How is the epidemiology of psoriasis?

• Psoriasis is a global health problem with a worldwide prevalence 2% - Variation between countries - Equally prevalent in both sexes - Prevalence increasing • 75% of patients experience onset before 40 years of age: 35 to 50% of patients experience onset prior the age of 20 years • Up to 7.5 million people in the US are affected • Affects men and women equally • Can affect all races • Often appears first in young adults • Age of onset in 2 peaks: ages 20-30 and ages 50-60, but can be seen at any age • Up to 30% of patients with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis