For people with psoriasis — a chronic skin disease in which skin cells build up, usually causing discolored, itchy, or flaky spots — living with the disease itself is difficult enough. But on top of that, you may have to deal with other people’s misconceptions about psoriasis.
Here are some myths about psoriasis, followed by real facts.
1. Myth: psoriasis is contagious
“Psoriasis is not an infection and therefore cannot spread to others,” says Lauren Taglia, MD, PhD, a dermatologist at Northwestern Medicine in Geneva, Illinois.
2. Myth: Psoriasis is just a skin disease
Psoriasis usually affects your skin first and most visibly, but it can have profound effects on your body.
“Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease that affects the entire body,” explains Dr. Taglia. “Patients with psoriasis are at higher risk of heart disease, stroke and arthritis.”
In fact, about one-third of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain and stiffness in joints and other connective tissues. People with psoriasis are also at increased risk of metabolic syndrome, anxiety and depression, inflammatory bowel disease, and many other health problems.
3. Myth: Psoriasis is caused by poor hygiene
“Psoriasis is not a disease caused by hygiene,” says Kimberly Katz, MD, a dermatologist at UW Medicine in Seattle. “Psoriasis is caused by a dysregulation of part of the immune system.”
At the same time, good hygiene practices are important when suffering from psoriasis. This usually means keeping the area clean and moisturized to minimize dryness and cracking of the skin and reduce the risk of developing a skin infection.
4. Myth: Psoriasis is caused by stress
Although stress does not cause psoriasis, it can contribute to flare-ups in people with the disease.
“Stress can affect many inflammatory skin diseases, including psoriasis,” says Dr. Katz. Unfortunately, psoriasis itself can be a significant source of stress for some people, potentially causing a harmful interaction between physical and psychological symptoms.
5. Myth: Psoriasis plaques are always red or pink
“Psoriasis isn’t always pink or red,” says Katz. “In people with melanin-rich skin, psoriasis may appear as darker, thicker papules or plaques without an appreciable pink or red color. »
In people with darker skin, psoriasis may appear salmon, dark brown, or purple in color, and the scales may appear grayish in color. The patches may also be thicker or have more visible scales.
6. Myth: psoriasis is curable
“Although psoriasis cannot be cured, it is treatable and manageable,” says Taglia. “As dermatologists, our goal is to determine the best personalized treatment plan for our patients. »
A variety of treatments can be effective for psoriasis, from topical ointments to oral and injected or infused medications. Your treatment plan will be based on the type, location and severity of your psoriasis, as well as any other health problems you have and your response to current or previous treatments.
7. Myth: children of parents with psoriasis will also have it
“Many genetic variants have been associated with psoriasis,” says Katz. “However, not everyone with psoriasis has a family history, nor are all people with psoriasis at risk of passing the disease to their children.”
Takeaways
- Psoriasis is not contagious and is not caused by poor hygiene. It is caused by a dysregulation of part of the immune system.
- Although it primarily affects the skin, psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease that affects the entire body.
- Although there is no cure for psoriasis, it is quite manageable with a variety of treatments.
