OBJECTIVES: Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory and autoimmune disease that occurs in the skin and causes flaking, swollen and pain. In Colombia there are no official reports on the disease burden of psoriasis. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of psoriasis in Colombians (children and adults) and its associated costs in the private and public settings. METHODS: A meta-analysis was conducted with literature found through a systematic review in electronic databases (Pubmed, Health Star, PsycINFO, Embase, Science Direct, OVID, Cochrane Library Database, INBIOMED and LILACS) and informally published written material to extract data regarding epidemiological and risk factors about psoriasis in Colombia. Twelve papers were included in the meta-analysis. The information was validated through a panel of eight local experts. Institutional costs (taken from 7 private and 10 public healthcare centers in Bogota, Colombia) were used to estimate direct medical costs, complication resource use and treatment schedules were given by experts. Indirect costs were calculated considering disability length (labor days lost) generated by the disease. Costs are expressed in 2012 USD. RESULTS: The prevalence of psoriasis within the Colombian population estimated for 2012 was 2.0% (0.0062-0.0340) (n=959,971). The most common presentation of psoriasis was: plaque (64.29%), followed by guttate (12.86%) and erythrodermic (2%). Most risk factors identified for psoriasis were smoking (40.71%); alcohol intake (29.29%) and medication use (23.57%). Total annual costs per patient (direct + indirect costs) associated with psoriasis treatment were: US$12,594.65 for private practice and US$10,894.92 for the public scenario. CONCLUSIONS: Psoriasis prevalence in Colombia is similar to those reported in latinamerican countries (1.7% – 2.2%). From a societal perspective, psoriasis represents a major economic burden for the local health system due to prevalence and cost per patient/year. Total annual costs per patient were US$1,699.73 higher in private than in the public scenario.