Psoriasis and Stress: A Review

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated genetic disease affecting approximately 120 million patients worldwide. Over 40 genes are associated with psoriasis. Common trigger factors include infections, trauma, medications and stress. There is substantial literature describing the link between psychosocial stress and the exacerbation of psoriasis.

We conducted a comprehensive review of the literature regarding pathophysiology, personality traits, quality of life, anxiety, depression, sexual dysfunction, alcohol, smoking and the treatment of psoriasis with respect to stress.

Our understanding of the brain-skin axis may help alleviate the suffering of our psoriatic patient population and shed light on the pathophysiology of psoriasis.

Keywords: Anxiety, Depression, Pathophysiology, Personality trait psoriasis, Quality of life, Sexual dysfunction, Stress, Substance abuse, Treatment.