Quarterly Newsletter - October 2025 - Issue No. 28

Professor Chris Griffiths OBE
GPA Director

Director's Foreword

Welcome to the last Newsletter of 2025 – the Northern Hemisphere autumn has arrived with the gold leaf of the London Plane trees reflecting this year’s GPA successes. The team has been highly visible at major dermatology meetings including most recently the EADV in Paris where we convened positive discussions with industry sponsors and held our Steering Committee and Board of Governors meetings. Our National Coordinator network has expanded rapidly and hugely with representatives in close to 100 countries, growing by the week. What has been so impressive is the enthusiasm our Coordinators have for prosecuting GPA initiatives including the Access to Care survey launched in June and the perpetual updating of the epidemiological work. More than 80% of African countries are represented now. I was an invited speaker at the Serbian Congress of Dermatovenereologists last week, several of our National Coordinators from the Balkan countries were also in attendance – it was a pleasure to catch up and hear of their plans.

The main business of the GPA is of course epidemiology and you will read in this Newsletter of the data emerging from the third edition of the Atlas where we now have robust data from over 40 countries and the recently published SKINSCAPE study where we ran a point-prevalence survey in Eastern Cape, South Africa. This will be the template for all future skin disease field surveys one of which was due to take place in Bogo City, Philippines in November. However, a series of earthquakes with the epicentre adjacent to the Bogo City survey site necessitated a one-year postponement on safety grounds to 2026. My thoughts are with the people of the island of Cebu whose lives were so badly disrupted by this natural disaster and to our Filipino dermatology colleagues working in the area.

Our collaboration with what are now four other global atlases (alopecia areata, atopic dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurative and vitiligo) under the auspices of the ILDS Grand Challenges in Global Skin Health is starting to gel. This was exemplified by our first joint symposium at the Paris EADV and a two-day strategic summit in London where we discussed future large scale, programmatic collaborative work and met with representatives from industry.

Despite the glow of Autumn the season brings the first chill tendrils of winter not least the immensely sad news of the sudden death of one of our most ardent supporters - Professor Wayne Gulliver (Newfoundland, Canada). I had known Wayne for more than 30 years, his contributions to psoriasis research were immense in particular the careful and enthusiastic chronicling of his psoriasis patients in Newfoundland. His presence at GPA events, not to mention global dermatology meetings, will be sorely missed; the GPA team extends its sincere condolences to his family at this difficult time.

With best wishes,
Chris

Professor Darren Ashcroft
GPA Research Director

It was a huge pleasure to meet with many of our international collaborators at the EADV Congress in Paris in September, at which we also presented new epidemiological findings of the prevalence of psoriasis from Canada and ethnic variations in the epidemiology of psoriasis in the UK. During meetings, we were also able to update on the excellent progress that we are making with our international survey examining access to care and treatments for psoriasis. I’m excited to report that we have opened the survey in the Americas, Africa, and Europe. After a fantastic response from dermatologists in these regions, we are now moving into the Eastern Mediterranean and Southeast Asia regions, steadily progressing across the globe!

Since my last update, I am very pleased to report on two new GPA publications. The first reports on the findings from our epidemiological field study that we ran in collaboration with Prof Ncoza Dlova: “Skin disease in the Eastern Cape (SKINSCAPE): a Global Psoriasis Atlas point prevalence study in rural South Africa”: DOI: 10.1093/bjd/ljaf386. In the second study, we examined electronic health records from four different countries to examine the risk of developing cancer in people with psoriasis “Psoriasis and the risk of 26 cancers: pooled population-based cohort studies from Denmark, England, Israel, and Taiwan”: DOI: 10.1093/bjd/ljaf399. We have created infographics for these two new studies to support the wider dissemination of this work.

Our GPA team have also now updated our global systematic review examining the epidemiology of psoriasis and we launched a new edition of the Atlas (version 3) on World Psoriasis Day. Please do visit the website to access the updated data for your country, and any comparisons with other countries that you may wish to make.

The GPA team was excited to release the third edition of the Global Psoriasis Atlas on World Psoriasis Day 2025.

Hosted on the GPA website, the Atlas is an open-access resource which provides comprehensive information about the global epidemiology of psoriasis. The third edition presents findings from our latest systematic review, including data on incidence and prevalence from 58 new prevalence only studies, 4 new incidence only studies and 11 new combined prevalence and incidence studies - now covering 41 countries across 14 global regions.

Dr Paul Dimmock, GPA Research Associate, and Dr Ahmad Aalemi, GPA Research Fellow, conducted an extensive search of all clinical research evidence and all the published articles on the incidence and prevalence of psoriasis. The information retrieved was assessed and used to create a statistical model. The statistical model generated a pooled estimate of the prevalence of psoriasis for each individual country where data were identified.

Each prevalence measure is presented with a credible interval — a range of values, with an upper and lower limit, in which the estimate lies with a specified probability. This data has a 95% credible interval, this means there is a 95% probability that the prevalence rate lies within that range.

Figures show an estimated 43 million (from 27 million to 91 million) people have psoriasis based on reporting physician/dermatologist diagnoses and an estimated 102 million (from 65 million to 218 million) people have psoriasis based on self-report cases provided by individuals.

The two different values presented are based on how psoriasis has been diagnosed:

• Physician/dermatologist diagnosed means a person has visited a medical practitioner, typically a general practitioner, hospital doctor or dermatologist, and had a formal clinical diagnosis of their skin condition confirming it is psoriasis.

• Self-reported diagnosis means a person was asked if they have psoriasis and they have responded to indicate that they did. This person might or might not have visited a doctor to receive a diagnosis, but the studies presenting these results do not confirm that a medical review was undertaken.

Considerable gaps still exist in the geographical areas reporting data on incidence and prevalence of psoriasis. Only 41 of over 220 countries and territories in the world have epidemiological data on psoriasis in the general population. For countries without high quality original data sources, estimates were predicted using the statistical model created based on available data.

Visit the GPA website to view, compare and download global prevalence data for individual countries: https://www.globalpsoriasisatlas.org/en/explore/prevalence-heatmap

Psoriasis and the Risk of 26 Cancers: Pooled population-based cohort studies from Denmark, England, Israel, and Taiwan

The GPA’s most recent publication investigated the risk of developing cancer in people with psoriasis. This research used data from linked electronic health records across four countries Denmark, England, Israel and Taiwan, and close working with our GPA collaborators within these countries.

The risk of developing cancer in people with psoriasis is not well understood but some studies indicate a slightly increased risk of several cancers. There are several factors that could play a role including chronic inflammation, genetic factors, lifestyle factors, comorbidities and some psoriasis treatments.

The study involved 702,022 individuals with psoriasis aged 18+ years and 4,185,342 age-sex matched individuals without psoriasis.

Results showed a 5% increased risk of developing cancer in people with psoriasis compared with psoriasis-free comparators (HR 1.05 [95% CI 1.01–1.09]) and that risk increases with disease severity with a 9% increased risk in those with severe psoriasis (HR 1.09 [95% CI 1.03–1.15]). Psoriasis was associated with 14 of 26 site-specific cancers, including liver, keratinocyte, Hodgkin & Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, pharyngeal, and oral cavity.

These findings offer critical insights and reinforce the need to integrate cancer prevention strategies into routine psoriasis care, especially for those with severe disease.

Read the full study here: https://doi.org/10.1093/bjd/ljaf399

Skin disease in the Eastern Cape (SKINSCAPE): a Global Psoriasis Atlas point prevalence study in rural South Africa

We are proud to announce the publication of the first comprehensive community-based point prevalence study of skin disease in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.

In December 2023 the GPA, in collaboration with Professor Ncoza Dlova, GPA Regional Coordinator, and a team of international and local dermatologists, local community workers and industry volunteers conducted a house-to-house survey in two rural, neighbouring villages (Mtyholo Dlova and Mdolomba) in Eastern Cape.

The aim was to collect demographic data on all available residents (99% of whom were Xhosa people) and to identify any skin, nail or hair diseases. The team examined 698 residents across 309 households.

Results found a prevalence of any skin disease of 62.9% (95% CI 59.3%–66.5%). Psoriasis was rare in this population with a prevalence of only 0.3% (95% CI 0.0%–0.7%).

Gender differences in skin disease prevalence and types were observed, and the point prevalence of any skin disease was higher in women than men; 65.8% vs. 59.2%.

Most prevalent skin diseases:

• Children (<18 years):

• Tinea capitis (16.4%)

• Acne vulgaris (13.0%)

• Pityriasis alba (10.6%)

• Prurigo, PIH, xerosis, atopic dermatitis, and scabies also common

Adults:

• Xerosis (7.8%)

• Acne vulgaris (7.4%)

• Melasma (6.2%)

• DPN (5.6%)

• Scarring & nonscarring alopecia, tinea pedis

This study confirms that skin disease is common in rural Eastern Cape and highlights the urgent need for improved dermatology services, resource allocation, and healthcare worker training.

Read the full study here: https://doi.org/10.1093/bjd/ljaf386

Grand Challenges for Skin Health Revisited: The International League of Dermatological Societies (ILDS) Skin Disease Atlases

In May 2025, the 78th World Health Assembly adopted a resolution recognising skin diseases as a global health priority. This milestone comes a decade after the launch of the ILDS Grand Challenges in Global Skin Health initiative sought to address the burden of skin disease and their underrepresentation in global health agendas.

The GPA along with the Global Atopic Dermatitis Atlas (GADA), the Global Hidradenitis Suppurativa Atlas (GHiSA) and the Global Vitiligo Atlas (GLOVA) have collaborated on an article published in the British Journal of Dermatology in September 2025. The article outlines how the ILDS Grand Challenges in Skin Health initiative, through the work of the skin disease atlases, can fill important skin disease burden data gaps, empower patients and reduce stigma, making a real difference to millions of people worldwide.

Read the full study here: https://doi.org/10.1093/bjd/ljaf358

In August, we welcomed International Psoriasis Council Research Fellow Dr Doriane Sabushimike to Manchester and London as part of her Fellowship placement hosted by the GPA.

Dr Sabushimike is a dermatologist at Kamenge Military Hospital in Bujumbura, Burundi. The GPA team first met Dr Sabushimike during their 2019 visit to Moshi, Tanzania. At the time Dr Sabushimike worked as a resident at the Regional Dermatology Training Centre in Moshi where the GPA based themselves whilst conducting a pilot survey on psoriasis epidemiology.

During her placements Dr Sabushimike first spent time with GPA team in Manchester, working on current research with GPA Research Director Professor Darren Ashcroft and GPA Research Fellow Dr Alison Wright as well as working with GPA Research Associate Dr Paul Dimmock and GPA Programme Manager Tom Rogers on the continued expansion of the GPA’s Coordinator network to enhance current research. During her time in Manchester Dr Sabushimike also met like-minded colleagues at the University of Manchester, shadowed dermatology clinics at local hospitals and also took the time to see the sights, attending a football match with some of the GPA team, visiting local museums and travelling to Liverpool for the day.

During the second half of Dr Sabushimike’s placement she travelled to London to spend time with GPA Director Professor Chris Griffiths. Dr Sabushimike shadowed Professor Griffiths during his clinics as well as visiting GPA collaborating organisation the ILDS and colleagues at GADA.

It was a pleasure hosting Dr Sabushimike during her IPC Research Fellowship placement, the GPA team look forward to continuing to work with Dr Sabushimike over the coming months.

European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology Congress (EADV)

Professor Chris Griffiths, Professor Darren Ashcroft, Dr Alison Wright and Tom Rogers attended the EADV Congress in Paris in September. Dr Alison Wright presented a poster on ethnic variation in the incidence and prevalence of psoriasis and generalised pustular psoriasis in the UK. This poster explained the work the GPA have been conducting updating UK psoriasis incidence and prevalence estimates, providing updated rates for psoriasis and generalised pustular psoriasis (GPP) and examining how rates vary across different ethnic groups which had not been explored previously.

Dr Wright highlighted: “We show that psoriasis and GPP varies by ethnicity in the UK: plaque psoriasis is more common among White individuals, while GPP is more prevalent among Asian individuals. Despite overall improvements in life expectancy over time, people with psoriasis or GPP continue to face a higher risk of all-cause mortality compared to those without these conditions.”

All GPA posters can be viewed on the GPA website Global Psoriasis Atlas - GPA Resources.

During the Congress the team had many productive and exciting discussions with colleagues from around the world.

The GPA Steering Committee meeting was held on Saturday 20th September. Professor Griffiths provided an update on the GPA’s recent developments, Professor Ashcroft presented a comprehensive research update including plans for the next field study and Tom Rogers covered the GPA’s expanding coordinator network and the programmes progress in communications and funding.

On Saturday 20th September the four Atlases (Psoriasis (GPA), Atopic Dermatitis (GADA), Hidradenitis Suppurativa (GHiSA) and Vitiligo (GLOVA)) joined together for the inaugural Global Skin Disease Atlases Symposium demonstrating the importance of the Atlases in advancing global skin health.

Grand Challenges in Global Skin Health meetings

In October, the ILDS brought together all Atlases (GPA, GADA, GHiSA, GLOVA and the Global Alopecia Areata Atlas (GAAA)) in London for 2 days of meetings.

Day 1 consisted of update and strategy meetings.

Day 2 the teams met with industry representatives to discuss how they can support and strengthen the vital work of the Atlases.

The ILDS were delighted to bring together all the Atlases each a key part of the initiative to address the significant burden of skin diseases worldwide.

Learn more about the Grand Challenges in Global Skin Health: https://www.ilds.org/what-we-do/project-and-programme/grand-challenges-in-global-skin-health/

We are thrilled to announce that Takeda and UCB are now sponsoring the GPA during Phase III.

The GPA would like to thank to UCB and Takeda for their support.

This support is crucial in helping us drive continuous improvement in the understanding of psoriasis and uncover how it affects both the individual and society at large.

• AAD Annual Meeting (27^th-31^st March 2026) Denver, Colorado, USA

• BSID Annual Meeting (20^th-21^st April 2026) Manchester, UK

• IFPA Forum (7^th-9^th May 2026) Nairobi, Kenya

• BAD Annual Meeting (30^th June-2^nd July 2026) Manchester, UK