Health Boards
There are lots of Myths about Psoriasis here are some of the most common ones.
1: Psoriasis is a contagious disease.
Fact: Research has shown that psoriasis is not, in fact, contagious at all. You can't catch it from, or pass it on to, another person.
2: Psoriasis is only a skin disease.
Fact: Psoriasis is actually an immune-system disease that causes abnormal growth of skin cells. A normal skin cell matures in 28 to 30 days and is shed from the skin's surface, but a psoriatic skin cell matures and moves to the surface in only three to four days, resulting in an excess of cells, which form raised lesions.
3: Psoriasis is the result of poor hygiene.
Fact: Researchers have found no link between the disease and hygiene. Again, psoriasis is an immune-system disease; it can be triggered by various factors, including weather, stress, infections, skin trauma, and certain medications.
4: Psoriasis is curable.
Fact: Psoriasis is a lifelong condition for which scientists currently have no cure. That said, the condition can be managed through proper treatment.
5: Psoriasis is easy to diagnose.
Fact: Unfortunately, it can be difficult to diagnose psoriasis, and the disease is often mistaken for skin conditions such as eczema. In a survey, 48 percent of respondents stated that their psoriasis had been mistaken by others for a different disease or condition.
6: Psoriasis is easy to cope with.
Fact: Psoriasis can have a profound psychological impact on sufferers. In severe cases, the effects can be debilitating, especially when the symptoms are easily visible. People with psoriasis may experience a range of emotions, from frustration and embarrassment to anger and depression. For this reason it's recommended that patients join a psoriasis support group; it can make a tremendous difference in the lives of those affected by psoriasis.
7: Misinformation about psoriasis is harmless.
Fact: Misconceptions about this condition can have serious consequences. “The perception that psoriasis is contagious leads to discrimination. Many people with psoriasis report discrimination in public places such as gyms, swimming pools. “The perception that psoriasis is not a serious condition leads some patients to not treat their disease. Failure to treat can lead to needless suffering from the disease itself and to an increased risk for other serious health conditions, such as heart attack, diabetes, depression, cancer, and obesity.” People whose psoriasis is undiagnosed or untreated may also be at higher risk of developing psoriatic arthritis — a chronic, painful, and disabling illness that often requires aggressive treatment.
1: Psoriasis is a contagious disease.
Fact: Research has shown that psoriasis is not, in fact, contagious at all. You can't catch it from, or pass it on to, another person.
2: Psoriasis is only a skin disease.
Fact: Psoriasis is actually an immune-system disease that causes abnormal growth of skin cells. A normal skin cell matures in 28 to 30 days and is shed from the skin's surface, but a psoriatic skin cell matures and moves to the surface in only three to four days, resulting in an excess of cells, which form raised lesions.
3: Psoriasis is the result of poor hygiene.
Fact: Researchers have found no link between the disease and hygiene. Again, psoriasis is an immune-system disease; it can be triggered by various factors, including weather, stress, infections, skin trauma, and certain medications.
4: Psoriasis is curable.
Fact: Psoriasis is a lifelong condition for which scientists currently have no cure. That said, the condition can be managed through proper treatment.
5: Psoriasis is easy to diagnose.
Fact: Unfortunately, it can be difficult to diagnose psoriasis, and the disease is often mistaken for skin conditions such as eczema. In a survey, 48 percent of respondents stated that their psoriasis had been mistaken by others for a different disease or condition.
6: Psoriasis is easy to cope with.
Fact: Psoriasis can have a profound psychological impact on sufferers. In severe cases, the effects can be debilitating, especially when the symptoms are easily visible. People with psoriasis may experience a range of emotions, from frustration and embarrassment to anger and depression. For this reason it's recommended that patients join a psoriasis support group; it can make a tremendous difference in the lives of those affected by psoriasis.
7: Misinformation about psoriasis is harmless.
Fact: Misconceptions about this condition can have serious consequences. “The perception that psoriasis is contagious leads to discrimination. Many people with psoriasis report discrimination in public places such as gyms, swimming pools. “The perception that psoriasis is not a serious condition leads some patients to not treat their disease. Failure to treat can lead to needless suffering from the disease itself and to an increased risk for other serious health conditions, such as heart attack, diabetes, depression, cancer, and obesity.” People whose psoriasis is undiagnosed or untreated may also be at higher risk of developing psoriatic arthritis — a chronic, painful, and disabling illness that often requires aggressive treatment.