Psoriasis is a common condition affecting approximately 7.5 million adults in the United States. Despite its impact, there are several misconceptions and myths about psoriasis, including how it can affect people in the workplace. These are some things you need to know about psoriasis.
Psoriasis Is Not Contagious
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the body, primarily of the skin. Visible signs of skin inflammation include raised scales on the skin known as plaques.
As an autoimmune condition, psoriasis is not contagious. You cannot give it to someone else or catch it by being near someone with psoriasis, shaking hands, sharing food or drinks, or sharing meeting rooms or coworking spaces.
Psoriasis Can Affect Any Area of Skin on the Body
Psoriasis can appear as a few small patches or the lesions can cover large swathes of skin. It’s possible to have psoriasis plaques in multiple locations of the body simultaneously. Psoriasis plaques most often develop on the elbows, knees, and scalp, but plaques can appear on any part of the body, and even genital psoriasis or mouth psoriasis can occur.
There Are Different Types of Psoriasis
There are five types of psoriasis, and it’s possible to have more than one type of psoriasis at the same time. The most common type of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis, which comprises approximately 80 percent of psoriasis cases. The other types of psoriasis are:
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* Inverse psoriasis
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* Erythrodermic psoriasis
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* Guttate psoriasis
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* Pustular psoriasis
A person is more likely to develop multiple forms if their psoriasis is severe, their treatment plan is inadequate, or they suddenly stop taking a stronger medication that was used to manage their symptoms.
Effects of Psoriasis Are More Than Skin Deep
Psoriasis can affect more than just a person’s skin. Inflammation caused by psoriasis is systemic (happens throughout the body) and can impact other organs and tissues in the body. People with psoriasis are at higher risk of experiencing other health conditions due to this inflammation, especially psoriatic arthritis (PsA). PsA is an inflammatory arthritis that impacts the joints, and about 1 in 3 people with psoriasis will develop it.
Psoriasis can have a psychological impact in addition to its physical effects. Psoriasis can impact a person’s emotional health and add strain to their social life, work life, and general quality of life. People with psoriasis are at greater risk of developing anxiety, depression, and low confidence and self-esteem.
There Is No Cure For Psoriasis
No cure for psoriasis exists at this time, but the condition is both manageable and treatable. There are more psoriasis treatment options available today than ever before. Treatments for psoriasis include topical creams, ointments, foams, and gels. Light therapy is also used, as are disease-modifying drugs that are available both as tablets and injections.
The right combination of psoriasis treatments will depend on the person with psoriasis and how severe their psoriasis symptoms are. Because psoriasis is a chronic, lifelong condition, a person with psoriasis will likely need to work with their doctor to adapt their treatment plan to their changing needs over time.
Education is the key to understanding this chronic illness. So too is education the answer to the pervasive stigma that people with psoriasis face. Share this article and the knowledge it contains with someone you know.
References
Psoriasis: Causes, Triggers and Treatments - National Psoriasis Foundation
Genital Psoriasis: Signs, Treatments, and Skin Care Tips - MyPsoriasisTeam
Types of Psoriasis: Can You Have More Than One?
Everything You Need to Know About Psoriasis - Arlington Dermatology
Psoriasis: Medications and Light Therapies
