Psoriasis is a skin condition that affects millions of people. It is characterized by red, itchy, scaly patches on the skin. It may even cause discoloration and deformation of the fingernails.As difficult as managing the condition may be, dealing with the myths surrounding this skin disease can add to the frustration.
The following are 4 myths regarding psoriasis and the facts about each.
Myth 1: It’s Just a Cosmetic Condition
Psoriasis can go beyond the visible symptoms, making it more than a cosmetic condition. Frequent pain, intense itching and even skin infections, can all occur. Sometimes what is called psoriatic arthritis can develop. This can result in stiffness, swelling, and joint pain.About 30 percent of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis. The disease can also cause varying degrees of emotional distress and psychological problems including depression. It should be considered a major medical condition.
Myth 2: It’s Contagious
Unfortunately, some people may hesitate to engage in any physical contact with a psoriasis sufferer because they may wonder, is psoriasis contagious? The patches of scaly skin may sometimes crack and bleed.
This can lead people to fear that they can catch the condition from another individual. But is it contagious? The truth is, this skin condition is not caused by a germ or a virus that can be passed to another person and is not contagious.
Myth 3: It’s Caused By Poor Hygiene
This condition is a combination of a skin barrier disorder combined with an immune disorder and not caused or exacerbated by poor hygiene. It may also be hereditary and is associated with obesity, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and stroke.An outbreak might be triggered by a variety of factors including stress, strep throat infection, excessive alcohol use, insect bites, as well as over or under exposure to sunlight. Sometimes the disease affects people in cycles, with certain times of the year causing the condition to worsen.
Myth 4: It’s Curable
Psoriasis is considered a chronic condition by doctors. Even though it is lifelong, the disease can be controlled. There are a variety of lotions, creams, shampoos, and pills available to treat the condition. Photo-therapy, lasers, and IV infusions have also been found to be beneficial in some cases. UV light can also help to control the rapidly proliferating skin cells as well. Although the condition is not curable, 95 percent of cases can be effectively treated.
