Definition and research guide
This page combines a MeSH definition, publication statistics and selected research abstracts. It is a starting point for reading the literature, not a medical textbook or a systematic evidence review.
Content available: 3 complete abstracts (740 words), 9 references. Full article text is not stored or reproduced here; follow the PMID, DOI or PMC links to read the original sources and their access terms.
Definition
A common genetically determined, chronic, inflammatory skin disease characterized by rounded erythematous, dry, scaling patches. The lesions have a predilection for nails, scalp, genitalia, extensor surfaces, and the lumbosacral region. Accelerated epidermopoiesis is considered to be the fundamental pathologic feature in psoriasis.
Definition: NLM Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) scope note (Public domain (U.S. National Library of Medicine); attribution requested). View the MeSH record.
Also known as: Psoriases; Pustulosis of Palms and Soles; Pustulosis Palmaris et Plantaris; Palmoplantaris Pustulosis; Pustular Psoriasis of Palms and Soles.
Where it fits in the MeSH classification
- Broader topics
- Skin Diseases, Papulosquamous
- Narrower topics
- Arthritis, Psoriatic; Guttate Psoriasis
Research landscape
PubMed indexes 54,710 records tagged with the MeSH heading “Psoriasis” (counts retrieved 2026-11-04). 14,703 of them (26.9%) were published from 2020 onward, and the busiest period so far is through 1999 with 16,375 records.
Reviews account for 9,254 records (16.9%) and meta-analyses for 861. Randomized controlled trials number 2,446 (4.5%) as a share of all records on the topic.
Show the data
| Period | Records |
|---|---|
| through 1999 | 16,375 |
| 2000-2009 | 7,814 |
| 2010-2019 | 15,818 |
| 2020 onward | 14,703 |
Publication-type chart data
| Type | Records | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Reviews | 9,254 | 16.9% |
| Meta-analyses | 861 | 1.6% |
| Randomized controlled trials | 2,446 | 4.5% |
Method: PubMed query "Psoriasis"[MeSH Terms] with publication-type and date filters, retrieved 2026-11-04.
Reading the evidence in bones, joints, muscles and skin
Joint, bone, muscle and skin conditions are often judged by pain scores, function questionnaires, imaging or photographs, and symptoms can fluctuate, so placebo response and natural improvement matter. Imaging changes are common in people without symptoms. Nothing on this page is advice about treatment. Check how outcomes were measured, whether the comparison group received a placebo or usual care, and how long the benefit lasted.
Evidence from open-access studies
These open-access studies come from PubMed’s best-match results for this heading (papers whose main topic it is), ranked here by citation count, with one recent addition. Each abstract is reproduced in full under its recorded open licence so that you can read the authors’ own words. They illustrate the literature; they are not a systematic summary of it. Citation counts measure attention, not reliability or clinical benefit.
| Study / authors | Year | Source label / design | Europe PMC citations | Licence / source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durability of response to icotrokinra for high-impact site psoriasis: 1-year ICONIC-TOTAL findings | 2026 | Randomized controlled trial Design not recorded in structured metadata | 4 | cc by PMID 42175814 · DOI · PMC13505761 |
| Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: emerging evidence and future research opportunities | 2026 | Review article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 2 | cc by PMID 42131335 · DOI · PMC13161150 |
| Spatial transcriptomic profiling reveals body site-specific inflammatory differences in psoriasis lesions | 2026 | Research article Design not recorded in structured metadata | 2 | cc by PMID 41909685 · DOI · PMC13017802 |
Durability of response to icotrokinra for high-impact site psoriasis: 1-year ICONIC-TOTAL findings [1]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundHigh-impact site plaque psoriasis is difficult to treat.
- Closing excerpt
- ConclusionsIcotrokinra demonstrated high and durable rates of psoriasis clearance across high-impact sites, with a favourable safety profile, through 1 year.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (292 words)
BackgroundHigh-impact site plaque psoriasis is difficult to treat. Icotrokinra, an oral peptide with high specificity for the interleukin (IL)-23 receptor, demonstrated significantly higher rates of high-impact site psoriasis clearance, versus placebo, with no safety signals, through Week (W)16.ObjectivesReport clinical response rates and safety through 1 year of icotrokinra treatment in participants with high-impact site plaque psoriasis.MethodsParticipants (≥12 years of age; psoriasis body surface area ≥1%; Investigator's Global Assessment [IGA] ≥2) with at least moderate scalp, genital or hand/foot psoriasis were randomized (2:1) to once-daily icotrokinra 200 mg (N = 208) or placebo (N = 103), with placebo-to-icotrokinra transition at W16 (N = 92). Rates (using nonresponder imputation) of achieving clear/almost clear (0/1) or clear (0) overall skin (IGA), genital (static Physician's Global Assessment of genitalia [sPGA-G]), hand/foot (hf-PGA) psoriasis and absent/very mild (0/1) or absent (0) scalp psoriasis (scalp-specific-IGA [ss-IGA]), modified Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (mNAPSI) percent improvement and safety were assessed through W52.ResultsEighty-eight per cent (275/311) of participants completed treatment through W52. In icotrokinra-randomized participants, response rates increased through W24 and were durable through W52 for overall psoriasis clearance (IGA 0/1 range: 67%-70%) and across high-impact sites (ss-IGA 0/1: 72%-78%; sPGA-G 0/1: 85%-90%; hf-PGA 0/1: 54%-62%); responses were consistent among placebo-randomized participants after transitioning to icotrokinra. High proportions of icotrokinra-randomized participants achieved complete clearance during W24-52 (IGA 0: 44%-51%; ss-IGA 0: 57%-66%; sPGA-G 0: 73%-84%; hf-PGA 0: 44%-58%). Mean mNAPSI improvement increased from W16 (33%) to W52 (62%). Exposure-adjusted rates of participants with ≥1 adverse event (AE) or serious AE through W16 were similar between icotrokinra and placebo, with no increase in AE rates or occurrence of a safety signal through W52.ConclusionsIcotrokinra demonstrated high and durable rates of psoriasis clearance across high-impact sites, with a favourable safety profile, through 1 year.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42175814 · DOI · PMC13505761
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: emerging evidence and future research opportunities [2]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- BackgroundPsoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are chronic immune-mediated diseases often associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
- Closing excerpt
- ConclusionsGLP-1RAs show promising effects in PsO and early-PsA may represent a potential treatment window for maximizing therapeutic effects based on immunometabolic rationale, although this concept requires validation in dedicated clinical studies.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (248 words)
BackgroundPsoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are chronic immune-mediated diseases often associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), initially developed for T2DM, exert both metabolic and anti-inflammatory effects, which may offer therapeutic benefits for psoriatic disease, particularly in the early stages of PsA.ObjectivesThis review aims to evaluate the current evidence on GLP-1RAs in PsO and PsA, examine the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, and highlight key areas for future research, with a particular emphasis on early PsA as a critical window for intervention.MethodsA narrative review in accordance with current methodological guidance was conducted on published studies concerning GLP-1RAs in PsO and PsA, including preclinical, clinical, and mechanistic research.ResultsSeveral studies show that GLP-1RAs, particularly liraglutide and semaglutide, improve PsO severity, metabolic parameters, and inflammatory markers. These benefits extend beyond weight loss, suggesting a direct immunomodulatory effect. Two open-label trials in PsA patients with obesity indicated improvements in disease activity (MDA) alongside metabolic benefits. The trials, NCT06588296 (TOGETHER-PsA) and NCT06864026 (TOGETHER AMPLIFY-PsA), assessed ixekizumab with and without tirzepatide. However, evidence in PsA remains limited, with most studies constrained by small sample sizes and short follow-up periods. To date, no studies have specifically investigated GLP-1RAs in early PsA; however, early-stage disease may represent an optimal treatment window for maximizing therapeutic effects based on immunometabolic rationale.ConclusionsGLP-1RAs show promising effects in PsO and early-PsA may represent a potential treatment window for maximizing therapeutic effects based on immunometabolic rationale, although this concept requires validation in dedicated clinical studies.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 42131335 · DOI · PMC13161150
Spatial transcriptomic profiling reveals body site-specific inflammatory differences in psoriasis lesions [3]
Abstract reading summary — source excerpts
- Opening excerpt
- IntroductionPsoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease.
- Closing excerpt
- DiscussionThese findings highlight minimal histological and immunohistochemical variation, yet significant transcriptomic and pathway differences between psoriasis body locations, suggesting potential targets for site-specific therapeutic strategies.
- Interpretation limits
- Verbatim excerpts from the authors’ abstract; the closing excerpt may describe a finding, limitation or recommendation. Design, population, effect size and uncertainty have not been independently extracted or appraised. Read the complete abstract and linked paper before interpreting the findings.
Read complete abstract (200 words)
IntroductionPsoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease. Treatments lead to Q6 substantial improvement of most psoriasis plaques. However, it can be challenging to reach disease resolution in certain hard to treat areas such as scalp, and lower extremity. Here we map histologic and spatial transcriptomic differences between psoriasis lesions across different anatomical locations, to understand if differences can be linked to plaque-site specific treatment resistance.MethodsQuantitative immunohistochemical analysis and transcriptomic digital spatial profiling were performed on skin punch biopsies obtained from unaffected areas on the trunk, lesional (LS) areas of the scalp, upper extremity and lower extremity of 12 patients with psoriasis. Histological analysis showed no significant differences in epidermal thickness among LS skin from different body locations.ResultsImmunohistochemical markers (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD103, CD207, IL-12RB1, IL-17A, IL-23R, RORγt, FOXP3, and MPO) did not differ significantly between LS sites. Whole transcriptome spatial RNA profiling identified several differentially expressed genes that revealed site-specific transcriptomic differences. Notably, IL-23 signaling was significantly enriched in the lower extremity epidermis, and IL-17 signaling was more pronounced in the epidermis of LS samples.DiscussionThese findings highlight minimal histological and immunohistochemical variation, yet significant transcriptomic and pathway differences between psoriasis body locations, suggesting potential targets for site-specific therapeutic strategies.
Abstract reproduced from the open-access article under the recorded cc by licence; © the authors. PMID 41909685 · DOI · PMC13017802
Key reviews and meta-analyses
The most cited review-type papers among PubMed’s best-match results for this heading, listed with bibliographic details only. Follow the links for the full text and access terms.
- Research article National, regional, and worldwide epidemiology of psoriasis: systematic analysis and modelling study [4]
- Research article Safety of Janus Kinase Inhibitors in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases or Other Immune-mediated Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis [5]
- Research article Comparison of Biologics and Oral Treatments for Plaque Psoriasis: A Meta-analysis [6]
- Research article Prevalence, Incidence, and Risk of Cancer in Patients With Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis [7]
- Research article Prevalence and incidence of psoriatic arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis [8]
- Research article Comorbidities in psoriatic arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis [9]
Full-text reviews on EvidenceLib
Open-access review articles about this topic, reproduced in full with authors, licence and references.
All-cause and cause-specific mortality in psoriasis patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Yi Yang, Qin Zhang, Anning Huang et al. · Frontiers in Immunology 2025 · CC BY 4.0
Circulating inflammatory cytokines and psoriasis risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Xiao-Qing Liu, Pei-Lin Zhou, Xin-Yu Yin et al. · PLOS ONE 2023 · CC BY 4.0
The Impact of Diet and Physical Activity on Psoriasis: A Narrative Review of the Current Evidence
Ewa Duchnik, Joanna Kruk, Aleksandra Tuchowska et al. · Nutrients 2023 · CC BY 4.0
Risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
F Bellinato, P Gisondi, A Mantovani et al. · Journal of Endocrinological Investigation 2022 · CC BY 4.0
The Role of Epigenetic Factors in Psoriasis
Klaudia Dopytalska, Piotr Ciechanowicz, Kacper Wiszniewski et al. · International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2021 · CC BY 4.0
References
- Warren RB, Gooderham M, Lain E, Bissonnette R, Huang YH, Ringuet J, et al.. Durability of response to icotrokinra for high-impact site psoriasis: 1-year ICONIC-TOTAL findings. . 2026. PMID 42175814 · DOI · PMC13505761
- Ciancio G, Maranini B, Sandri G, Amati G, Bortoluzzi A, Silvagni E, et al.. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: emerging evidence and future research opportunities. . 2026. PMID 42131335 · DOI · PMC13161150
- Emmanuel T, Ben Abdallah H, Nielsen MM, Ignatov B, Baez E, Andersen AS, et al.. Spatial transcriptomic profiling reveals body site-specific inflammatory differences in psoriasis lesions. . 2026. PMID 41909685 · DOI · PMC13017802
- Parisi R, Iskandar IYK, Kontopantelis E, Augustin M, Griffiths CEM, Ashcroft DM, et al.. National, regional, and worldwide epidemiology of psoriasis: systematic analysis and modelling study. BMJ. 2020. PMID 32467098 · DOI · PMC7254147
- Olivera PA, Lasa JS, Bonovas S, Danese S, Peyrin-Biroulet L. Safety of Janus Kinase Inhibitors in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases or Other Immune-mediated Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Gastroenterology. 2020. PMID 31926171 · DOI
- Armstrong AW, Puig L, Joshi A, Skup M, Williams D, Li J, et al.. Comparison of Biologics and Oral Treatments for Plaque Psoriasis: A Meta-analysis. JAMA Dermatol. 2020. PMID 32022825 · DOI · PMC7042876
- Vaengebjerg S, Skov L, Egeberg A, Loft ND. Prevalence, Incidence, and Risk of Cancer in Patients With Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Dermatol. 2020. PMID 32074260 · DOI · PMC7042857
- Scotti L, Franchi M, Marchesoni A, Corrao G. Prevalence and incidence of psoriatic arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2018. PMID 29398124 · DOI
- Gupta S, Syrimi Z, Hughes DM, Zhao SS. Comorbidities in psoriatic arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Rheumatol Int. 2021. PMID 33423070 · DOI · PMC7835184
About this article
- Sources
- NLM Medical Subject Headings (definition, synonyms); NCBI PubMed (counts, identifiers); Europe PMC (open-access abstracts and citation counts).
- Verification
- Every reference was resolved against PubMed on 2026-11-04; title, year and DOI matched.
- Review state
- automated source verified; no human expert review has been recorded yet.
- Version
- 1, last updated 2026-11-04.
See how EvidenceLib is built. Spotted an error? Email support@evidencehelix.com.
Evidence strength
EvidenceHelix's computed view of the study designs behind this topic: how common meta-analyses, randomized trials and reviews are, how recent the literature is, and a plain-language reading. It describes the design mix of the literature. It is not a quality appraisal of any study, and it is not medical advice.