Psoriasis is Contagious?

Psoriasis is contagious? No, psoriasis is not contagious. It is and cannot be passed on through touch or contact with an affected person. However, psoriasis is an autoimmune condition, and genetics and immune triggers (foods, pathogens, chemicals) play a role in the development of psoriasis.

Though psoriasis is not contagious, it can run in families. The familial connection is likely due to the shared genetic traits of family members, but family members are typically in close proximity to one another so the environmental triggers are likely also similar. Improving psoriasis naturally usually requires changes in diet and lifestyle, and requires the temporary use of nutraceuticals to support the immune system.

Types Of Psoriasis

Types of psoriasis include plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, inverse psoriasis, pustular psoriasis, erythrodermic psoriasis, and scalp psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of the condition and is characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin. Guttate psoriasis is a more severe kind that often affects children and young adults. Inverse psoriasis occurs in the folds of the skin and can cause inflammation. Pustular psoriasis creates bumps

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic Arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy joints, and tissues.

It is associated with psoriasis, an autoimmune skin condition characterized by patches of red, scaly skin on the scalp, elbows, knees, hands, feet and other areas.

Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include joint pain and stiffness, as well as swelling and tenderness around the affected joints.

In some cases people may also experience fatigue, nail changes such as pits or separation from the nail bed, eye irritation and skin changes. In severe cases it can lead to deformity of joints and even disability.

Treatment typically involves medications to reduce inflammation in the affected joints, as well as lifestyle modifications to help manage symptoms.

Plaque Psoriasis

Plaque psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that is characterized by thick, red patches of skin that are covered with silvery, white scales.

These raised areas of skin, often referred to as plaques, typically appear on the scalp, knees, elbows and lower back and can cause itching, burning and pain.

Pustular psoriasis is a rare form of psoriasis that is characterized by pus-filled blisters or pustules which form on the skin.

The blisters may appear suddenly or gradually and can be localized to certain areas of the body or cover large portions. Itching and burning are common side symptoms of psoriasis associated with pustular psoriasis.

Pustular Psoriasis

Pustular Psoriasis is a skin disorder characterized by the formation of pustules, which are raised bumps that contain pus.

It most commonly affects the hands and feet, but can also affect other areas of the body. Symptoms include redness and swelling, small white or yellowish-white bumps, itching, burning and pain. In severe cases, blisters may form that contain pus or a thick fluid.

Treatment severe psoriasis includes topical corticosteroids, ultraviolet light therapy (PUVA) and oral medications.

What happens to skin cells with psoriasis?

Skin cells in people with psoriasis tend to reproduce more quickly than normal skin cells. This causes a buildup of extra skin cells on the surface of the body, leading to the formation of raised, red patches that are covered with silver scales.

These patches can be itchy and painful, and they sometimes crack and bleed.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What part of my body will psoriasis affect?

Psoriasis can affect any part of the body, including the face, scalp, hands, feet and nails.

It is most commonly found on the elbows, knees and lower back. Psoriasis can also occur in other parts of the body such as the fingernails and toenails, where it may cause pitting or thickening

Does Psoriasis Spread?

No, psoriasis is not contagious or infectious. It is a chronic autoimmune condition in which the body’s own immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, leading to skin inflammation, and the buildup of excess skin cells on the surface of the skin.

While physical contact with someone who has psoriasis may cause irritation, it cannot spread the condition itself.

Who does psoriasis affect and how common is it?

Psoriasis and skin conditions can affect anyone, although it is more common in adults. In the United States, approximately 7.5 million people have psoriasis.

It affects approximately 2-3% of the world population, making it a fairly common skin condition.

Is Psoriasis Contagious?

No, psoriasis, a is not contagious. While the exact cause of psoriasis is unknown, it is not spread from person to person. The condition occurs when a person’s immune system triggers inflammation in the skin.

What causes psoriasis outbreaks?

Psoriasis outbreaks are caused by a combination of factors, including genetics, the environment, and the immune system.

Genetics play an important role in psoriasis, as certain gene mutations have been identified that can increase a person’s risk of developing the condition.

Environmental triggers such as stress, smoking, infections, weather changes and certain medications may also trigger psoriasis outbreaks.

The immune system is also involved as it mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells which results in inflammation and the rapid growth of skin cells that causes redness, scaliness and thick patches or plaques on the skin.

Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments

Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments for psoriasis include topical corticosteroids, moisturizers, tar products, calcipotriene (a synthetic vitamin D derivative), and salicylic acid. Other OTC topical treatments may include ointments and creams with capsaicin or menthol to help reduce itching and scaling.

Prescription medications

The prescription medications for psoriasis include topical corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, topical retinoids, calcineurin inhibitors, and systemic therapies like methotrexate and biologic drugs.

What if common psoriasis treatments don’t work?

If common psoriasis treatments don’t work, it is important to speak with a doctor or dermatologist about other potential options.

These could include alternative forms of topical and oral medications, as well as light therapy, meditation and relaxation techniques, dietary modifications, or the use of special creams or ointments.

In some cases, a doctor may recommend injections of corticosteroids into affected areas to reduce inflammation and decrease plaque buildup.

It may also be beneficial to incorporate lifestyle changes into treatment plans such as reducing stress levels, avoiding triggers that can cause psoriasis symptoms and flare-ups (such as alcohol consumption or smoking), and maintaining a healthy diet.