Psoriatic disease is not simply a skin problem.
It is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease that can affect the skin, nails, joints, and emotional well-being, leading to psychological distress and social challenges. The World Health Organization’s 2016 Global Report on Psoriasis describes psoriasis as a painful, disfiguring, and disabling disease that can profoundly affect quality of life.
The visible plaques are only one part of the story.
Behind the skin can be inflammation, joint disease, metabolic problems, cardiovascular risk, psychological distress, and social stigma. Recognizing these challenges helps foster empathy and encourages supportive care for the whole person.
Psoriasis is not contagious.
You cannot catch it from another person through touching, hugging, sharing food or being close to someone who has psoriasis.
Psoriasis is NOT caused by poor hygiene.
How common is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a global disease, although its prevalence varies considerably between countries and populations.
The WHO Global Report on Psoriasis reported that prevalence estimates across countries ranged from 0.09% to 11.4%. A systematic review conducted for the WHO report found adult prevalence estimates ranging from 0.51% to 11.43%, while estimates in children ranged from 0% to 1.37%.
More recent Global Psoriasis Atlas estimates suggest that approximately 43 million people worldwide have physician- or dermatologist-diagnosed psoriasis, while self-reported estimates reach approximately 102 million. However, reliable epidemiological data remain unavailable for many countries.
In the Philippines, available estimates have suggested that approximately 1% to 2% of Filipinos may have psoriasis, although precise national data remain limited. The Philippine Department of Health has noted limitations in available national and subnational data, while local research continues to address this gap.
This lack of reliable data matters. Without good information on how many people are affected, where they live and what care they need, it becomes harder to plan services, allocate resources and ensure equitable access to treatment.
The different forms of psoriasis