A clinical study on latest trends of psoriasis in patients attending dermatology OPD in a tertiary care center

Latest trends in psoriasis

Abstract

Background Psoriasis is a chronic papulosquamous disorder of skin associated with systemic manifestations. Genetic and environmental factors play a major role in the development of psoriasis. Studies in India reveal a prevalence of 0.44 to 2.8%.  Updated data of clinical trends will help in the diagnosis and management.   Methods To calculate hospital-based prevalence and the clinical patterns of psoriasis among patients attending dermatology out patient department, Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India, a descriptive cross-sectional study was designed and conducted for 6 months from October 2020 to March 2021. A total of 430 patients with psoriatic features attended our OPD during this 6 months’ period. Histopathological examination was done for relevant cases.   Results A total 9821 patients attended to the dermatology out patient department during this period. Out of which 430 patients had psoriatic features, so it gives a hospital based prevalence of 4.4%. Out of 430 patients, 58% were males and the disease was most common in 25 -50 years’ age group (53%). Most common clinical pattern observed irrespective of age and sex was Chronic Plaque psoriasis. Palmoplantar psoriasis (35%) and Scalp psoriasis (10.1%) were also common. Obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, dye allergy and detergent allergy were frequently associated with the disease.   Conclusion There is a slight increase in the hospital-based prevalence of psoriasis in our study which may be attributed to the lifestyle changes and comorbidities like obesity, diabetes and hypertension. Increased incidence of allergic contact dermatitis with use of dyes, detergent and cosmetics may be the trigger for scalp and palmoplantar psoriasis.   Key words Psoriasis, comorbidities, dye allergy, detergent allergy, palmoplantar psoriasis.