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Introduction
Psoriasis vulgaris is a systemic, chronic, inflammatory disorder that can be transmitted genetically and is provoked by environmental factors. It primarily affects the skin and joints. It is associated with other inflammatory disorders and autoimmune diseases (eg psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, coronary artery disease) and is characterized by recurrent exacerbations and remissions.
Epidemiology
In the United States, the prevalence is from 51-79/100,000 cases. In Canada, the prevalence differs by age ranging from 44-225/10,000 cases.
According to the 2019 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) report, the prevalence of psoriasis was approximately 129/100,000 cases in Southeast Asia. In Malaysia, a study claimed that the prevalence was 2-6%.
Pathophysiology
Psoriasis is a complex immune-mediated inflammatory disease involving T lymphocytes, dendritic cells, and cytokines (eg interleukin [IL]-23, IL-17, and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]) causing hyperproliferation and abnormal differentiation of the epidermis, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and vascular dilatation in genetically susceptible patients.