Factors Associated with Exacerbation in Psoriasis Compared to Eczema.

INTRODUCTION

Psoriasis and eczema are chronic inflammatory skin diseases. Environmental factors play an important role in the pathogenesis and exacerbation of both conditions.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate factors associated with exacerbation of psoriasis and eczema and compare those factors between both diseases, with the aim of identifying the significant differences between the two conditions.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted on adult patients diagnosed with psoriasis and eczema in Thailand. Demographic characteristics, clinical data, and aggravating factors were collected and compared between both groups. Demographic characteristics and clinical data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while aggravating factors were analyzed by logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 280 patients participated in this study: 192 psoriasis patients and 88 eczema patients. In 97.3% of psoriasis patients and 99.7% of eczema patients, aggravating factors were reported during disease exacerbation. Mental stress and inadequate sleep were significantly associated with psoriasis exacerbation, while humid environment and dust were significantly associated with eczema exacerbation rather than psoriasis exacerbation.

CONCLUSION

Internal factors, such as mental stress and inadequate sleep, have a greater influence on the worsening of psoriasis, whereas external factors, including a humid environment and dust, have a more significant impact on eczema flare-ups than on psoriasis exacerbation.