Research has discovered that the occurrence of inflammatory skin conditions is more common in wealthy regions.
As reported by the New York Post on the 3rd, a group of Chinese scientists recently released findings from a worldwide investigation into inflammatory skin conditions, which encompassed 236 nations, through the medical publication *JAMA Dermatology* of the American Medical Association.
The research showed that the global count of individuals with psoriasis grew by 86%, rising from 23.1 million in 1990 to 43 million in 2021. In the same timeframe, the occurrence rate increased by more than 10% among men and more than 7% among women.
Regionally, high-income regions like North America and Western Europe reported the highest rates of occurrence. In the United States, more than 7.5 million adults experienced psoriasis.
A long-term skin disorder, psoriasis is marked by the accelerated growth of skin cells, resulting in red areas covered with white flakes. It typically leads to red, flaky patches on the elbows, knees, scalp, and other body parts, often causing discomfort. Factors that can worsen the condition include stress, changes in weather, and declining overall health.
It is recognized as a result of an overactive immune system, and while it is not infectious, it necessitates ongoing care as an autoimmune condition.
The scientists propose that the increased occurrence in wealthy nations is linked to ‘hygiene.’ They state that excessively clean surroundings in high-income communities limit contact with microorganisms and parasites, possibly diminishing the immune system’s effectiveness within the population.
Furthermore, the scientists observed that more affluent nations might possess more effective mechanisms for recording symptoms and diagnoses, resulting in higher reported figures compared to the true incidence.
The likelihood of acquiring psoriasis increases if there is a history of the disease within the family.
It is known that American celebrity billionaire model Kim Kardashian, who is 45 years old, and her mother Kris Jenner, aged 70, also experience psoriasis. Kardashian posted images of her flare-up on her social media (SNS), stating, “life is painful.”
