Population-based incidence of psoriasis vulgaris in Germany: analysis of national statutory insurance data from 65 million population

Information on the population-based incidence of psoriasis vulgaris was limited. This study was to provide a comprehensive understanding of the age-specific and sex-specific incidence of psoriasis vulgaris in Germany. The data were obtained in the context of a morbidity-based risk adjustment by statutory health insurance companies in Germany, comprising information regarding 65 million population. Psoriasis vulgaris diagnoses were made and coded according to the 10th edition of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems. Age-specific and sex-specific incidences were calculated using data from 2009 to 2011. There was a rise in the age- and sex-specific incidences of psoriasis vulgaris through midlife, reaching a peak at the age of 60 and subsequently declining for both genders. The peak incidence for men, at 130 cases per 100,000 person-years, slightly exceeded the peak incidence for women of 117 per 100,000 person-years. An increase in the overall incidence rate can also be observed over the course of the three-year period covered by the data. Considerable variations in the age- and sex-specific incidences of psoriasis vulgaris can be seen across the lifespan. Nevertheless, the overall age-standardized incidence for the German population was low compared to other European countries.