treatments, light therapy, systemic treatments, acupuncture, yoga, mindfulness practices, biologic drugs, telehealth, clinical trials, and complementary therapies |
| Support | Support groups, resources, and advocacy provided by the Psoriasis Association of Australia |
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What You'll Learn
- Psoriasis prevalence in Australia: 2.3% to 6.6% of the population, or over 600,000 people
- Psoriasis comorbidities: Psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, depression and more
- Treatment options: Topical treatments, light therapy, systemic medications, biologics
- Impact on individuals: Physical pain, social stigma, anxiety, unemployment
- Support systems: Support groups, stress management techniques, clinical trials
Psoriasis prevalence in Australia: 2.3% to 6.6% of the population, or over 600,000 people
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with multiple distinct subtypes, including plaque, flexural, guttate, pustular, and erythrodermic. It is characterised by red, scaly patches on the skin and can also affect the joints and nails. While there is no cure for psoriasis, various treatment options are available to help manage the condition.
In Australia, psoriasis is estimated to affect between 2.3% and 6.6% of the population, which equates to more than 600,000 individuals. The condition can significantly impact the physical and mental well-being of those affected, leading to pain, itching, social stigma, anxiety, and even depression. The economic burden of treating psoriasis in Australia is significant, with an estimated annual cost of over $1 billion.
Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of the condition, followed by scalp psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis typically presents as thick, silvery scales on the skin and can occur on any part of the body, including the scalp, hands, feet, nails, and genitals. It tends to come and go over time, and symptoms usually begin in young adulthood, with 3 out of 4 people developing it before the age of 45.
The management of psoriasis involves a holistic and multidisciplinary approach due to its association with various comorbidities. These include psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, mental health disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, and other immune-related disorders. Recognising and addressing these comorbidities are crucial for optimal patient care and can lead to earlier diagnosis and better overall health outcomes.
To effectively manage psoriasis, individuals in Australia have access to various treatment options, including topical treatments, light therapy, and systemic medications. Support groups, such as the Psoriasis Association of Australia, also provide valuable resources, advocacy, and support for individuals and families living with psoriasis in the country.
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Psoriasis comorbidities: Psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, depression and more
In Australia, between 2.3% and 6.6% of the population or about 1 in 15 to 50 people have psoriasis, a long-term inflammatory skin disease. While the skin is the most visibly affected organ, psoriasis is associated with several other disorders. These disorders include:
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a form of inflammatory arthritis that affects joints and areas where tendons connect with bones, causing stiffness, pain, swelling, and potential joint damage. It is the most common comorbidity of psoriasis, affecting between 6% and 41% of people with psoriasis.
Cardiovascular Disease
Psoriasis is an independent risk factor for myocardial infarction, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of excess death in patients with severe psoriasis, likely due to the inflammatory mediators involved in both psoriasis and atherosclerotic diseases.
Depression and Anxiety
Individuals with psoriasis have an increased risk of depression and anxiety compared to those without the skin condition. This may be due to factors such as fear of stigmatisation, impaired social life, higher rates of unemployment, and sexual dysfunction.
Other Comorbidities
Psoriasis has also been linked to other comorbidities, including malignancy, inflammatory bowel disease, hepatic and renal disease, insulin resistance, obesity, and other immune-related disorders. Effective treatment of psoriasis can help lower the risk of these associated conditions.
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Treatment options: Topical treatments, light therapy, systemic medications, biologics
While there is no exact data on how many people in Australia have psoriasis, it is a prevalent condition affecting about 3 out of 4 people before the age of 45. It is a long-term inflammatory disease that causes red, scaly skin lesions and can also affect the nails and joints.
Topical Treatments
Medications applied to the skin are typically the first line of defense when treating psoriasis. Topical treatments slow down excessive cell reproduction and reduce inflammation. Topical steroids are the most frequent treatment option and are derived from natural corticosteroid hormones. They are available over the counter or by prescription, depending on their strength. Other topical treatments include non-steroidal options with ingredients such as anthralin, synthetic vitamin D3, and vitamin A. These can be purchased over the counter in various forms, including lotions, foams, tars, bath solutions, and shampoos.
Light Therapy
Light therapy, or phototherapy, involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light, specifically UVB light, on a regular basis. This can be done in a medical office, clinic, or at home with a prescription phototherapy unit. UVB light slows the growth of affected skin cells. Excimer laser treatment is another form of light therapy that targets mild-to-moderate psoriasis, particularly on the scalp.
Systemic Medications
Systemic treatments affect the entire body and are typically used in moderate to severe cases of psoriasis. These medications are usually taken orally and can have significant side effects. For example, cyclosporine lowers the immune system and slows skin cell growth but can lead to kidney problems, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Apremilast (Otezla) is a newer drug that targets long-term inflammatory diseases like psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. It shuts down an enzyme in the immune system, reducing inflammation.
Biologics
Biologics are prescribed for individuals with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, especially when other treatments have not worked or have caused harmful side effects. They are typically administered by injection or IV infusion and target specific parts of the immune system. Biologics such as Cimzia, Enbrel, Humira, and Remicade block proteins or immune cells that play a major role in the development of psoriasis. These biologics are also considered disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), helping to slow or stop joint damage.
It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable treatment option for managing psoriasis.
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Impact on individuals: Physical pain, social stigma, anxiety, unemployment
While I wasn't able to find information specific to Australia, psoriasis is a skin condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It causes thick, scaly areas of skin called plaques and can occur anywhere on the body, including the scalp, hands, feet, nails, and genitals.
Physical Pain
Psoriasis is often dry, itchy, and painful. It can cause cracked skin, which may lead to bleeding if scratched. In severe cases, lesions (larger areas of skin damage) can form. About one in three people with psoriasis will also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint pain, swelling, and impaired mobility.
Social Stigma
Psoriasis is associated with a significant psychological burden, including social stigma that can lead to depressive symptoms. Skin diseases like psoriasis still arouse aversion and intolerance in society, which can result in stigmatization and a negative impact on patients' social lives.
Anxiety and Depression
The stress of living with a psoriatic disease can be immense, and many patients experience anxiety and depression. In one study, 45.3% of participants presented with mild depressive symptoms, and 12.8% had moderate depressive symptoms. Stigmatization was found to be the most powerful predictor of depressive symptoms, accounting for 33% of the variance.
Unemployment
Psoriasis can affect a person's ability to work, especially if it impacts their hands or feet, making it difficult to use a keyboard or stand for extended periods. Psoriatic arthritis can further impair mobility and the ability to perform physical tasks. In a survey, about 80% of people with psoriatic arthritis reported under- or unemployment due to their disease, and 40% said it made physical tasks challenging.
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Support systems: Support groups, stress management techniques, clinical trials
Although an exact figure is not readily available, psoriasis is a common condition in Australia, affecting about 1 in every 2 people. It is a long-term inflammatory disease that causes red, scaly skin lesions and can also affect the nails and joints. While there is no cure for psoriasis, various treatments can help manage the condition.
Support Groups
Support groups can provide valuable emotional and practical support for people living with psoriasis. These groups offer a sense of community and understanding, as members often share similar experiences and challenges. Support groups may also provide educational resources, advice on managing the condition, and updates on the latest treatments and research developments.
Stress Management Techniques
Stress is a known trigger for psoriasis flare-ups, and the two are strongly linked. Stress management techniques are crucial for helping to manage the condition. Doctors recommend finding healthy ways to cope with stress, such as regular exercise, which has innumerable health benefits, including weight loss, which can also alleviate psoriasis symptoms. Other stress management techniques may include mindfulness exercises, hobbies, and spending time outdoors.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials play a crucial role in advancing treatment options for psoriasis. In Australia, institutions like The Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH) conduct clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of new treatments for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Eligible participants in these trials must be at least 18 years old with a diagnosis of chronic plaque psoriasis, have at least 10% of their body surface area affected, and be able to comply with medication requirements. These trials contribute to the development of improved treatments, increasing the quality of life for people living with psoriasis.
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Frequently asked questions
It is estimated that between 2.3% and 6.6% of the Australian population have psoriasis, which equates to over 600,000 individuals.
Psoriasis can significantly impact physical and mental well-being, leading to pain, itching, social stigma, and anxiety. At least 4 in 10 bio-maintenance patients in Australia reported losing confidence (48%) and feeling pain (41%).
The estimated annual cost of treating psoriasis in Australia is over $1 billion.
