Psoriasis Isnt 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 break down common myths and share the facts 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 it isn't something you can catch from someone else.

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.

According to May J. Chow, MD, a dermatologist with Franciscan Health Olympia Fields, you need to see a dermatologist for proper treatment.

“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,” she said.

Types Of Psoriasis

There are five types of psoriasis, and it is important to know the different types:

• 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.

 

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. However, 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.

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.

But the following triggers may set off a new bout of rashes or worsen symptoms of existing psoriasis patches:

• Stress
• Alcohol
• Smoking
• Infection
• Cold weather
• Sunburn
• Certain medications (Consult your healthcare provider about which medications may be right for you).

 

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.