Surreal illustration representing the financial burden of psoriasis in Germany.

Psoriasis Costs: New German Study Reveals Financial Burden

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A recent study uncovers the significant economic impact of psoriasis in Germany, highlighting the shift in healthcare expenses and the factors influencing these costs."

Psoriasis is more than just a skin condition; it's a chronic disease that carries a significant socioeconomic burden. While its impact on individuals' quality of life is well-documented, the economic consequences are often less understood. In Germany, where psoriasis affects a substantial portion of the population, a recent study has delved into the financial implications of this condition.

This study, conducted across Germany in 2013 and 2014, aimed to evaluate the annual costs of psoriasis from a societal perspective. Researchers analyzed data from over 1,158 patients, examining illness-related costs, treatment approaches, and the influence of factors like age and sex.

The findings reveal a complex picture of the economic burden of psoriasis, highlighting a shift in costs towards systemic drug treatments and significant differences based on patient demographics. This article breaks down the key findings of the study, providing insights into the financial realities of living with psoriasis in Germany and what this means for patients and healthcare policy.

The High Cost of Psoriasis: Breaking Down the Numbers

Surreal illustration representing the financial burden of psoriasis in Germany.

The study paints a clear picture: psoriasis is an expensive condition. On average, the annual cost per patient totaled €5,543. This figure encompasses a variety of expenses, including:

These costs are divided into direct and indirect categories.

Direct costs: These are the immediate, out-of-pocket and insurance-covered expenses for treatments, medications, and healthcare visits. They include systemic treatments, such as biologics, topical treatments, and fees for doctors and hospital stays.
Indirect costs: These are the less visible costs, such as lost productivity due to absence from work.

The research highlights a notable trend: a shift in the distribution of these costs. Over the past decade, expenses have moved away from hospital care, out-of-pocket payments, and indirect costs towards systemic drug costs. This change likely reflects the increasing use of expensive biologic therapies in psoriasis treatment.

What Does This Mean for Psoriasis Patients?

The German study underscores the significant financial challenges faced by individuals living with psoriasis. Beyond the physical discomfort and emotional distress, the condition can create a substantial economic strain.

Understanding the cost drivers and demographic factors influencing expenses can help patients and healthcare providers make informed decisions about treatment options. For example, the study found that men and younger adults tend to incur higher costs, potentially due to more aggressive treatment approaches or greater work-related productivity losses.

The findings also highlight the need for continued research into cost-effective psoriasis treatments and management strategies. As healthcare systems grapple with rising costs, it's crucial to identify ways to optimize care and reduce the financial burden on patients while improving their overall well-being. This study serves as a valuable resource for informing policy decisions and guiding future research efforts in the field of psoriasis care.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1111/jdv.14543, Alternate LINK

Title: Cost-Of-Illness Of Psoriasis - Results Of A German Cross-Sectional Study

Subject: Infectious Diseases

Journal: Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology

Publisher: Wiley

Authors: D. Jungen, M. Augustin, A. Langenbruch, N. Zander, K. Reich, K. Strömer, D. Thaci, S. Purwins, M. Radtke, M. Gutknecht

Published: 2017-09-26

Everything You Need To Know

What are the average yearly expenses incurred by a psoriasis patient in Germany, according to a recent study, and what do these costs include?

The recent German study determined the average annual cost per psoriasis patient in Germany is €5,543. This total includes both direct costs, such as systemic treatments (biologics), topical treatments, and doctor/hospital fees, and indirect costs like lost productivity. The allocation of these costs is shifting, with systemic drug costs now representing a larger proportion compared to hospital care, out-of-pocket payments, and indirect costs.

In the German psoriasis study, what's the difference between 'direct costs' and 'indirect costs,' and what expenses fall under each category?

Direct costs in the context of the German psoriasis study encompass immediate expenses for treatments, medications, and healthcare visits. These include systemic treatments like biologics, topical treatments, and fees associated with doctor visits and hospital stays. Indirect costs, on the other hand, are less visible and include lost productivity due to absenteeism from work related to the condition.

How has the distribution of psoriasis-related costs changed over the past decade, according to the German study, and what factors might explain this shift?

The German study points towards a shift in the distribution of psoriasis-related costs. Traditionally, expenses were more evenly distributed among hospital care, out-of-pocket payments, and indirect costs. However, there's been a movement towards systemic drug costs, likely driven by the increased use of biologic therapies. This trend implies a greater reliance on pharmaceutical interventions in managing psoriasis.

What are the major implications of the German study's findings for individuals living with psoriasis, particularly in terms of financial burden?

This German study highlights the substantial financial challenges that individuals with psoriasis encounter. Besides physical discomfort and emotional distress, psoriasis leads to economic strain through direct healthcare expenses and reduced productivity. Understanding the economic burden underscores the need for comprehensive care models and financial support mechanisms for patients.

The German study mentions evaluating costs from a 'societal perspective'. What does this perspective entail, and what types of costs beyond direct and indirect might be considered?

The study analyzes costs from a 'societal perspective,' which is a broad method. It likely captures not only direct medical costs (healthcare, medications) and indirect costs (lost productivity), but also other elements that might be harder to quantify. The economic impact on families, or the costs associated with non-medical interventions could be part of the 'societal perspective'. Further details on the specific methodology will reveal a more fine grained study.