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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:

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The Signs and Symptoms of Psoriasis

The signs and symptoms of psoriasis vary depending on the type you have. Some common signs for plaque psoriasis -- the most common type of psoriasis -- include: Plaques of red, inflamed skin, often covered with loose, silver-colored scales. These plaques may be itchy and painful and sometimes crack and bleed. In severe cases, the plaques will grow and merge into one another, covering large areas. Disorders of the fingernails and toenails, including discoloration and pitting of the nails....

Read the The Signs and Symptoms of Psoriasis article > >

  • 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.

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerKathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerAlexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Last RevisedJanuary 6, 2010

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: January 06, 2010
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.

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