5.5 million people in the USA (NIAMS) ... see also overview of Psoriasis.
approx 1 in 49 or 2.02% or 5.5 million people in USA [Source statistic for calcuation: "5.5 million people in the USA (NIAMS)" -- see also general information about data sources]
Psoriasis affects between 1 and 2 percent of the United States population, or about 5.5 million people. (Source: excerpt from Questions and Answers About Psoriasis: NIAMS) ... Psoriasis is common and may affect more than 2 out of 100 Americans. (Source: excerpt from Understanding Autoimmune Disease: NIAID) ... Psoriasis affects 1.5 to 2 percent of the United States population, or almost 5 million people. (Source: excerpt from Psoriasis: NWHIC)
The following statistics relate to the prevalence of Psoriasis:
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the prevalence and/or incidence of Psoriasis.
The tendency to develop psoriasis is genetically determined. Researchers have discovered a significantly higher-than-normal incidence of certain human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) in families with psoriasis, suggesting a possible immune disorder. Onset of the disease is also influenced by environmental factors. Trauma can trigger the isomorphic effect or Koebner’s phenomenon, in which lesions develop at sites of injury. Infections, especially those resulting from beta-hemolytic streptococci, may cause a flare of guttate (drop-shaped) lesions. Other contributing factors include pregnancy, endocrine changes, climate (cold weather tends to exacerbate psoriasis), and emotional stress.
Generally, a skin cell takes 14 days to move from the basal layer to the stratum corneum, where, after 14 days of normal wear and tear, it’s sloughed off. The life cycle of a normal skin cell is 28 days, compared with only 4 days for a psoriatic skin cell. This markedly shortened cycle doesn’t allow time for the cell to mature. Consequently, the stratum corneum becomes thick and flaky, producing the cardinal manifestations of psoriasis.
Psoriasis affects approximately 2% of the population in the United States, and incidence is higher in whites than other races. Although this disorder is most common in young adults, it may strike at any age, including infancy.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Psoriasis is universal in occurrence, but the prevalence varies in different populations. The average prevalence in the US is estimated at 1–3%.
Source: The 5-Minute Pediatric Consult, 2008
The term 'prevalence' of Psoriasis usually refers to the estimated population of people who are managing Psoriasis at any given time. The term 'incidence' of Psoriasis refers to the annual diagnosis rate, or the number of new cases of Psoriasis diagnosed each year. Hence, these two statistics types can differ: a short-lived disease like flu can have high annual incidence but low prevalence, but a life-long disease like diabetes has a low annual incidence but high prevalence. For more information see about prevalence and incidence statistics.
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