Psoriasis Isn't Contagious And Other Myths Busted

We just might have to thank Kim Kardashian for raising awareness of psoriasis - a common disease that affects more than 8 million Americans. The lifelong condition that she and other celebrities like LeAnn Rimes have, causes unsightly and itchy skin patches.

One of the most frustrating aspects for psoriasis patients is facing outsiders' negative reactions to their skin flare-ups. If you don't understand the disease, you might fear getting close to someone who's afflicted. Or, you might even dismiss psoriasis as just a cosmetic problem.

Here, we explain what causes psoriasis, types of psoriasis and what you can do if you have psoriasis, We also break down common myths about this common skin condition.

What Is Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that mainly affects the skin. When you have psoriasis, your immune system sends signals to your skin cells to grow too fast.

Normally, skin cells take about a month to form and rise to the surface. In people with psoriasis, this process happens in just a few days. Because the skin can't shed these cells fast enough, they pile up and form thick, scaly patches called plaques.

What Are Symptoms Of Psoriasis?

Psoriasis symptoms can vary widely depending on the type and severity, but some common signs include:

• Red, inflamed patches of skin
• Thick, silvery-white scales
• Dry, cracked skin that may bleed
• Itching, burning or soreness
• Thickened or pitted nails
• Joint pain (in a condition called psoriatic arthritis, which affects up to 30% of people with psoriasis)

Psoriasis symptoms may come and go. You might have flare-ups followed by periods when the condition improves or even goes away for a while.

Where Can Psoriasis Appear?

Plaque from psoriasis can appear anywhere, but these scaly patches are most common on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back.

Are There Different Types Of Psoriasis?

There are five types of psoriasis, and it is important to know the different types so that the condition is treated appropriately:

• Plaque psoriasis: Plaque psoriasis, the most common form, appears as raised, red patches covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells. These patches or plaques most often show up on the scalp, knees, elbows and lower back. They are often itchy and painful, and they can crack and bleed.
• Guttate psoriasis: Guttate is a form of psoriasis that appears as small, dot-like lesions. Guttate often starts in childhood or young adulthood and can be triggered by a strep infection.
• Inverse psoriasis: Inverse psoriasis shows up as very red lesions in body folds, such as under the breasts, under the arm or in the groin. It may appear smooth and shiny.
• Pustular psoriasis: Pustular psoriasis is characterized by white pustules (blisters of noninfectious pus) surrounded by red skin. The pus consists of white blood cells. Pustular psoriasis is not an infection, nor is it contagious. Pustular psoriasis can occur on any part of the body, but occurs most often on the hands or feet.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis: Erythrodermic psoriasis a particularly severe form of psoriasis that leads to widespread, fiery redness over most of the body. Erythrodermic psoriasis can cause severe itching and pain, and make the skin come off in sheets. It generally appears on people who have unstable plaque psoriasis.

What Causes Psoriasis?

The exact reason psoriasis develops isn't fully understood. It seems to be a combination of genetics and triggers in the environment, which lead to the immune system becoming overactive.

If someone in your family has psoriasis, your chances of getting it are higher.

What Triggers Psoriasis Symptoms?

Even if you're genetically prone to psoriasis, it may only show up after something sets it off. Triggers vary from person to person.

Common triggers that may set off a new bout of rashes or worsen symptoms of existing psoriasis patches include:

• Stress
• Alcohol
• Smoking
• Infections (like strep throat)
• Cold weather
• Dry weather
• Sunburn
• Certain medications (Consult your healthcare provider about which medications may be right for you).
• Skin injuries (cuts, burns, bug bites)

How Is Psoriasis Treated?

Treatment options for psoriasis include:

Topical Treatments

These are creams and ointments applied directly to the skin. They are often the first step in treating mild-to-moderate psoriasis. Examples include:

• Corticosteroids
• Vitamin D analogs (like calcipotriene)
• Coal tar
• Salicylic acid

Phototherapy (Light Therapy)

Light therapy involves exposing the skin to natural or artificial ultraviolet (UV) light under the supervision of a doctor. UVB light, a specific band of UV light used in dermatology to treat various inflammatory conditions, can slow skin cell growth and reduce inflammation.

Systemic Medications

For moderate to severe psoriasis, oral or injected medications may be used. These work throughout the body and include:

• Methotrexate
• Cyclosporine
• Acitretin
• Biologic drugs (such as adalimumab, etanercept or secukinumab)

Biologics are more targeted and often used when other treatments don't help or cause side effects.

Lifestyle and home care

In addition to medical treatment, making lifestyle changes can help reduce flares and keep your skin healthier:

• Moisturize daily to prevent dryness and cracking.
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques, as stress can trigger flare-ups.
• Avoid skin injuries, which can lead to new patches (known as the "Koebner phenomenon").
• Quit smoking and limit alcohol, both of which can worsen psoriasis.
• Eat a balanced diet with anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits, vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Bathe smart by using gentle soaps and lukewarm water, and apply moisturizer afterward.

How Can I Reduce Skin Irritations?

People can take some measures to reduce the potential of skin irritations. These include avoiding:

• Getting sunburned: Use sunscreen, stay in the shade, or wear sun protective clothes that cover the body.
• Contact with irritants: Products ranging from beauty treatments to household chemicals can irritate the skin.
• Scratching: Use topical treatments during a psoriasis flare to reduce itching.
• Injuries and bites: Wear clothes that cover the body when gardening, camping, and so on.
• Rubbing the skin: When bathing or showering, use products that a doctor recommends. Use lukewarm water, wash gently with the palms of the hands, and pat the skin dry after bathing. Avoid abrasive substances and sponges and try not to rub the skin.

Can Psoriasis Be Cured?

There is no cure for psoriasis, but there are many effective treatments to help manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life. What works for one person may not work for another, so treatment often involves some trial and error.

When Should I See A Doctor?

You should see a healthcare provider if:

• You notice red, scaly patches on your skin that don't go away.
• Your symptoms worsen or spread quickly.
• Your joints hurt or feel stiff.

A dermatologist can diagnose psoriasis and help develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

"Other doctors may diagnose your conditions as something else, but there are different medications for different types of psoriasis, and a dermatologist can prescribe those," said May J. Chow, MD, a dermatologist with Franciscan Health Olympia Fields.

Psoriasis is a lifelong condition, but with the right care, most people can manage their symptoms and live comfortably.

Understanding your type of psoriasis, identifying triggers and following your treatment plan can make a big difference. If you have concerns or new symptoms, don't hesitate to reach out to a medical professional.

6 Common Myths About Psoriasis

Myth #1: Psoriasis is contagious.

It's easy to see why you might shy away from touching someone with psoriasis. The rash looks like it could be contagious. But psoriasis is not contagious, meaning you cannot catch it from someone else or give it to anyone..

The cause of psoriasis isn't known, but doctors believe it's an autoimmune disorder (the result of an overactive immune response). In people with psoriasis, the body creates skin cells faster than normal. The cells build up and layer over one another causing irritation and a silvery white, scaly, thickened skin on the affected area.

Myth #2: Those dry, scaly patches will go away if you use lotion.

Unfortunately, psoriasis isn't simply dry skin, so over-the-counter moisturizers won't help eliminate the scaly patches. However, psoriasis treatments include topical lotions and creams that can be used to slow skin-cell growth and reduce irritation.

Myth #3: Itching your skin will cause psoriasis to spread.

Psoriasis isn't a skin infection and can't be spread through touching or itching. However, a person can develop the Koebner phenomenon. This is the appearance of new skin lesions on areas of trauma, such as scratches or cuts. It is also known as the isomorphic response.

Some experts suggest that 25% of people with psoriasis may experience the Koebner phenomenon.

Sometimes, it is not possible for a person to avoid a cut or scrape.

Depending on the type of psoriasis a person has, a psoriasis rash can develop in a variety of places on the body. This is not because the damaged skin infects other parts of the body but because the immune system process that causes psoriasis can get worse.

Myth #4: Symptoms of psoriasis are only skin deep.

Psoriasis rashes aren't just unattractive, they're also itchy and painful. About 30 percent of people with psoriasis develop a condition called psoriatic arthritis that causes joint pain, stiffness and swelling. Patients with psoriasis also have an increased risk of developing depression, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, also known as comorbidities. The reason for the elevated risk of different diseases is because of inflammation and insulin resistance.

Dr. Chow stated that many patients are suicidal with psoriasis. "Psoriasis affects the entire body," she said.

Myth #5: Psoriasis can be cured with treatment.

There is no cure for psoriasis. "You can control it, but it cannot be cured," said Dr. Chow.

The following treatments can help manage symptoms:

• Prescription lotions
• Light therapy
• Oral medications
• Medications by injection or through an intravenous (IV) infusion
• A doctor who specializes in dermatology, or treating skin disorders, can assess the severity of psoriasis and recommend the best treatment.

Myth #6: Psoriasis is preventable.

Psoriasis often begins in early adulthood but can also start later in life. The condition often comes and goes, becoming more serious and then less so. The condition is not contagious and usually occurs on a few areas of skin, but it can cover large areas of the body in severe cases.

Anyone can develop psoriasis, but you're more likely to have psoriasis if someone in your family has the disease. Dr. Chow stated that this is a hereditary disease. Having a severe infection like HIV, or reoccurring infections like strep throat may trigger an attack or cause severe symptoms.

The exact cause of psoriasis is still unknown, but it's thought to be related to an immune system problem with cells in the body. These factors can increase a person's risk for the disease:

• Family history
• Viral and bacterial infections
• Smoking
• Obesity

Psoriasis usually starts or gets worse because of a specific trigger, such as an infection, skin injury, stress, cold weather, drinking alcohol, smoking and some medications.