The effect of age on the severity of psoriasis – research summary

Back in Summer 2023, we advertised the details of a study launched by researchers at Kings College London into the natural course of psoriasis specifically in those aged 65 or over.

The study aimed to look at how psoriasis may change over time due to the natural ageing of the immune system.

Lead researchers Dr Shir Azriellant, Dr Su Lwin and Professor Chris Griffiths have produced the following lay summary.

Research Summary:

Psoriasis is a common and chronic skin disease that affects 2-3% of the UK population. Despite the ageing population and the resulting increase in prevalence of psoriasis, little research has explored how psoriasis evolves with age.

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The study aimed to understand how psoriasis changes with age, especially in older individuals. The research was conducted as an online survey for members of the UK Psoriasis Association aged 65 and older to gather information about their experiences with psoriasis over time. Participants were asked about their self-rated severity of psoriasis, treatments used, and factors like lifestyle and medical conditions that might affect their psoriasis at different ages. Additionally, open-ended questions were included to capture any changes in the appearance and location of their psoriasis over time.

Results from the study revealed that psoriasis severity tends to decrease with age, particularly after 60 years old, with the lowest severity observed in individuals over 80 years old. Responses to open-ended questions highlighted changes in psoriasis appearance, including smaller plaques and reduced redness, scaliness, and itchiness, along with a shift from widespread to localised disease.

The findings suggest that psoriasis may improve with age, possibly due to changes in the immune system associated with ageing. Understanding these changes could lead to improved treatment strategies for older patients.