Affecting over 125 million people worldwide, psoriasis isn’t just your average skin condition. In fact, it’s one of the most misunderstood chronic conditions known to doctors. The reason psoriasis causes so many myths and misconceptions is due to its nature.
It’s more than just skin deep.
What many people don’t realize is that psoriasis is, at its core, an autoimmune disease. It accelerates the loss of skin cells, leading to inflamed, scaly patches, annoying itches, painful burns, and even cracked flesh.
Unfortunately, many of these symptoms are made worse by a lack of knowledge surrounding the condition. Which is why dispelling many of these myths is so crucial.
Let’s dive into 10 common myths, refuted by scientific evidence that everyone should know, whether you’re struggling with psoriasis, have it under control, or simply know people with the condition.
#1: Psoriasis Is Contagious
The sight of psoriasis can make anyone uncomfortable, especially when it’s your first encounter with it. But here’s the truth. While those painful cracks, patches, and inflamed areas may feel and look awful at times, they’re not going anywhere.
That is to say, they do not spread. Many people falsely believe that the condition can be transmitted through simply touching, sharing towels, or even sharing the same physical space, like a bathroom or swimming pool. This couldn’t be more untrue.
Psoriasis is not contagious at all. That’s because it’s caused by autoimmune problems within the body of the person with the condition. Due to this immune dysregulation, the individuals’ T-cells accidentally attack healthy skin cells, contributing to the symptoms. There is no infectious agent at play here.
By understanding this, people can avoid the isolation and rejection often common when psoriasis is misunderstood.
#2: Psoriasis Is Caused by Poor Hygiene
This is another outright falsehood.
Those flaky patches? They are not the result of failing to wash dirty skin or keeping your body clean. In fact, hygiene has little role in psoriasis onset or flare-ups. Instead, it’s driven by genetics and immune system functioning.
Some studies have actually identified up to 80 genes that make a person susceptible, and most of them are involved with how the immune system properly (or mistakenly) signals. While it’s true that certain triggers, such as strep infections or physical injuries, can start a psoriasis flare, soap and water alone won’t prevent or cure it.
In many cases, heavy scrubbing will actually make it worse!
RELATED: Psoriasis Triggers: It’s Not Always What You Think
#3: There’s Only One Type of Psoriasis
There are multiple types of this condition, and the classic red plaques with silver scales are just one type.
Believe it or not, there are actually at least seven types of the condition, each with unique presentations and triggers. Plaque psoriasis is the type we hear about most often because it’s the most common, affecting up to 90 percent of cases. However, other types such as Guttate psoriasis also occur, usually presenting as small, drop-like spots, and are typically caused by strep infections in younger individuals.
Then you’ve even got conditions like inverse psoriasis, which impacts skin folds and causes smooth, red patches.
By speaking to your dermatologist and learning from educational resources, you can better pinpoint the exact type, triggers, and symptoms of your psoriasis. This can go a long way in managing the condition successfully and with as little trouble as possible.
#4: Psoriasis Only Affects the Skin
Although those visible plaques may make it seem like only a ‘skin deep’ issue, it actually goes far deeper. Again, psoriasis is caused by the immune system and represents a systemic inflammatory disease. The main reason for this is the elevated levels of cytokines, which are vital protein messengers of the immune system.
Unfortunately, this inflammatory response can lead to numerous other issues. According to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, patients with severe psoriasis have a 50 percent higher risk of cardiovascular events due to increased plaque in the arteries. About a third of psoriasis sufferers also develop psoriatic arthritis (PsA), which can lead to joint damage. Metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are also risk factors in people with psoriasis.
So take the condition seriously. By addressing it with a full-pronged approach, including topical creams, oral meds, biologics, and even light therapy, you can reduce your risk and ensure your psoriasis is well under control.
#5: Psoriasis Only Impacts Adults
In reality, psoriasis can begin at any age, even in infancy! Turns out, over 30 percent of cases begin before the age of 20. The National Psoriasis Foundation finds that pediatric psoriasis is usually triggered by infections, but can actually resolve itself spontaneously.
Of course, it also depends heavily on genetics. If both parents have susceptible genes, the child’s risk can jump up by 50 percent.
This is why early intervention is so critical. It can prevent long-term complications like growth issues or psychological struggles from childhood bullies.
RELATED: 5 Psoriasis Treatments Black Sufferers Should Avoid
#6: Diet Makes No Difference in Psoriasis
This is patently false.
Many people like to dismiss food, eating what they want, thinking they’re stuck with psoriasis, and there’s no point.
The good news is that diet can profoundly influence inflammation in the body, a major complication with psoriasis. Many foods, such as processed meats, refined sugars, and gluten, will make psoriasis far worse. However, anti-inflammatory foods such as a low-calorie Mediterranean diet can have the opposite effect.
Try to up your intake of fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, leafy greens like spinach and kale, berries and cherries, and nuts and seeds like walnuts and almonds. On the flip side, try to limit dairy, nightshades (eggplants and peppers), and all that canned ‘junk’ that’s all over the grocery store.
You’ll be happy you did!
#7: Psoriasis Has No Cure, So Forget Treatment
Yes, it’s true that there’s no permanent cure, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use many treatments to improve symptoms dramatically. Some modern treatments, such as the biologics secukinumab and guselkumab, have been shown to improve patients’ Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores by up to 90 percent.
Other options, such as topical steroids, phototherapy, and small-molecule inhibitors, also show great efficacy in certain patients.
It’s all about early, consistent treatment. This can prevent progression and greatly reduce the risk of severe complications, such as cardiovascular problems.
#8: Sun Exposure Worsens Psoriasis
Too much sun, sure. But avoiding the sun altogether isn’t advised either.
In fact, controlled UV light is therapeutic. Recent research indicates that narrowband UVB phototherapy (a type of treatment protocol) can clear plaques in 70-80 percent of patients. This happens because the therapy suppresses overactive T-cells, leading to more vitamin D production. When this happens, the immune system becomes a lot happier.
So get some sun! Moderate sun exposure or supervised light therapy is great for certain symptoms. Just make sure you don’t get sunburned. Speak to your dermatologist, choose the sunscreens that are right for you, and make sure you wear protective clothing where necessary.
Who doesn’t like a little fun in the sun?
#9: Stress Doesn’t Affect Psoriasis
Too many times, people assume psoriasis is merely a cosmetic issue.
In reality, the psychological can affect the physical just as much. If you think about it, they’re both connected. See, when we stress, our bodies increase levels of the ‘stress hormone,’ cortisol. This can worsen the majority of psoriasis cases by also releasing the immune proteins known as cytokines.
Not only does stress trigger flares, but it also interferes with helpful medicines. Research from the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology indicates that high stress delays the biological reposnse to biologic treatment.
Fortunately, practices like mindfulness, yoga, and cognitive behavioral therapy can put these flares back in their place. Some studies even show that meditation can lower Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores by half over several months.
#10: Psoriasis Is Rare and Not Serious
While psoriasis certainly isn’t the end of the world, taking it lightly can make it a lot worse.
Affecting two to three percent of the global population, psoriasis should be viewed for what it is: a serious systemic disease. In certain severe cases, it can even shorten life expectancy by up to five years due to its comorbidities, such as cardiovascular problems.
Its impact on quality of life is actually similar to that of diabetes or cancer, and its effects on potential depression are even higher, given the stigma and chronic pain that can come with it.
So don’t back down!
By understanding the myths and misconceptions in this article, you can better manage the condition and avoid the more serious complications others have had to endure. There are numerous online communities, strategies, specialists, and lifestyle changes that can address psoriasis from all angles.
Knowledge is the first step toward clearer skin and a healthier you. From there, the improvements are well within your control.
Ready to transform psoriasis from a burdensome secret to a manageable condition? It all starts today…
