Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory condition of skin, which causes it to become silvery with white scales and reddish plaques. Along with impacting the skin, it affects individuals mentally and emotionally. This World Psoriasis Day, which is celebrated every year on October 29, it is essential to know the facts and break through the established wrongs tied to it. Come, let’s learn some popular myths about psoriasis.

Myths about psoriasis

People with psoriasis go through isolation, anxiety and are likely to have depression. Therefore, it is important for everyone to know the right facts about this condition and spread awareness as much as possible.

6 myths and facts associated with psoriasis:

Myth #1: Psoriasis is contagious

Since psoriasis is very visible, people think it is communicable. It is an absolutely non-contagious disease. It is an autoimmune disorder in which the regeneration of skin cells is accelerated at a very higher pace than usual. Any kind of physical contact with a person who has the condition, by no means will lead you to get psoriasis.

Myth #2: Poor hygiene leads to psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease and hygiene has no role in it. It is neither the cause nor could it elevate the disorder.

Myth #3: It is only a skin condition

Though it often manifests as red itchy patches on the skin, it could even affect nails, mouth, joints, etc, and cause several medical conditions such as psoriatic arthritis. The risk of developing heart disease, vision issues, heart conditions, etc also increases.

Myth #4: It is an adult condition

Genetics is one of the causes of the condition. So, psoriasis affects children as well with as high as a 50 percent chance if both parents have the disorder.

Also read: We got a dermatologist to share 5 super effective home remedies for scalp psoriasis

Myth #5: It only manifests as one type

Five types of psoriasis exist, depending on the etiology namely plaque, inverse, guttate, pustular, and erythrodermic.

Myth #6: There is no treatment

There isn’t any permanent cure for psoriasis yet but there exist effective treatments that can improve the severity of signs and symptoms and lowers the risk of developing other health conditions.

How to manage psoriasis?

Regular treatment is the key to managing psoriasis. Therefore, seeing a doctor is necessary and the best solution will be prescribed by your healthcare provider according to the severity of the disease as it is different for everyone.

Additionally, give extra moisturizer to the skin, don’t allow skin to dry, expose body to sunlight, do regular exercise to make joints stronger, reduce stress levels, and quit smoking and drinking alcohol to ease psoriasis.