Patients with generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) have increased comorbidity compared with the general population and with patients with psoriasis vulgaris (PV), according to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Researchers examined the comorbidity profile of patients with GPP compared with that of the general population and patients with PV. A total of 1,093 GPP cases were identified during 2004-2015 and were matched in a 1:3 ratio with PV controls without GPP and in a 1:5 ratio with general population controls. Of GPP cases, 53% also had PV. A subgroup analysis was conducted including 514 GPP cases without PV and 1,518 corresponding PV controls. Of GPP cases, 70% had any of the selected comorbidities, compared with 46% and 63% of general population controls and PV controls, respectively. Hypertension, psoriatic arthritis, type 2 diabetes, and hyperlipidemia were the most prevalent conditions in patients with GPP. Compared with both the general population controls and PV controls, patients with GPP had significantly higher ORs for any of the selected comorbidities.

Sexual Dysfunction in Men & Women With Psoriasis

Both women and men with psoriasis have lowered self-esteem, feel stigmatized, and as a result, may experience considerable sexual dysfunction, according to a study published in Medicina (Kaunas). Adam Reich, MD, PhD, and colleagues examined whether and to what extent psoriasis, its location, severity, and extent of skin lesions affects sexual activity among patients aged 18-
73 who were hospitalized for psoriasis exacerbations. Scores on the Psoriasis Area and Severity
Index (PASI), used to assess psoriasis severity, ranged from 0.2 to 65.0 points. Participants
completed the 11-item Sexual Life Questionnaire, Dermatology Life Quality Index, and the
International Index of Erectile Function (men only). Due to their psoriasis, more than 90% of patients felt at least a slight unattractiveness. In nearly 80% of patients, skin lesions at least
occasionally affected their sex life; more than 50% avoided sexual contact at least sometimes.
The location of psoriasis, particularly on the face and hands and genital area, also had a considerable impact on the level of sexual dysfunction.

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