Assessment of Clinical Patterns and Epidemiological Features of Psoriasis at a Tertiary Care Centre

Introduction: Psoriasis is a chronic, immunomediated inflammatory skin disorder affecting 1-3% of the global population, with significant impacts on patients’ quality of life. Risk factors include genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, smoking, obesity, and stress. Psoriasis often requires lifelong management to control symptoms and prevent complications, such as arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. This study examines the clinical and epidemiological features of psoriatic patients at a tertiary care hospital. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted over a year in a tertiary care center in Gujarat, included patients aged 18 years or above with clinically confirmed psoriasis. Demographic, clinical, and lifestyle data were collected using structured proformas. Psoriasis severity was assessed using the PASI score, while clinical patterns were categorized into plaque, guttate, erythrodermic, pustular, or inverse types. Nail and scalp involvement were documented, and psoriatic arthritis screening was performed using CASPAR criteria. Laboratory investigations and histopathological examinations were done as needed. Data were analyzed with SPSS 21.1, presenting results as frequencies, percentages, and p-values (<0.05). Results: The mean age of psoriasis patients was 38.43 ± 14.88 years, with a mean BMI of 22.90 ± 3.31 and a mean disease duration of 4.92 ± 5.54 years, indicating a chronic course primarily affecting middle-aged individuals. Severity assessments revealed a mean PASI score of 7.65 ± 5.88, suggesting moderate disease severity. Psoriasis was most prevalent in males (63.2%), with common symptoms including itching (84.2%) and white scales (72.4%). Lower limbs, upper limbs, and the scalp were the most affected sites. Nail changes were present in 38.2% of patients, with pitting being the most frequent. Methotrexate was used by 32.2% of patients, while Psoriasis Vulgaris was the most commonly identified subtype in biopsies (61.2%), underscoring the diverse clinical and systemic manifestations of the disease. Conclusion: Psoriasis is a prevalent dermatological condition in India, resembling patterns observed in Western countries, with a higher prevalence in males and younger individuals (20-40 years). Psoriasis vulgaris was the most common subtype, with pruritus and scalp involvement as dominant features, alongside notablecomorbidities like hypertension and diabetes.