Study Finds Psoriasis Rising — Wealthier Regions See Higher Rates; Kim Kardashian Among Patients
Creatrip Team
3 months ago
A JAMA Dermatology analysis reports global psoriasis cases rose from 23.1 million in 1990 to 43.0 million in 2021, an 86% increase. Rates increased more for men (over 10%) than women (over 7%). High-income regions such as North America and Western Europe showed the highest prevalence; the U.S. has over 7.5 million affected adults. Researchers suggest unusually high hygiene in wealthy societies may reduce early microbial exposure and weaken immune development, and better reporting/diagnosis in rich countries may also inflate numbers. Public figures including Kim Kardashian and her mother Kris Jenner have shared struggles with psoriasis; Kardashian posted that flare-ups made life “painful” and linked stress to worsening symptoms. In South Korea about 0.5% of the population is estimated to have psoriasis. The chronic autoimmune skin disease causes red, scaly patches (often on elbows, knees, scalp) and itchiness; triggers include stress, infections, skin injury, certain drugs and climate changes. Psoriasis is not contagious and has no cure, but topical treatments, oral meds, phototherapy and biologic agents can control symptoms. Ongoing self-care—moisturizing, avoiding irritation, stress and diet management, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol—is important to prevent flare-ups.
