Epidemiology of Psoriasis in Damietta Governorate, Egypt

Background: Psoriasis is an autoimmune, chronic, non-contagious, recurrent, inflammatory skin disorder. Its prevalence is estimated to be variable all over the world. The typical skin lesions of psoriatic patients are sharply demarcated erythematous plaques covered with silvery or opalescent scales. It is associated with variable aggravating factors and co-morbidities.Aim of the Study: The aim of this work was to identify the prevalence of psoriasis in Damietta Governorate and to define the possible precipitating factors affecting it and associated co-morbidities.Methods: The study will be performed on psoriatic patients attending the Dermatology and Andrology Department of Hospitals of Damietta Governorate 3 days per week in a period of continuous six months.The psoriatic patients will be subjected to previously made questionnaire for detailed medical history of psoriasis including personal, present, past and family history then general, local examination and detection of severity of psoriasis by PASI, all filled by the investigating doctor.The aim of the study and the details of questionnaire will be explained to all patients before taking their informed consent.Results: The result of the present study showed that 303 psoriatic patients from total 65.000 patients attending Damietta Hospital of Dermatology, Andrology and Leprosy with 0.5% prevalence which reflects the prevalence in Damietta. The most common triggering factors of psoriasis of the studied group were psychological exacerbation, seasonal exacerbation (winter), trauma (Keobner phenomenon) and tobacco smoking; (86.1%, 62.4%, 29.4% and 22.1%) respectively. The most common associated co-morbidities of the studied group are heart disease with percentage of (27%), hypertension (24.4%), abnormal lipid profile (17.2%), NID diabetes (13.5%), liver disease (7.3%), ID diabetes (2.6%), atopic dermatitis (2.3%) and tobacco addiction (1.7%).Conclusion: Psoriasis prevalence in Damietta is about 0.5% and it is often associated with systemic co-morbidities can significantly impact quality of life such as, hypertension, obesity, NID diabetes, liver disease and ID diabetes. Common triggering factors of psoriasis of the studied group were psychological exacerbation, seasonal exacerbation (winter), trauma (Keobner phenomenon) and tobacco smoking.