Naturally, one of the first questions you ask after getting diagnosed withpsoriasismay be: Is psoriasis contagious?
After all, plenty of skin rashes spread through touch, like the kind impetigo can cause.
Whilepsoriasiscan look like a contagiousrash, its actually different from one in many ways.
People commonly may wonder, “Is psoriasis contagious?”
Knowing the truth about psoriasis helps push back against the stigma related to having a visible condition.
Heres what you better know about psoriasis and how it spreads.
What is psoriasis?
Typically, it takes weeks to make new skin cells.
There are different types of psoriasis, and symptoms can vary slightly with each.
And psoriasis can cause more than just skin symptoms.
Psoriasis flares are also just really uncomfortable to live through.
What are the types of psoriasis?
Generally, these plaques happen on your elbows, knees, lower back, and scalp.
Nail psoriasisaffects your fingernails and toenails.
Guttate psoriasisis more common in young adults and children.
Inverse psoriasisprimarily affects the groin, butt, and breast areas.
Pustular psoriasisis rare and causes sores that are filled with pus.
You may get themon your palmsor the soles of your feet.
Erythrodermic psoriasisis uncommon and causes a peeling, burning rash that can appear on your entire body.
You may read articles or hear other people discusspsoriatic arthritisin conjunction with psoriasis.
Psoriatic arthritis is anotherautoimmune conditionthat causes painful, swollen joints.
What causes psoriasis?
Experts arent clear why some people develop psoriasis, according to the Mayo Clinic1.
Researchers have some theories, though, and it involves a combination of genetics and environmental factors9.
Sometimes, theres no clear event, like having an infection, that triggers psoriasis.
In those individuals, genetic predisposition is thought to be the primary cause, Dr. Agbai says.
What are psoriasis triggers?
Its important to understand your specific psoriasis triggers, Dr. Wassef says.
Not everybody with psoriasis can link their flares to certain triggers, Dr. Agbai says.
In those individuals, genetic predisposition is thought to be the primary cause.
Psoriasis triggers include1:
Can psoriasis spread?
Even though it may look similar to skin infections that spread through skin-to-skin contact, psoriasis isnotcontagious.
No one will get psoriasis by touching it or a person with psoriasis, Dr. Wassef says.
Psoriasis is often confused for fungal skin infections, Dr. Wassef says.
The center of fungal rash such as ringworm10usually appears normal and isnt discolored.
This clearing in the center is not seen in psoriasis, Dr. Wassef says.
Dr. Massick explains that skin infections feel differently than psoriasis.
How do you get a psoriasis diagnosis?
Your physician will do a physical exam if they think you have psoriasis.
For people of color, getting diagnosed with psoriasis can be really frustrating.
What are my psoriasis treatment options?
There areplenty of psoriasis treatmentsto help with your specific situation.
Keep in mind that your treatment options may change over time based on new research and newly available therapies.
ensure you have ongoing conversations with your doctor about which treatment options may be best for you.
