Pharmacological implications of psoriasis and superficial fungal infections: Analysis of risk factors and underlying mechanisms

Psoriasis (Ps) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that is often accompanied by superficial fungal infections, which may exacerbate disease severity and impact treatment effectiveness. This study investigates the association between fungal infections and psoriasis severity in the Kashgar region and identifies risk factors relevant to pharmacological interventions. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted among 196 psoriasis patients, evaluating clinical characteristics, psoriasis area severity index (PASI) scores, and the presence of fungal infections through microscopy and culture. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors, providing insights for targeted pharmacological approaches. Patients with fungal infections exhibited significantly higher PASI scores and longer disease duration (P < 0.05). Key risk factors included head and nail involvement. These findings suggest that managing fungal infections may optimize psoriasis treatment outcomes. This study highlights the link between fungal infections and psoriasis severity, advocating for integrated therapeutic strategies. The findings provide a foundation for future pharmacological research aimed at improving patient outcomes.