Quarterly Newsletter - October 2026 - Issue No. 32

Professor Chris Griffiths OBE
GPA Director

Director's Foreword

There are times when the truly global nature of the Global Psoriasis Atlas (GPA) really comes to life, and the past few months have certainly been one of them.

It was a great pleasure to meet so many GPA colleagues, Coordinators and friends at the recent EADV Congress in Vienna. For me, these face-to-face conversations are invaluable. They remind us that the GPA is much more than data, publications and maps. At its heart is a remarkable community of people from across the world, united by a determination to improve the lives of people living with psoriasis.

That sense of collective endeavour runs throughout this newsletter. Our Access to Care Survey has reached an exciting stage, with data validation complete and analysis now underway. This has been a truly international effort, and I would like personally to thank Tom Rogers, our research team, Coordinators and everyone who helped us achieve such broad global representation. I am looking forward to seeing what these data tell us about the realities of psoriasis care around the world and, importantly, where change is most needed.

I am equally delighted by the breadth of achievements across our network. New research on generalised pustular psoriasis provides important evidence about the burden of this severe disease in England while the work being undertaken across Africa, Asia and Europe continues to strengthen our understanding of psoriasis in very different populations and healthcare settings.

There are also some wonderful examples in this issue of individuals turning commitment into action. I was pleased to see Reynaldo Arosemena and Fatimata Ly recognised by the ILDS for their contributions to global dermatology, while the establishment of PSORAWELL in Nigeria shows how education, advocacy and patient support can make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

I am particularly excited about what comes next. Our regional working groups and reports will bring together epidemiological research with findings from the Access to Care Survey, giving us an increasingly rich picture of not simply where psoriasis occurs, but what it actually means to live with and receive care for the disease in different parts of the world.

As ever, none of this happens without people. To our Coordinators, collaborators, partners, supporters and the many people living with psoriasis who contribute to our work, thank you. Your enthusiasm, generosity and commitment continue to make the GPA what it is.

There is much still to do, but also much to celebrate. I hope you enjoy another bumper edition of our Newsletter.

With best wishes,
Chris

Professor Darren Ashcroft
GPA Director of Research

The past few months have been exceptionally productive for the Global Psoriasis Atlas, and it was a particular pleasure to meet with many of our collaborators at the recent EADV Congress. Our collaborator meeting provided an excellent opportunity to share early findings from the Global Access to Care Survey and to hear valuable perspectives from colleagues around the world. The enthusiasm and engagement demonstrated during these discussions reinforced the importance of this work and highlighted the shared commitment across our network to improving access to psoriasis care globally.

We are also delighted to report the publication of our latest study examining the burden and characteristics of Generalised Pustular Psoriasis (GPP). The study provides important new evidence on the epidemiology and impact of this severe form of psoriasis and will help inform future research, policy and clinical decision-making. We encourage collaborators to read and share the publication: https://doi.org/10.1093/bjd/ljag417. Key findings emphasise the substantial health burden associated with GPP, and the importance of generating high-quality data to support improved patient outcomes worldwide.

Our educational and research activities continue to benefit enormously from the contributions of collaborators. We would like to thank everyone who has already submitted high-quality clinical images to the ILDS Image Gallery. These resources are proving invaluable in supporting education, awareness and research initiatives across our global network. We warmly encourage you to contribute high-quality images and to tag the GPA where appropriate so that these important resources can continue to grow and support wider knowledge and training about the different presentations of psoriasis.

Looking ahead, we will soon begin establishing our regional working groups, which will play a key role in shaping the presentation and dissemination of the regional reports that we plan to launch early next year. These reports will bring together our epidemiological analyses and findings from the global Access to Care Survey, providing the most comprehensive picture to date of psoriasis burden and access to care across different world regions. We look forward to working closely with you as this exciting next phase of the project develops.

Incidence, prevalence, and life expectancy of patients with generalised pustular psoriasis in England: a population-based cohort study exploring ethnic and sex variations.

Dr Alison Wright, GPA Research Fellow, has led a new study exploring the incidence, prevalence, and life expectancy of people living with generalised pustular psoriasis (GPP) in England. Dr Wright conducted this population-based cohort study using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink linked with hospital, mortality, deprivation, and ethnicity records. 

The research found that GPP prevalence increased by more than 50% between 2008 and 2022, reaching 32.5 cases per million people, with notable differences by sex and ethnicity. People with GPP had higher all-cause and cause-specific mortality risks, and shorter life expectancy, than the general population without GPP.

These findings highlight the substantial clinical burden of GPP and the need for targeted strategies to reduce preventable morbidity and mortality.

This study was a jointly funded collaboration between the GPA and Psoriasis UK.

Published in the British Journal of Dermatology

Read the full study: https://doi.org/10.1093/bjd/ljag417

Dermatological Disease at a Tertiary Military Hospital in Burundi: A Retrospective Review.

Following the publication of GPA IPC Research Fellow Dr Doriane Sabushimike’s study analysing de-identified electronic health records from patients attending the Kamenge Military Hospital Bujumbura, Burundi, the team has created an infographic summarising the key findings. The study represents the first detailed overview of dermatological disease in Burundi, emphasising the need to strengthen community skin health, improve referral pathways, expand outreach activities, enhance dermatology training, and develop dermatology surveillance systems to better inform future service planning.

This research was undertaken as part of the International Psoriasis Council (IPC) Research Fellowship Programme, which provided Dr Sabushimike with a placement with the GPA. We gratefully acknowledge the IPC’s support in making possible this first detailed overview of dermatological disease in Burundi.

Published in the International Journal of Dermatology

Read the full study: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ijd.70588

Since our last update, significant progress has been made on the Access to Care Survey which explores how dermatologists from around the world view the availability, accessibility and quality of psoriasis healthcare services and treatments within their country, and what challenges they face in providing care to individuals with psoriasis.

Recruitment ran from July 2025 to May 2026, followed by an extensive data validation process that was completed in August 2026. Throughout this period, we reached several important milestones, made possible by the invaluable support and engagement of contributors from around the world.

Prof Griffiths reflects on this achievement:

"The Access to Care Survey has been an exemplar of teamwork yielding important data about the current state of psoriasis management worldwide. My thanks to Tom Rogers, the GPA research team and all of our Coordinators for a job well done.”

Some of the key milestones from this journey are highlighted in the graphic below.

With data validation now complete, analysis of the survey findings is underway. Prof Ashcroft thanked everyone who supported the survey and looks ahead to the next stage:

“I wish to thank everyone for their invaluable contributions to the Access to Care Survey and for helping us achieve such broad global representation. With data validation now complete, analysis is underway, and I look forward to sharing some of the key findings at our forthcoming Collaborators Meetings.”

We look forward to sharing the survey findings and related outputs in the coming months.

In this article, four young people share their personal experiences of living with psoriasis, highlighting that the condition affects far more than the skin alone. Their stories emphasise the importance of empathy, understanding, and inclusion.

Read the article here:
https://www.ifpa-pso.com/resources-tools/being-young-with-psoriasis-the-invisible-struggle

Dr Arosemena received an award in the Humanitarian Dermatology category, which recognises individuals who undertake selfless humanitarian and not-for-profit work to improve skin health in underserved communities.

"Receiving this award is a deeply humbling honour. Personally, it reflects a lifetime dedicated to serving patients and communities in need. Professionally, it inspires me to continue advancing dermatology through education, mentorship, humanitarian work, and compassionate patient care."

Professor Ly received an award in the International Leadership category for her exceptional contributions to advancing international dermatology through visionary leadership. Recipients in this category are recognised for shaping global health policies and practices, fostering international collaboration in research and education, and empowering dermatologists, professional societies, and communities worldwide.

"I am extremely happy to receive this award from such a prestigious institution as the ILDS; this honour is a tribute to my family, who have always supported me. This award honours women who champion women’s health in SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA."

Announcing the recipients of the ILDS 2026 Certificate of Appreciation Awards - ILDS

Congratulations to Dr Arosemena and Professor Ly on these well-deserved achievements and thank you for your continued contributions to dermatology and global skin health.

Psoriasis Support Group in Nigeria – PSORAWELL

An update from Professor Olusola Ayanlowo – National Coordinator for Nigeria

Psoriasis in Nigeria Educational Campaign, supported by the ILDS/IFD Dermlink Grant 2025/26, has launched the Psoriasis Awareness and Wellness Initiative (PSORAWELL). This is a patient support group project addressing awareness, misperceptions, and stigma surrounding psoriasis in Nigeria, improving early diagnosis, encouraging appropriate treatment, and enhancing patients' overall quality of life. The project also aimed to empower patients by providing therapeutic education to complement healthcare providers' management.

Links to the PSORAWELL website and social media:

https://psoriasis.org.ng/content/show/page/about-us

https://www.instagram.com/p/DcdbIGTu1iE/?igsi=MWdhaG1yZjlwaHpxaA==

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ErKKKEoLN/

https://x.com/Psorawell

20th Anniversary of the PSOriasis Research Group (GRPso) Scientific Day

On the 9^th October, Professor Emilie Sbidian, GPA National Coordinator for France, proudly joined colleagues in celebrating the 20th anniversary of the PSOriasis Research Group (GRPso) Scientific Day.

Part of the French Society of Dermatology (SFD), GRPso has organised this annual psoriasis meeting for two decades, bringing together more than 200 participants each year. The event welcomes dermatologists and rheumatologists from both hospital and private practice settings, alongside dermatology trainees and experienced clinicians who share a common interest in improving psoriasis care and research.

The Scientific Day provided an important opportunity to review the latest clinical and therapeutic innovations, explore emerging research findings, and discuss challenging and practical clinical cases. It also served as a platform for showcasing the work of GRPso, highlighting the most significant results from recent and ongoing academic studies.

Marking its 20th year, the meeting continues to play a vital role in fostering collaboration, advancing knowledge, and supporting the psoriasis research community across France.

For more information, visit the Journée scientifique du GRPso [journee-psoriasis.fr]

Coordinators Recent Publications

Professor Wilson Liao - Regional Coordinator for USA.

Establishment of the Kenyan Psoriasis Registry: A Case–Control Cohort.

Marquez-Grap G, Biwott P, Chen M, Baldonado GC, Leung A, Kranyak A, Muraguri I, Maurer T, Liao W, Kiprono S.

Dermatology and Therapy, 2026

https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-025-01598-6

Determinants of Quality of Life and Mental Health in Kenyan Psoriasis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Analysis from the Kenyan Psoriasis Registry

Chen MK, Biwott P, Muraguri I, Marquez-Grap G, Baldonado GC, Smith P, Maurer T, Bhutani T, Kiprono S, Liao W.

Journal of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis, 2026

https://doi.org/10.1177/24755303261433913

Modified Goeckerman therapy for chronic skin diseases in a resource-limited setting: A case series from Kenya

Kemeness C, Schandua H, Spangenberg A, Gupta R, Muraguri I, Cheruiyot P, Biwott P, Boit R, Kranyak A, Marquez-Grap G, Leung A, Maurer T, Boit J, Kiprono S, Liao W.

JAAD Case Reports, 2026

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdcr.2026.05.042

Professor Sunil Dogra - Regional Coordinator for India.

Out-of-Pocket Expenses in Patients with Psoriasis: A Study from a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India

Bhandari A, Narang S, Narang T, Kavita, Handa S, Dogra S, Prinja S.

Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 2026

https://doi.org/10.4103/idoj.idoj_172_25

Professor Emilie Sbidian – National Coordinator for France

French guidelines on systemic treatments for moderate-to-severe psoriasis in adults: Update 2025

Masson Regnault M, Brenaut E, Marniquet ME, Berthault C, Canoen L, Marcombes C, Melin A, Ouakrat R, Charles J, Mouret S, Potie O, Penso L, Vegas LP, Larid G, Roux M, Bougeard C, Sylvain S, Labonne C, Randriamiarana T, Pitaud DH, Etheve F, Gottlieb J, Gouillon L, Chastagner M, Sbidian E, Aubert H; Psoriasis Research Group of the French Society of Dermatology (Groupe de Recherche sur le Psoriasis de la Société Française de Dermatologie)

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2026

https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.70263

Infection risk among psoriasis biologic-new users: A cohort study on the French National Health Data System

Le TTK, Vo TT, Sbidian E.

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2026

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2026.01.024

Dr Houda Hammami - National Coordinator for Tunisia.

Severity of Psoriasis in Tunisia: Cross-Sectional Results From the National PsoTReg Registry

Litaiem N, Akid M, Boudaya S, Zaouak A, Souissi A, Doss N, Gara S, Jaber K, Aounallah A, Zahaf A, Turki H, Mokni M, Zeglaoui F, Dhaoui MA, Razgallah R, Denguezli M, Hammami H.

International Journal of Dermatology, 2026

https://doi.org/10.1111/ijd.70589

We are pleased to announce that Almirall has renewed its sponsorship of the Global Psoriasis Atlas during Phase IV!

Long-term collaborations like this make a real difference, Almirall’s ongoing commitment helps us to continue our research into the epidemiology of psoriasis and improve understanding of the disease worldwide.

Thank you Almirall, for your valued support throughout all four phases of the GPA.

IPC Generalised Pustular Psoriasis Training

Understanding GPP and assessing severity with GPPGA and GPPASI

The free IPC GPP Training is a five-part educational series designed to provide clinicians with a practical foundation in the diagnosis, assessment, and evaluation of Generalized Pustular Psoriasis (GPP). Through a combination of expert-led educational videos and case-based exercises, participants will build confidence in recognizing and assessing GPP in clinical practice.

Learn more: https://psoriasiscouncil.org/education/gpp-training/

Recent publications

Bridging psoriasis and metabolic comorbidities: Toward comprehensive patient management. Priorities from the International Psoriasis Council

Strober BE, Treichel AM, Bowcock AM, Cooper K, Gisondi P, Gonzalez-Cantero A, Lambert J, Wilson L, Lopez-Ferrer A, Mehta NN, Skov L, van de Kerkhof PCM, Gelfand JM

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2026

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2026.07.066

Management of moderate-to-severe psoriasis in patients with cancer: Guidance from the International Psoriasis Council

Gisondi P, Carrascosa, J-M, Jo SJ, Puig L, Ryan C, Torres T, van de Kerkhof P, Vesely MD, Maskin M

JAAD Reviews, 2026

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdrv.2026.08.004

The 8th World Psoriasis & Psoriatic Arthritis IFPA Conference 2027 will take place from 20-22 May 2027 at the Stockholm Waterfront Congress Centre, Sweden, bringing together the global psoriasis community for three days of scientific exchange, collaboration, and learning.

Under the theme, “From Burden to Breakthrough: Bridging Science, Innovation and Patient-Centred Care”, the conference will unite scientists, researchers, healthcare professionals, educators, patient experts, and advocates from around the world who are committed to improving the lives of people affected by psoriatic disease.

As the only global multidisciplinary scientific conference dedicated exclusively to psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and related conditions, the event provides a unique forum to explore the latest advances in research, deepen understanding of disease burden and comorbidities, showcase innovative approaches to care, and strengthen patient-centred solutions.

The conference also offers valuable opportunities to build international partnerships and foster collaboration across research, clinical practice, advocacy, and patient communities, helping to drive progress in psoriasis care worldwide.

Registration and abstract submissions are now open, and IFPA is delighted to confirm the British Journal of Dermatology (BJD) as the official abstract publication partner of the Conference.

Register: https://www.ifpa-pso.com/ifpa-conference-2027/registration/register

Find out more: https://www.ifpa-pso.com/ifpa-conference-2027

• AAD Annual Meeting (19^th-23^rd March 2027) San Francisco, California, USA

• IFPA Conference (20^th-22^nd May 2027) Stockholm, Sweden

• World Congress of Dermatology (21^st-26^th June 2027) Guadalajara, Mexico

• EADV Congress (22^nd-25^th September 2027) Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Psoriasis: from Gene to Clinic (2^nd-4^th December 2027) London, UK