Psoriasis is a common chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory disease. Despite the increasing evidence that is available about optimal treatment and care for patients with psoriasis, there are still underexposed areas in psoriasis care. In this thesis we aimed to improve the care for patients with psoriasis by addressing underexposed areas in both pediatric psoriasis care and adult psoriasis care. In children where systemic therapy is being considered, not only the severity of psoriasis should be considered, but also the location of lesions, the impact on quality of life, and the child’s age. In addition, possible sex disparities and comorbidities, such as psoriatic arthritis, deserve further attention. In adults, the findings highlight the importance of psychological and socioeconomic factors due to their potential relationship with comorbidities depression and anxiety. Furthermore, patients with psoriasis have room to improve their lifestyle, and many patients are motivated to make such changes.
Malak Al-Gawahiri (1995) studied Medicine at Leiden University. From 2022 to 2025, she conducted her PhD research at the Department of Dermatology at Radboud University Medical Center, focusing on underexplored areas of psoriasis care in children and young adults. Since December 2025, she has been working in the dermatology department at IJsselland Hospital.