Obesity is another factor associated with psoriasis. Whether it is related to weight alone, genetic predisposition to obesity, or a combination is not certain. Onset or worsening of psoriasis with weight gain and/or improvement with weight loss is observed.
Psoriasis can begin at any age; a bimodal peak in prevalence is noted at age 20-30 years and age 50-60 years. Approximately 10%-15% of new cases begin in children younger than 10 years. The median age at onset is 28 years. Men and women are equally affected. The disease is more common among non-Hispanic white persons than other populations.
Many factors have been observed to trigger psoriasis exacerbations, including cold, trauma, infections (eg, streptococcal, staphylococcal, HIV), alcohol, and drugs (eg, iodides, steroid withdrawal, aspirin, lithium, beta-blockers, botulinum A, antimalarials). Hot weather, sunlight, and pregnancy may be beneficial, although the latter is not universal.
For more information on the etiology and epidemiology of psoriasis, read here.
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Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.
Cite this: Dirk M Elston, William James. Fast Five Quiz: What Do You Know About Psoriasis? - Medscape - Jun 13, 2019.
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