Research findings revealed – Generalised Pustular Psoriasis in England

Research jointly funded by the Global Psoriasis Atlas and Psoriasis UK has been published by the British Journal of Dermatology.

The project was a cohort study, using electronic health records from the CPRD primary care database, hospital, and death records in England.

Results show that, over the past 15 years, the prevalence of Generalised Pustular Psoriasis (GPP) in England increased by more than 50%, with notable differences by sex and ethnicity.

This study was part-funded by Psoriasis UK as part of our research strategy, which affirms our commitment to furthering psoriasis research.

What is GPP?

GPP is a rare, sever inflammatory skin disease associated with significant morbidity and increased mortality. It is widespread across the body, with sheets of very small sterile fluid filled pustules on very red, hot and inflamed skin. It is considered a medical emergency, and a person can become very ill as the skin’s ability to regulate temperature is affected.

What did the study find?

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Over the 15 year study period, 991 people were identified with GPP, among 25.8 million people. Researchers found that:

• Prevalence from GPP increased from 20.9 per million in 2008 to 32.5 per million in 2022
• Prevalence of GPP is higher in women than in men
• Prevalence of GPP increased with age and across different ethnicities
• The average age of someone diagnosed with GPP is 51.4 years old
• Women tend to be diagnosed with GPP earlier than men

Find out more about the study

To learn more, you can download the summary infographic about the study, or read the full publication in the British Journal of Dermatology.

The Global Psoriasis Atlas have also produced a video summary, featuring our CEO Helen McAteer: