Epidemiological studies indicate an increased risk of co-morbidities and an association with other inflammatory diseases in psoriasis. However, most analyses have been performed on small samples of patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of co-morbidities in psoriasis based on a large set of health insurance data. The database of 1.3 million patients in a German nationwide statutory health insurance scheme was analysed. Data-sets of patients with confirmed psoriasis were extracted and analysed for co-morbidities. Of 1,344,071 subjects, 33,981 had a diagnosis of psoriasis (prevalence 2.5%). Metabolic syndrome was 2.9-fold more frequent among these patients. The most common diagnoses were arterial hypertension (35.6% in psoriasis vs. 20.6% in controls) and hyperlipidaemia (29.9% vs. 17.1%). The frequencies of rheumatoid arthritis (prevalence ratio (PR) 3.8), Crohn's disease (PR 2.1) and ulcerative colitis (PR 2.0) were also increased among patients with psoriasis. In conclusion, psoriasis is associated with significant co-morbidities that imply an elevated risk of severe complications.

Background: First studies have shown that juvenile psoriasis is associated with an increased prevalence of comorbidity. Objectives: We carried out a data analysis to characterise the profiles of comorbidity in children with psoriasis and atopic eczema. Methods: Prevalence data were derived from the database of a German statutory health insurance company according to ICD-10 codes L40 (psoriasis) and L20 (atopic eczema) of children up to 18 years insured in 2009. Results: Data sets included 1.64 million persons and 293,181 children. 1,313 children = 0.45% (0.42-0.47) had a diagnosis of psoriasis and 30,354 = 10.35% (10.24-10.47) had a diagnosis of atopic eczema. Obesity, hyperlipidaemia, arterial hypertension and diabetes were more often diagnosed in children with psoriasis in comparison to all children without psoriasis and to those with atopic eczema. Conclusion: Children with psoriasis and atopic eczema show different and specific patterns of comorbidity which should be detected early and treated adequately.

Background: Epidemiological data are important for planning medical care. Thus far, only few prevalence data for skin diseases have been published in Germany, most of them not population based. Objectives: Estimation of prevalences of common skin diseases in a sample of employees of German companies. Methods: Whole-body examinations were performed by trained dermatologists in 150 companies as part of skin cancer screenings. Using a standardized and computerized data entry, all clinical dermatological findings were documented. Explicitly skin lesions requiring current treatment were noted. The retrospective evaluation of the data was descriptive, using the diagnoses defined a priori in the data entry mask. Results: 48,665 persons (52.8% male) with a mean age of 43.2 years were examined. The following frequencies of chronic and acute inflammatory skin diseases were observed: contact eczema 8.9%, acne 4.2%, seborrhoeic eczema 3.4%, rosacea 2.2%, psoriasis vulgaris 2.1%, atopic eczema 1.4% and lichen ruber 0.07%. In total, dermatological findings needing treatment were observed in 19% of the study cohort; 1.3% of the participants presented a suspicious finding requiring diagnostics for skin malignoma. Conclusions: There is a high frequency of chronic inflammatory skin diseases in the general working population and a high need for dermatological treatment.

Larger coagulation volumes were obtained with the perfusion and internally cooled cluster devices. More spherical volumes of ablation were achieved with the 12-tine and cluster electrodes. The former proved superior with regard to the short axis perpendicular to the needle shaft. The cluster and nine-tine electrode produced better reproducibility, which is suggestive of improved predictability of the extent of coagulation with these systems.

Background: Although hyperhidrosis is a common and burdensome condition, little is known about the population-based prevalence. Objective: To evaluate the epidemiology, disease burden and medical care of hyperhidrosis in German adults. Methods: Employees of fifty-two companies underwent skin screenings and interviews including hyperhidrosis questions. Results: 14,336 individuals were investigated (36% women, mean age 42 years) of whom 2,340 (16.3%) reported hyperhidrosis, including 869 (6.1%) with frequent or continuous disturbing sweating. 28% showed focal hyperhidrosis, whilst 68% had a generalized condition. Predictors of hyperhidrosis were male gender and concomitant drug medication. Moreover, persons with psoriasis and with metabolic comorbidity were at increased risk. Only 27% of those with focal hyperhidrosis had consulted a physician, and only 28% used prescribed medication or self-medication. Conclusion: Hyperhidrosis is a frequent skin condition predicted by medical and personal factors. In spite of the disease burden, few individuals utilize medical care. Affected individuals should be encouraged to refer to a dermatologist.