The Steatosis-Associated Fibrosis Estimator (SAFE) score for assessing significant liver fibrosis in patients with psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: There is an urgent need for noninvasive tests to identify patients with psoriasis at risk of significant liver fibrosis. OBJECTIVES: To externally validate the ability of the Steatosis-Associated Fibrosis Estimator (SAFE) score to detect significant liver fibrosis in patients with psoriasis using transient elastography (TE) as a reference. METHODS: We analysed data from 75 patients with psoriasis, including TE, SAFE score, Fibrosis-4 Index (FIB-4) and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Fibrosis Score (NFS). Significant liver fibrosis was defined as TE values ≥ 7.1 kPa. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). RESULTS: Fifteen patients (20%) exhibited significant liver fibrosis. The AUROCs for the SAFE and FIB-4 scores were 0.82 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67-0.97] and 0.62 (95% CI 0.45-0.79), respectively. The SAFE score outperformed the FIB-4 Index (P = 0.01) but was comparable with the NFS (P = 0.05) in predicting significant fibrosis. Using thresholds of < 0, 0 to < 100 and ≥ 100, the SAFE score categorized 36, 24 and 15 patients into low, intermediate and high-risk groups for significant fibrosis, respectively. The negative predictive value for excluding significant fibrosis with a SAFE score of < 0 was 94.4%, and the positive predictive value for diagnosing significant fibrosis with a SAFE score of > 100 was 53.3%. The duration of psoriasis, joint involvement and methotrexate treatment did not affect the diagnostic ability of the SAFE score whereas age of the patient did. CONCLUSIONS: The SAFE score demonstrated good accuracy in assessing clinically significant fibrosis among patients with psoriasis. This score should prove valuable for risk stratification and patient management in dermatology practice.

Do different platforms of coronavirus vaccines have different impacts on psoriasis flares?

This study evaluated the impacts on psoriasis flares of 3 vaccine platforms: inactivated, viral vector and mRNA. Respectively, 198 and 96 psoriasis patients with and without COVID-19 vaccination during the study period. Group comparison revealed no increased risk of psoriasis flaring after COVID-19 vaccination. The vaccinated group received 425 doses of vaccine (140 inactivated, 230 viral vector and 55 mRNA). Patients' self-reported symptoms included all three platforms causing psoriasis flare, but the highest was among patients administered with mRNA vaccines. Most flares were mild to moderate, and most patients (89.8%) managed their flare-up lesions without rescue therapy. In conclusion, our study showed that the rate of psoriasis flare was not significantly different between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. Factors that might explain psoriasis flare include vaccine-related psychological stress and side effects from vaccination. Different platforms of corona vaccines seemed to have different impact of psoriasis flares. Based on our results and the recommendations of several consensus guidelines, the benefits of COVID vaccinations outweigh the risks to patients with psoriasis. Patients with psoriasis should receive a COVID vaccine as soon as one is available.

Using the patient-acceptable symptom state to evaluate patients' perspectives of living with psoriasis: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Taking the perspectives of patients into consideration is of the utmost importance when defining treatment goals for psoriasis. The patient-acceptable symptom state (PASS) is a dichotomised question that captures patients' perceptions of their overall health state. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate PASS and determine the factors associated with a satisfactory PASS for psoriatic patients. METHODS: Three questions were asked: (Q1) Considering the ways that your skin symptoms affect your functioning, is your current skin psoriasis satisfactory? (Current PASS), (Q2) Considering the ways that your psoriasis is affecting you, if you were to remain in this state for the next few months, would this be satisfactory? (Future PASS) and (Q3) If you were to remain for the rest of your life as you were during the last 48 hours, would this be satisfactory? (Lifelong PASS). Disease severity, symptoms and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were collected. RESULTS: Of 140 patients, 74.3%, 70.0% and 85.7% expressed satisfaction with their current, future and lifelong skin psoriasis conditions respectively. A satisfactory PASS was significantly associated with older and married patients; lower disease severity; fewer skin symptoms; and a higher HRQoL. A multivariate analysis revealed that the independent factors associated with a satisfactory PASS were being older than 40 years, being married, practising meditation, not having extensive lesions at sensitive areas and having a high HRQoL. CONCLUSIONS: PASS is a simple and easily administered questionnaire that reflects both disease severity and HRQoL. Understanding patients' needs and satisfaction levels will result in better care for psoriatic patients than otherwise.

Impact of long-term systemic treatment for psoriasis on liver disease in psoriasis patients with coexisting hepatitis B virus infection.

Continuously updated information is helpful for evaluating the safety of long-term systemic drug use in psoriasis patients with concomitant hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. To investigate the impact of long-term systemic treatment for psoriasis on liver disease in psoriasis patients with HBV infection. Data of patients during 10-year period were recorded and analyzed. Sixty-six patients (46 males and 20 females) with a mean age of 58.5 ± 13.1 years were recruited. Our study estimated that the 5-year cumulative risks of developing cirrhosis and HCC were 30% and 5%, respectively, in patients receiving systemic treatments for psoriasis. Risks of cirrhosis and HCC were not significantly different between systemic and topical treatment groups. Thirty patients were prescribed systemic treatments (acitretin, methotrexate, ciclosporin, and anti-tumor necrosis factors). Three HBsAg+ patients developed viral reactivation (two patients with methotrexate and one patient with ciclosporin). The effects of systemic treatments for psoriasis on liver outcome in patients with coexisting HBV infection are needed to be determined. HBsAg+ patients are more likely to develop viral reactivation during systemic treatment for psoriasis than HBsAg- patients. Monitoring of liver enzymes and HBV DNA every 3 months is recommended during treatment and for 6 to 12 months after drug discontinuation.

The necessity of antinuclear antibody investigation in pre-phototherapy vitiligo patients: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Narrowband UVB (NBUVB) phototherapy is the cornerstone treatment for vitiligo. Before its initiation, some experts recommend antinuclear antibody (ANA) screening out of concern for either photosensitivity to NBUVB or autoimmune disease exacerbation during treatment. As vitiligo is considered an autoimmune disorder, ANAs can be positively found in the disease without any clinical importance. The necessity for ANA investigations for pre-phototherapy vitiligo patients is therefore questioned. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study to investigate vitiligo patients who had been checked for ANA before commencing NBUVB phototherapy. Demographic data-including vitiligo type and age of onset-were collected. Samples of ANA, anti-thyroglobulin, and anti-thyroid peroxidase were obtained. The phototherapy treatment protocol and cutaneous reactions to the phototherapy were also recorded. RESULTS: Among 85 Thai vitiligo patients, the ANA prevalence was 35.3%. The speckled ANA pattern was the most common, and the large majority of patients (80%) had a titer of ≤1:100. Factors associated with positive ANA were female gender and positive anti-thyroglobulin. There were no statistical differences between the phototoxic reactions or phototoxic doses of NBUVB of the ANA-positive vitiligo and ANA-negative vitiligo groups. No cases of SLE were detected in ANA-positive group. CONCLUSIONS: ANA positivity was not correlated with the incidence or dose of phototoxic reaction in phototherapy treated vitiligo, and it may not a predictive factor for SLE diagnosis in vitiligo. ANA might therefore not need to be routinely checked in pre-phototherapy in vitiligo, unless there are clinical suspicions of an autoimmune disease. However, ANA might be involved in part of the cutaneous photoadaptation response to phototherapy.

The efficacy of UVA1 phototherapy in psoriasis: Clinical and histological aspects.

BACKGROUND: Although ultraviolet A1 (UVA1) phototherapy is available for nearly 30 years, only few studies have been conducted for plaque-type psoriasis. OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy and safety of UVA1 phototherapy in psoriasis by assessing the clinical and histological outcomes. METHODS: This open study enrolled 15 patients with moderate to severe plaque-type psoriasis. All of the patients had skin type IV. A whole-body UVA1 device consisting of 24 lamps, was irradiated at a medium dose of 50 J/cm2 three-times weekly for 30 sessions. Topical and systemic psoriasis treatments were discontinued before and during treatment; patients could only use emollients and antihistamines until 1-month post-completion. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores were determined at baseline; at sessions 10th, 20th and 30th; and 1 month after treatment. Four-millimetre punch biopsies were obtained from the same psoriasis lesion at baseline and session 30th. Changes in histopathological gradings and polymorphonuclear, lymphocyte and Langerhans cell numbers were monitored. RESULTS: Twelve patients completed the study. The mean age was 41.3 years (range: 25-71). The median PASI scores at baseline, session 30th and 1-month post-treatment were 16 (8.2, 43.3), 11 (4.4, 43.3) and 9.2 (2.7, 36.4), respectively. Although the PASI scores had improved significantly by 1-month post-treatment (P = .006), the histological parameters demonstrated minimal changes. All patients tolerated the phototherapy well and the most common side effect was skin tanning. CONCLUSIONS: While medium-dose UVA1 phototherapy demonstrated some efficacy in moderate to severe plaque-type psoriasis. However, it might not be an excellent choice.

Proteomics in Psoriasis.

Psoriasis has been thought to be driven primarily by innate and adaptive immune systems that can be modified by genetic and environmental factors. Complex interplay between inflammatory cytokines and T-cells, especially Th1 and Th17 cells, leads to abnormal cell proliferation and psoriatic skin lesions. Nevertheless, such mechanisms do not entirely represent the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Moreover, earlier and better biomarkers in diagnostics, prognostics, and monitoring therapeutic outcomes of psoriasis are still needed. During the last two decades, proteomics (a systematic analysis of proteins for their identities, quantities, and functions) has been widely employed to psoriatic research. This review summarizes and discusses all of the previous studies that applied various modalities of proteomics technologies to psoriatic skin disease. The data obtained from such studies have led to (i) novel mechanisms and new hypotheses of the disease pathogenesis; (ii) biomarker discovery for diagnostics and prognostics; and (iii) proteome profiling for monitoring treatment efficacy and drug-induced toxicities.

Analysis of solar urticaria in Thai patients.

BACKGROUND: Solar urticaria (SU) is an uncommon photodermatosis characterized by erythema and whealing within minutes to a few hours after exposure to sunlight or an artificial light source. OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical features, photobiological characteristics and treatment outcomes in Thai SU patients visiting a tertiary referral hospital. METHOD: A retrospective analysis of 13 patients with SU was conducted. Demographic data, disease characters, phototesting results, laboratory investigations, treatment and outcome were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 13 patients diagnosed with SU from 2000 to 2012, most patients were female (10, 77%). The mean age of onset was 29 years (15-51). The mean duration of SU was 46 months (6-120) at presentation. The most common affected location was the upper extremities (92%), followed by head and neck (77%). The responsible action spectra were visible light in 8 patients (61.5%), ultraviolet A (UVA) in 1 patient (8%), and both visible light and UVA in 4 patients (31%). The median course from disease onset to disease resolution was 63 months (95% confidence interval 30-95). After 13 months and 55 months from the onset of symptoms, 23% and 49% of patients, respectively, were predicted to recover from their symptoms. CONCLUSION: Solar urticaria is a rare condition in Thailand. The common eliciting spectra of SU were visible light and UVA. Management of SU remains challenging.

Oral Candida Colonization in Thai Patients with Psoriasis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of oral Candida colonization in psoriatic patients at Siriraj Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Sixty patients with psoriasis, aged older than 18 years, were recruited for the study group. Sixty healthy individuals similar to the patients in the study group in terms of age and gender were recruited for the control group. Candida spp. was isolated from oral swabs and oral rinses taken from all subjects. RESULTS: During the study period, 27 (45.0%) psoriatic patients used only topical treatment and the remaining patients were on systemic treatment. Oral Candida colonization was significantly higher in patients with psoriasis (30%), as compared with healthy controls (13.3%). Candida albicans was the predominant Candida species isolated. Presence of oral candidiasis was significantly associated with systemic treatment. CONCLUSION: Oral Candida colonization is associated with psoriasis, especially in patients who receive systemic treatment.

Prevalence of Cutaneous Bacterial Colonization in Thai Patients with Psoriasis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine bacterial colonization of skin, scalp, nares, nails, and psoriasis lesion in Thai psoriasis patients and compare findings with those of healthy controls. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Sixty patients with chronic plaque-type psoriasis and 60 healthy controls of similar age and gender were enrolled. Swabs of nares, scalp, nails, and non-lesional skin were taken from all subjects. Swabs of lesional skin were taken from psoriasis patients. Aerobic bacteria were isolated from swab specimens. RESULTS: Patients with psoriasis had significantly higher rate of bacteria colonization in nares, scalp, and nails than those of healthy controls. Firmicutes spp. was the most common phyla, followed by Proteobacteria spp. in both groups. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) were the most common pathogens isolated from lesional skin, non-lesional skin, scalp, and nares of psoriasis patients. Streptococcus spp. was found only in psoriasis patients. CONCLUSION: Similar to findings from Caucasian psoriasis patients, Firmicutes spp. was found to be the most common phyla colonizing the skin of Asian psoriasis patients. Streptococcus spp. was found to colonize only the skin. Further studies are needed to determine the clinical significance of streptococcal skin colonization in psoriasis patients.

The factors affecting quality of life in Thai psoriasis patients.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the factors that affect quality of life in Thai psoriasis patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Data collected from 326 psoriasis patients that visited dermatology clinic at Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand between 2001 and 2007 was used. Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was used to measure quality of life. Severity was evaluated by Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI). RESULTS: Overall, psoriasis had moderate to very large negative effect on the patient's life. There was a tendency that elderly patients had a slightly better quality of life than younger adult and middle-age patients. However other demographic variables (i.e., gender, occupation, and income) had no influence on quality of life. This study also identified a linear trend of increased overall DLQI with greater PASI. CONCLUSION: Only older age and lesser severity of disease had association with few burdens in Thai psoriasis patients.

Prevalence and clinical characteristics of pruritus, and the factors significantly associated with high pruritic intensity in patients with psoriasis: a cross-sectional study.

Despite the significant prevalence of pruritus in psoriasis, its pathogenesis remains unknown, and research on pruritus in Thai psoriasis patients is limited. Objectives: The objective was to investigate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of pruritus, and the factors significantly associated with high pruritic intensity in Thai psoriasis patients. Material and methods: In a cross-sectional study design, pruritus data were collected from the medical records of patients who attended an outpatient psoriasis clinic in Thailand between 2020 and 2021. Results: The overall prevalence of pruritus was 81.2% among 314 psoriasis patients. Psoriasis patients with pruritus had higher Psoriasis Area Severity Index and Dermatology Life Quality Index scores than those without pruritus. The legs, back, arms, and scalp were the most common areas for pruritus. Pruritus was relieved with topical emollients, topical corticosteroids, and oral antihistamines in 66.3, 63.1, and 52.9% of patients, respectively. Female sex, psoriasis body surface area greater than or equal to 10%, and genital psoriasis were factors that independently predicted high pruritus intensity. Conclusion: Psoriasis patients should be screened and treated for pruritus to improve both psoriasis treatment outcomes and patient quality of life. Further studies are needed to clarify the most effective medications for pruritus in patients with severe psoriasis.

The efficacy of bimatoprost ophthalmic solution combined with NB-UVB phototherapy in non-segmental and segmental vitiligo: a single-blind randomized controlled study.

Bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.03% (PGF2α analogues) combined with narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) was reported to be an effective treatment for vitiligo. To investigate the efficacy and safety of treatment for non-segmental/segmental vitiligo compared among bimatoprost ophthalmic solution 0.01% combined with NB-UVB phototherapy, bimatoprost monotherapy, and placebo. This single-blind randomized controlled study enrolled stable Thai vitiligo patients with at least three similarly sized lesions in the same anatomical area. The treatment duration was 6 months with 1- and 2-month post-treatment follow-ups. The 3 selected lesions on each patient were randomized to receive combination therapy, monotherapy, or placebo. The Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI) was used to evaluate lesion response. Of the 25 initially enrolled subjects, 19 patients were analyzed. There were 13 and 6 non-segmental and segmental vitiligo cases, respectively. Eight and 11 cases had face/neck and non-face/neck lesions, respectively. Non-segmental vitiligo and non-face/neck vitiligo patients in the combination group had significant improvement in VASI score at 3 months, 6 months, and at the 2-month follow-up. No side effects were observed/reported. Bimatoprost combination therapy was shown to be safe and effective for treating Thai patients with non-segmental vitiligo in non-face/neck areas of the body.

Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms and Their Impact on Perceived Stress and Quality of Life Among Patients with Psoriasis.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms in patients with psoriasis and the association between depressive symptoms, perceived stress level, and quality of life of the participants. Methods: Patients with psoriasis were invited to complete the Thai versions of the Patient Health Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale-10, Psoriasis Disability Index, and Simplified Psoriasis Index. To identify significantly related factors of depression, the independent sample t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test was performed to compare continuous variables between groups, and the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was used to compare categorical variables between groups. The association between the severity of depression and other variables was examined using Spearman's correlation coefficient. Results: Of the 150 participants assessed, 32 (21.3%) had depressive symptoms. Elevated stress scores, subjective psychosocial impact of psoriasis, self-perceived current severity of psoriasis, and impaired quality of life were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Depressive symptom severity was determined to be positively correlated with perceived stress, quality-of-life impairment, current severity, and the psychosocial impact of psoriasis. Conclusion: Depressive symptoms are prevalent among patients with psoriasis. Those with high scores for perceived stress, a psychosocial impact of psoriasis, or disease severity should be evaluated for depression, as it can hamper their quality of life.

Phototherapy for hypopigmented mycosis fungoides in Asians.

BACKGROUND: Hypopigmented mycosis fungoides (MF) is an uncommon variant of MF. It is rare in Caucasians but more common in young skin-of-color individuals. To date, there are only a few reports on UV-based treatment for this condition. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the efficacy of PUVA photochemotherapy and narrowband UVB (NBUVB) phototherapy for hypopigmented MF. METHODS: A retrospective study of nine patients who received PUVA or NBUVB was performed. The clinical response, total number of treatments, cumulative UV doses, disease-free interval and adverse effects were recorded. RESULT: Eight patients had stage IA and one patient had stage IB. Six patients received NBUVB and three patients received PUVA. Three patients (50%) in the NBUVB group and three patients (100%) in the PUVA group had complete response (CR). Total UV dose to get maximal clinical response ranged from 27.1-59.6 J/cm(2) in the NBUVB group and 244-669.1 J/cm(2) in the PUVA group. In six patients who had CR, recurrence was found in four (66.7%), and the disease-free interval ranged from 2 months to 6 years. CONCLUSION: PUVA and NBUVB are effective for hypopigmented MF. Comparing between these two methods, PUVA provided a better response than NBUVB. Although the disease responded well to phototherapy, relapse was common.

Mycobacterium fortuitum cutaneous infection from amateur tattoo.

A case of cutaneous Mycobacterium fortuitum infection after receiving an amateur tattoo is reported. A few days after tattooing, an otherwise healthy 25-year-old Thai male presented with multiple discrete erythematous papules confined to the tattoo area. He was initially treated with topical steroid and oral antihistamine without improvement. Skin biopsy was carried out, and the histopathology showed mixed cell granuloma with a foreign body reaction (tattoo color pigments). The acid-fast bacilli stain was positive. The tissue culture grew M. fortuitum two weeks later. He was treated with clarithromycin 1,000 mg/day and ciprofloxacin 1,000 mg/day for 10 months with complete response. From the clinical aspect, tattoo-associated rapidly growing mycobacterium infection might be difficult to differentiate from the pigment-based skin reactions. Skin biopsy for histopathology and tissue culture for Mycobacterium probably will be needed in arriving at the diagnosis.

Clinical characteristics of Thai patients with psoriasis.

OBJECTIVE: To reveal the clinical manifestations, aggravating factors, factor associated with severity, and treatment of psoriasis in Thai patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The data of psoriasis patients who had been visited Dermatologic outpatient clinic, Siriraj Hospital between July 2002 and July 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: One thousand eighty two patients were studied. The male to female ratio was 1.2:1 and the peak age of onset was in the 40 to 49 year-old age group. The most common aggravating factor was stress (50%), followed by trauma (39%) and weather condition (35%). The majority of patients had plaque type (72.8%). Male gender, smoking, alcohol intake, and nail abnormalities were related to severe psoriasis (PASI > 10). CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated the demographic data of Thai psoriasis patients in a large number of population. These data would be beneficial for national public health development of Thailand in order to provide the better care for Thai psoriasis patients.

Retrospective study of psoriasis in people living with HIV: Thailand's experience.

Psoriasis in people living with HIV (PLHIV) has been reported as having particular clinical characteristics. However, most of the source data was derived from descriptive studies in Europe and the USA. This study was conducted to compare the characteristics of psoriasis in PLHIV to general psoriasis patients. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 73 cases of psoriasis in PLHIV and of 232 general psoriasis patients who visited a psoriasis clinic in Bangkok, Thailand. Psoriasis in PLHIV predominated in males (78.1%), with an older age of onset, significantly lower rates of nail involvement and psoriatic arthritis, but higher rates of co-infectious diseases than for general psoriasis patients. A low nadir CD4 T-cell count (<100 cells/µl) and CD4 T-cell count at psoriasis diagnosis were associated with a high body surface area (BSA) involvement. The mean BSA involvement in PLHIV was 24. Although 64.4% (47/73) of the PLHIV had moderate-to-high psoriasis severity, 29.8% of those (14/47) only received topical treatment. Acitretin was the most common drug used. Other therapies were rarely used, and no biologics were administered. In conclusion, psoriasis in PLHIV has several clinical features that differ from general psoriasis. PLHIV tend to receive substandard care for psoriasis, even in upper-middle-income countries.

Outcomes of autologous non-cultured melanocyte keratinocyte transplantation in vitiligo and nevus depigmentosus.

BACKGROUND: Melanocyte-keratinocyte transplantation procedure (MKTP) is an effective surgical technique for restoring skin pigmentation in all types of vitiligo and leukoderma patients who are unresponsive to medical and/or phototherapy treatment. Data specific to the outcomes of MKTP among Thai vitiligo and nevus depigmentosus patients are currently scarce. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of MKTP in patients with vitiligo or nevus depigmentosus at the short-term (≤6 months) and long-term (≥12 months) follow-up. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of the medical records of vitiligo or nevus depigmentosus patients who underwent MKTP at the Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand during 2016 to 2019 was conducted. Repigmentation outcomes were evaluated by Vitiligo Area Scoring Index (VASI). RESULTS: Twenty-five patients had 27 MKTP surgeries on 32 anatomically-based lesions. The mean age was 32.4 years, the mean age at onset was 25.5 years, and 19 patients were male. Segmental vitiligo, non-segmental vitiligo, and nevus depigmentosus had significantly improved VASI scores at the short-term follow-up (-74.2% ± 23.2%, -100%, and -62.5% ± 17.6%, respectively) and the long-term follow-up (-81% ± 27.7%, -95.0% ± 7.0%, and -83.3% ± 14.4%, respectively). CONCLUSION: MKTP is a safe and effective method for treating refractory vitiligo and nevus depigmentosus in Thai patients.

Dietary habits and perceptions of psoriatic patients: Mediterranean versus Asian diets.

BACKGROUND: Mediterranean diets have been reported to improve psoriasis. Asian food has a unique character and differs from Mediterranean diets. METHODS: This study compared the dietary intake of psoriatic patients and individuals without psoriasis, and investigated the association between diet and psoriasis severity. Data were collected on the frequency of consumption of Mediterranean and Asian diets. RESULTS: One-hundred psoriatic patients and 100 individuals (age- and sex-matched controls) was conducted. In the case of the anti-inflammatory diets, the psoriatic patients consumed significantly less olive oil, berry fruits, fish, seafood, tree nuts, and eggs than the controls. As to the pro-inflammatory diets, greater quantities of dairy products and soft drinks were consumed by the psoriatic patients than the controls. Regarding Asian food, the patients consumed significantly less pickled foods and brown rice/Riceberry (a rice variety), but more coconut milk, than the controls. In terms of psoriasis severity, the patients with lower severities consumed significantly more vegetables; in contrast, a higher consumption of red meat, belly meat, and instant noodles was associated with greater psoriasis severities. CONCLUSIONS: Our study adds further information on the role of diets-especially Asian diets-and psoriasis. These data should help patients and clinicians to focus more clearly on diet management.