They say money doesn\u2019t buy happiness. And for some, it also can\u2019t buy skin health. One persistent, inflammatory skin disease has become a growing problem across the globe, especially in wealthier areas, according to a new analysis of 236 countries.<\/p>\n
In JAMA Dermatology last week, researchers in China warned that the incidence rate of psoriasis increased more than 10% for men and over 7% for women between 1990 and 2021. North America and Western Europe \u2014 two wealthier regions of the world \u2014 reported the highest incidences and are projected to have the most new cases by 2050. Skin cells build up much faster than they should, triggering symptoms like red, scaly, itchy patches, commonly on the elbows, knees and scalp. While flare-ups can be brought on by stress, weather or other health conditions, the researchers have theories as to why wealthier areas could be more affected in the future. Even billionaire Kim Kardashian, 45, and mom Kris Jenner, 70, have it. There\u2019s no known cure for psoriasis, but topical creams, biologic medications and light therapy can help manage symptoms.<\/p>\n The rise of psoriasis in wealthier regions is a concerning trend that warrants further research and attention. By understanding the causes and risk factors associated with this condition, we can work towards developing more effective treatments and improving the lives of those affected.<\/p>\n Introduction to Psoriasis They say money doesn\u2019t buy happiness. And for some, it also can\u2019t buy skin health. One persistent, inflammatory skin disease has become a growing problem across the globe, especially in wealthier areas, according to a new analysis of 236 countries. The Rise of Psoriasis In JAMA Dermatology last week, researchers in China […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":26068,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_lock_modified_date":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[22],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-26066","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-health-wellness"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/nypost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/12\/116521829.jpg?quality=75&strip=all&w=1200&w=1200&resize=1200,799&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/new-york\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26066"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/new-york\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/new-york\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/new-york\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/new-york\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=26066"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/new-york\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26066\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":26069,"href":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/new-york\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/26066\/revisions\/26069"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/new-york\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/26068"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/new-york\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=26066"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/new-york\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=26066"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/new-york\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=26066"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\nGlobally, cases jumped by 86%, from 23.1 million in 1990 to 43 million in 2021.
\nCases of one skin condition are on the rise, with wealthier regions seeing an increase over the years. H_Ko \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/span><\/p>\nAffected Regions<\/h2>\n
\nOver 7.5 million US adults have psoriasis, which is believed to be caused by an overactive immune system.<\/p>\nSymptoms of Psoriasis<\/h2>\n
\nNorth America and Western Europe have seen an increase in psoriasis cases since 1990. Vasyl \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/span><\/p>\nTheories Behind the Increase<\/h2>\n
\nHigh-income regions, like wealthy US and European cities, may have more people willing to report their symptoms and more doctors properly diagnosing cases.
\nAnother theory is tied to the hygiene hypothesis.
\nThis hypothesis suggests that the increased number of allergic and autoimmune disorders is due to the ultra-clean conditions of modern, high-income societies, which reduce exposure to certain microbes and parasites and lead to weaker immune systems.<\/p>\nFamous Cases and Risk Factors<\/h2>\n
\nHaving a family history of psoriasis significantly increases the likelihood you\u2019ll develop the condition.
\nInfections like strep throat, skin injuries and exposure to air pollutants can also up the odds.
\nA study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found a link between excess belly fat and the chronic skin condition, with the connection being particularly strong in women.<\/p>\nTreatment and Management<\/h2>\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n
FAQs<\/h2>\n
\n
\nA: Psoriasis is a persistent, inflammatory skin disease characterized by the rapid buildup of skin cells, leading to red, scaly, itchy patches.<\/li>\n
\nA: Risk factors include family history, infections like strep throat, skin injuries, exposure to air pollutants, and excess belly fat.<\/li>\n
\nA: There is no known cure for psoriasis, but symptoms can be managed with topical creams, biologic medications, and light therapy.<\/li>\n
\nA: Theories include better reporting and diagnosis, as well as the hygiene hypothesis, which suggests that ultra-clean conditions in high-income societies may lead to weaker immune systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"