Facts and Myths about psoriasis
Let’s dive into some facts about psoriasis that it’s important we know:
Fact #1: Although there is no cure for psoriasis, there are highly effective treatments available now, particularly for moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Your GP or dermatologist can help you to find treatments that work best for you.
Fact #2: Psoriasis increases your risk for cardiovascular disease, such as heart attack and stroke. The risk is highest in patients with severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (an autoimmune disease and form of inflammatory arthritis). If you have psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, it’s important to get regular cardiovascular screening to manage your risk factors.
Fact #3: About one third of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis. If you have nail psoriasis, your risk of psoriatic arthritis is greater. If you have psoriasis and symptoms of joint pain, stiffness and/or swelling, it is important to discuss these with your healthcare provider.
Fact #4: Psoriasis can have a big impact on mental health and wellbeing. This is particularly true for people with extensive psoriasis, psoriasis in visible areas or genital psoriasis. If your psoriasis is affecting your mental health, don’t hesitate to speak to your healthcare provider for guidance.
Fact #5: It’s possible to have more than one type of psoriasis at a time. There is also a wide spectrum of severity with psoriasis; from mild cases that can be managed with creams to severe cases that require treatment in hospital, but fortunately this is rare.
Fact #6: Psoriasis can occur at any age, but the peak ages are 15-25 and 50-60. Many people are surprised that they can develop psoriasis for the first time later in life.
Myths about psoriasis
Just as important as knowing the facts about psoriasis, is knowing the myths we commonly hear:
Myth #1: Psoriasis is an infection of the skin.
The fact: Psoriasis is a skin condition, not a skin infection. The skin is not infected; it’s simply a build-up of skin cells (caused by the immune system, genetics or environmental factors listed above) that create the plaques we’re familiar with seeing on people with psoriasis.
Myth #2: Psoriasis is contagious.
The fact: Psoriasis is not contagious andcannot be spread from person to person.
Myth #3: Psoriasis is caused by your diet.
The fact: Genetics, the immune system and environmental factors cause psoriasis; it is never caused by what you eat.
Myth #4: You can self-treat psoriasis by using sunbeds.
The fact: Phototherapy is one type of treatment for psoriasis, but it’s completely different to using sunbeds. Sunbeds emit high levels of UVA light and are known to dramatically increase the risk of skin cancers, including melanoma. Dermatologists administer phototherapy using specific wavelengths of UVB light at controlled doses, which minimise the risk of burning and skin cancer.
Avoiding the itch
It can be tempting to scratch your skin when it’s dry and itchy from psoriasis, however, scratching at itchy skin can often keep the itch-scratch cycle going. If you have psoriasis, you can follow the general skincare advice for anyone with dry and itchy skin:
- Avoid harsh soaps and cleansers
- Use gentle products designed for eczema-prone or psoriasis-prone skin
- Moisturise once or twice a day
- Avoid scrubbing your skin as much as possible
If your symptoms are bothering you, always chat to your healthcare provider. There are many treatment options available for mild-to-moderate psoriasis and moderate-to-severe psoriasis
