The Relationship of Psoriasis and Melanocytic Nevi

BACKGROUND: There is limited data about the relationship between psoriasis and melanocytic lesions and melanoma. Immunologic pathways which were implicated in psoriasis induce a reduction in the number of melanocytic nevi. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the number of melanocytic nevi in psoriatic patients compared with controls and its relationship with disease severity and type of treatment. METHODS: We performed a prospective study in 100 psoriatic patients and 100 controls. Clinical data were recorded for all participants. RESULTS: As compared with controls, patients had overall fewer nevi congenital nevi. Among psoriatic patients, biologic agents and disease severity did not correlate with the number of nevi. CONCLUSIONS: Psoriatic patients have fewer nevi than controls. Frequency of nevi in psoriatic patients is not related to treatment and disease severity.