Global estimates for psoriasis reveal a striking contrast between medically confirmed cases and self-reported figures. According to data from the Global Psoriasis Atlas, there are 43 million diagnosed cases worldwide, yet that figure rises to over 100 million when accounting for self-reported cases. Alongside this massive global burden, the chronic inflammatory skin condition introduces significant treatment complexities, physical and psychological challenges, and widespread disparities in patient care and data collection across different countries.
Global Disparities and Epidemiological Gaps
The third edition of the Global Psoriasis Atlas—promoted by the International League of Dermatological Societies, IFPA, and the International Psoriasis Council—highlights a broad margin of uncertainty in worldwide estimates. Medically confirmed diagnoses range between 27 and 91 million, while self-reported totals span from 65 to 218 million. Furthermore, the report underscores a major gap in epidemiological tracking: only 41 countries and territories out of more than 220 maintain population-wide studies on the condition’s prevalence.
In Italy, estimates place the affected population between 1.4 million and 2 million people. Data from the “RADAR-Psoriasi” project, presented at the Chamber of Deputies ahead of World Psoriasis Day, shows that the disease carries an annual incidence rate of 179.4 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Experts note that the condition’s complexity is compounded by statistically significant comorbidities—such as autoimmune, cardiometabolic, renal, hepatic, infectious, and oncological diseases—which expose patients to a mortality risk 1.1 times higher than the general population.
Treatment Challenges and Care Gaps in Italy
While no definitive cure exists for psoriasis, therapeutic options vary according to severity and patient traits. Secondo il dermatologo, la scelta e il monitoraggio della terapia spettano al medico in base alle caratteristiche del paziente.
However, patients in Italy face notable care and financial hurdles. Valeria Corazza, president of APIAFCO, pointed out that individuals with severe plaque psoriasis lack adequate economic protection because they are excluded from the 045 exemption code within the Essential Levels of Assistance (LEA). Currently, only about 9% of psoriasis patients benefit from this exemption, which is primarily reserved for rare forms like severe pustular and erythrodermic psoriasis as well as psoriatic arthritis.
Out of roughly 1.4 million affected Italians, an estimated 137,000 patients with moderate-to-severe forms are treated with systemic or biological therapies without holding an exemption, forcing them to bear direct economic burdens for necessary diagnostic tests and monitoring. Aldo Cuccia of ADOI also highlighted a concerning shortage of dermatologists within public National Health Service hospitals, where moderate and severe patients typically seek care, alongside calls for new hospital competitions and tighter academic-clinical integration to support younger specialists.
