Global Psoriasis Burden Nearly Doubled Over 3 Decades, Economic Costs Reach $149 Billion

The number of people living with psoriasis worldwide nearly doubled between 1990 and 2021, while the economic burden of the disease reached $148.85 billion in 2021, according to findings from a global analysis examining psoriasis trends over the past 3 decades.

Investigators assessed trends in psoriasis cases, effects on quality of life, and associated economic costs. They also used a Bayesian age-period-cohort model to forecast changes in the global psoriasis burden from 2022 through 2040.

By 2021, the number of people living with psoriasis had reached 43 million globally, with 5.1 million new cases diagnosed that year. Psoriasis was most common among individuals aged 50 to 70 years, while East Asia had the highest rates of new cases.

The analysis also identified significant associations between psoriasis and several risk factors, including obesity, physical inactivity, air pollution, and ultraviolet radiation.

Alongside its health burden, psoriasis was associated with substantial economic costs. In 2021, the global economic burden reached $148.85 billion, comprising $95.15 billion in health care costs and $53.70 billion in productivity losses. High-income countries accounted for most of the economic costs, whereas lower-income countries experienced a greater proportion of productivity losses.

The findings demonstrate an increasing health and economic burden associated with psoriasis and geographic differences in its effects. The investigators noted that the results also underscore “the need for targeted strategies to address its risk factors and reduce health care inequalities,” particularly as forecasting model projections indicate that the worldwide burden will continue to rise through 2040.

Reference
Wei J, Wang Y, Chen Y, et al. Global burden of psoriasis from 1990 to 2021 and potential factors: a systematic analysis. J Invest Dermatol. 2026;146(4):1034-1045.e22. doi:10.1016/j.jid.2025.08.038