Infectious Diseases
OVERVIEW OF PSORIASIS AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES
As a global organization dedicated to improving the care of people with psoriasis, the International Psoriasis Council (IPC) recognizes the importance of addressing the complex relationship between infectious diseases and psoriasis. We strive to provide a comprehensive resource for dermatologists and patients by gathering and sharing the latest information on infectious diseases and psoriasis from around the world. If you have a relevant resource to contribute, please submit it to the IPC for consideration.
Tuberculosis & Psoriasis Resources
Resources to support clinical decision-making around tuberculosis screening and risk assessment in patients with psoriasis.
COVID-19 & Psoriasis Resources
Resources from IPC and trusted sources to assist people with psoriasis in navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.
Monkeypox & Psoriasis Resources
Available resources to help individuals with psoriasis better understand the risks associated with monkeypox.
Latest Publications
Tuberculosis & Psoriasis Resources
Tuberculosis (TB) remains an important consideration in the management of psoriasis, particularly when initiating biologic therapies. These resources provide guidance on TB screening, risk assessment, and clinical decision-making for patients receiving IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors. Recent evidence and expert consensus suggest that routine testing for latent TB infection may not be necessary for all patients, emphasizing the importance of individualized care based on patient risk factors and geographic considerations.
IPC Resources
PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH
TB Testing in the Era of IL-17 and IL-23 Inhibitors
Listen as IPC Board Member Dr. Andrew Blauvelt and Dr. G. Scott Drew join Dr. Guy Eakin to discuss when tuberculosis testing is needed before initiating psoriasis therapies, including updated guidance from the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) and IPC joint position statement.
TheDerms on Drugs Bust Myths and Make Life Easier for Derms This Week
Hear IPC Board Member Dr. Andrew Blauvelt break down key takeaways from the joint IPC and NPF position statement, including practical considerations for tuberculosis testing in psoriasis patients treated with IL-17 and IL-23 inhibitors.
COVID-19 & Psoriasis Resources
The COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns for individuals with psoriasis, who may question how the virus could affect them. To address these concerns, IPC has compiled a range of resources from trusted sources to assist those with psoriasis in navigating this challenging time. These resources provide information on the latest COVID-19 updates, advice on managing psoriasis during the pandemic, and guidance on mental health and well-being.
IPC Resources
PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH
Additional Resources
Below are resources from other organizations that examine the relationship between COVID-19 and psoriasis.
PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH
Characteristics Associated with Poor COVID-19 Outcomes in People with Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis and Axial Spondyloarthritis: Data from the COVID-19 PsoProtect and Global Rheumatology Alliance Physician-Reported Registries. Machado PM, Schäfer M, Mahil SK, et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2023;82(5):698-709. doi:10.1136/ard-2022-223499
Clinical and Epidemiological Features of Psoriasis Exacerbations in Children with SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Skrek S, Di Lernia V, Beauchet A, et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2023;37(10):e1192-e1195. doi:10.1111/jdv.19261
Nonadherence to Systemic Immune-Modifying Therapy in People with Psoriasis During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from a Global Cross-Sectional Survey. Quirke-McFarlane S, Weinman J, Cook ES, et al. Br J Dermatol. 2023;188(5):610-617. doi:10.1093/bjd/ljac144
Vaccine Hesitancy and Access to Psoriasis Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from a Global Patient-Reported Cross-Sectional Survey. Bechman K, Cook ES, Dand N, et al. Br J Dermatol. 2022;187(2):254-256. doi:10.1111/bjd.21042
Children with Psoriasis and COVID-19: Factors Associated with an Unfavourable COVID-19 Course, and the Impact of Infection on Disease Progression (Chi-PsoCov Registry). Zitouni J, Bursztejn AC, Belloni Fortina A, et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2022;36(11):2076-2086. doi:10.1111/jdv.18361
Learning from Disease Registries During a Pandemic: Moving Toward an International Federation of Patient Registries. Wall D, Alhusayen R, Arents B, et al. Clin Dermatol. 2021;39(3):467-478. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2021.01.018
Describing the Burden of the COVID-19 Pandemic in People with Psoriasis: Findings from a Global Cross-Sectional Study. Mahil SK, Yates M, Yiu ZZN, et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2021;35(10):e636-e640. doi:10.1111/jdv.17450
Risk-Mitigating Behaviours in People with Inflammatory Skin and Joint Disease During the COVID-19 Pandemic Differ by Treatment Type: A Cross-Sectional Patient Survey. Mahil SK, Yates M, Langan SM, et al. Br J Dermatol. 2021;185(1):80-90. doi:10.1111/bjd.19755S
Association Between Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors and the Risk of Hospitalization or Death Among Patients With Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Disease and COVID-19. Izadi Z, Brenner EJ, Mahil SK, et al. JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(10):e2129639. Published 2021 Oct 1. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.29639
Factors Associated with Adverse COVID-19 Outcomes in Patients with Psoriasis-Insights from a Global Registry-Based Study. Mahil SK, Dand N, Mason KJ, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2021;147(1):60-71. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2020.10.007
Global Reporting of Cases of COVID-19 in Psoriasis and Atopic Dermatitis: An Opportunity to Inform Care During a Pandemic. Mahil SK, Yiu ZZN, Mason KJ, et al. Br J Dermatol. 2020;183(2):404-406. doi:10.1111/bjd.19161
The Risk of Respiratory Tract Infections and Symptoms in Psoriasis Patients Treated with IL-17-pathway Inhibiting Biologics: A Meta-estimate of Pivotal Trials Relevant to Decision-making During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Wan MT, Shin DB, Winthrop KL, Gelfand JM. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2020 Aug;83(2):677-679. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.05.035. Epub 2020 May 19. PMID: 32416207; PMCID: PMC7235584.
Additional Information
IPC Statement on COVID-19 & Psoriasis
Read the statement from IPC’s Board of Directors based on the current understanding of the impact of COVID-19 and psoriasis.
PsoProtect International Registry
PsoProtect is an international registry for clinicians to report outcomes of COVID-19 in individuals with psoriasis. The registry seeks to improve our understanding of how factors such as immunomodulator therapies and comorbidities impact outcomes to COVID-19 in psoriasis. This information will inform clinicians when assessing risk and treating COVID-19 in patients with psoriasis.
Monkeypox & Psoriasis Resources
Monkeypox is a rare viral disease that can be particularly concerning for individuals with psoriasis due to their weakened immune systems. These resources aim to help those with psoriasis better understand the risks associated with monkeypox, including information on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. We encourage individuals with psoriasis to explore these resources and consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance on managing their condition.
IPC Resources
Additional Resources
Below are resources from other organizations that examine the relationship between monkeypox and psoriasis.
PUBLICATIONS AND RESEARCH
As Mpox Cases Surge in Africa, WHO Declares a Global Emergency—Here’s What to Know. Harris E. JAMA. Published online August 23, 2024. doi:10.1001/jama.2024.17797.
Atlas of MPOX Lesions: A Tool for Clinical Researchers. World Health Organization. Version 1.0. World Health Organization, 2023. Accessed April 28, 2023.
Page last updated: May 2025
Vaccine Hesitancy and Access to Psoriasis Care in the COVID-19 Pandemic