What is the prevalence of psoriasis in the USA?

June 17, 2025

The Psoriasis Strategy™ By Julissa Clay  to treat your skin problem of psoriasis The Psoriasis Strategy can be the best option for you as it can help you in curing your skin problem without worsening or harming your skin condition. All the tips provided in this eBook can help you in treating your psoriasis permanently, regardless of the period you are suffering from it.


What is the prevalence of psoriasis in the USA?

Psoriasis is a prevalent chronic autoimmune skin condition in the United States, affecting approximately 3.0% of adults, which translates to over 7.5 million individuals aged 20 and older.
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📊 Prevalence by Demographics
Overall U.S. Adult Population: ~3.0%

By Gender:

Women: ~3.2%

Men: ~2.8%

By Race/Ethnicity:

Non-Hispanic White: ~3.6%

Other non-Hispanic (including multiracial): ~3.1%

Asian: ~2.5%

Hispanic: ~1.9%

Black: ~1.5%
self.com
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🕒 Age of Onset
Psoriasis can develop at any age but often presents in two peaks:
psoriasis.org

Early onset: Between 20 and 30 years

Late onset: Between 50 and 60 years
psoriasis.org

🌍 Global Context
Globally, psoriasis affects about 2–3% of the population, equating to approximately 125 million people.
verywellhealth.com

If you’re interested in more detailed information on specific types of psoriasis, treatment options, or management strategies, feel free to ask!

Great question! Psoriasis and eczema (also called atopic dermatitis) are both common chronic skin conditions, but they differ in causes, appearance, symptoms, and treatment. Here’s a detailed comparison:

1. Cause and Mechanism
Aspect Psoriasis Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Cause Autoimmune disorder causing rapid skin cell buildup and inflammation Often related to genetic predisposition and environmental triggers causing skin barrier dysfunction and inflammation
Immune Response Mainly involves T-helper 1 and 17 cells and cytokines like IL-17, IL-23 Mainly involves T-helper 2 cells and allergic-type immune response

2. Appearance
Aspect Psoriasis Eczema
Lesions Well-defined, thick, red plaques with silvery-white scales Red, inflamed, often oozing or crusty patches with less defined edges
Location Commonly on scalp, elbows, knees, lower back, nails Usually on face, neck, inside elbows, behind knees, wrists
Scaling Thick, silvery-white, heavy scaling Fine, flaky scaling or crusting

3. Symptoms
Aspect Psoriasis Eczema
Itching Can be itchy but often less intense than eczema Intense itching, often severe
Pain May cause soreness or burning, especially if cracked Can be very itchy, leading to scratching and pain
Other Nail changes (pitting, thickening), joint pain in psoriatic arthritis Often associated with dry skin and allergic conditions like asthma or hay fever

4. Triggers
Aspect Psoriasis Eczema
Triggers Stress, infections, cold weather, certain medications, skin injury (Koebner phenomenon) Allergens (dust, pollen, pets), irritants (soaps, detergents), dry skin, heat, stress

5. Age of Onset
Aspect Psoriasis Eczema
Common Age Can start at any age, often adults Often starts in infancy or early childhood

6. Treatment Approaches
Aspect Psoriasis Eczema
Common Treatments Topical steroids, vitamin D analogs, phototherapy, systemic immunosuppressants or biologics Moisturizers, topical steroids, antihistamines, avoiding triggers, immunomodulators

Summary Table:
Feature Psoriasis Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Cause Autoimmune skin cell overproduction Allergic/inflammatory skin barrier dysfunction
Appearance Thick, scaly, silvery plaques Red, itchy, sometimes oozing patches
Itching Moderate to severe Usually severe
Typical Locations Scalp, elbows, knees, nails Face, neck, inner elbows/knees
Onset Any age, often adults Usually childhood
Nail involvement Common Rare
Associated Conditions Psoriatic arthritis Allergies, asthma

If you want, I can also help you understand how to distinguish them in tricky cases or discuss treatment options for either condition!


The Psoriasis Strategy™ By Julissa Clay  to treat your skin problem of psoriasis The Psoriasis Strategy can be the best option for you as it can help you in curing your skin problem without worsening or harming your skin condition. All the tips provided in this eBook can help you in treating your psoriasis permanently, regardless of the period you are suffering from it.