Psoriasis Severity and the Prevalence of Major Medical Comorbidity

Abstract

Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory disease, mediated by type 1 and 17 helper T cells, which affects 2% to 3% of the general population.^1,2 Although conventionally considered a disease limited to the skin and joints, increasing evidence suggests that psoriasis has far-reaching systemic effects.^3-15 Research characterizing the risk of comorbidity in patients with psoriasis may advance our understanding of the natural history of psoriasis and improve clinical practice. In particular, the presence of comorbid diseases may affect psoriasis treatment choice and monitoring, as well as inform the provision of comprehensive care with proper health screening, evaluation, and management.^16,17