A recently published analysis that appeared in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology has concluded that the general percentage of adults in the U.S. diagnosed with psoriasis remains unchanged at 3% over the past 10 years. However, the investigators mention several points of concern that aren’t reflected in this general summary.
For starters, they point out that the population in America has expanded. Consequently, a stable overall percentage of individuals diagnosed with psoriasis shouldn’t be taken to mean that the caseload has decreased. For example, at the current U.S. population, 3% translates into approximately 8 million individuals, which is a large number.
Additionally, the team draws a query about the finding that the condition is most common among non-Hispanic whites. While the data says so, the researchers wonder whether these figures are truly reflective of the reality or they document only the reported cases of psoriasis in whites while other ethnic groups, such as Blacks, Americans of Asian origin and other minority groups show lower prevalence simply because of other factors, such as lack of access to dermatology specialists.
Doctor Joe Tung, who took part in the study, explains that they wanted to get latest data on the prevalence of psoriasis since the existing data was outdated. Current information is important, according to Tung, because the condition impacts individuals economically, emotionally, socially and physically.
He adds that having up-to-date data will also help in the push to make the treatment of this condition more individualized and relevant.
Tung says the data on prevalence was surprising because at his practice, they treat plenty of people with psoriasis. He thinks that the 3% prevalence rate could be due to underdiagnosis of the condition in various sections of the U.S. population. He wonders whether these figures reflect an underlying existence of barriers that prevent many from accessing dermatological care in the country.
He suggests that trainees at medical schools need to be better educated about psoriasis, and this training should be provided earlier on. Special emphasis should be directed towards how psoriasis manifests in people of different ethnic backgrounds in different ways.
There is need to conduct comprehensive community engagement in underserved areas while also improving dermatological care access in those areas. Further research should also be more intentional about capturing data on all ethnic groups since the existing studies largely had Whites as study subjects.
The estimates of how many people within the U.S. suffer from psoriasis are concerning. As more is done to improve access to diagnostic services, it is also urgent to develop effective treatments against this condition. The R&D efforts being undertaken by firms like Soligenix Inc. (NASDAQ: SNGX) are a step in the right direction.
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