All about psoriasis: 10 questions, answered
If you have psoriasis or love someone who does, you'll know that while not contagious, people with psoriasis can experience a number of physical and emotional side-effects. The good news is that there are ways to reduce the symptoms - with the help of your healthcare team. Here are 10 things to know about psoriasis and to get started making a plan!
1. What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is where skin cells multiply too quickly and instead of shedding, build up on the surface of the skin causing inflamed, raised, rough patches. It’s an autoimmune disease, which means that the immune system mistakes parts of itself (like cells, skin or joints) as foreign and attacks them.1
2. How do I know if I have psoriasis?
The most common symptoms of psoriasis are red scaly, dry patches of skin (also called 'plaques’), itchiness, shedding scales of skin. Having swollen, painful joints may be an indication of ‘psoriatic arthritis’.2
If your skin is lighter toned, the plaques may look inflamed and red plaques, with silvery-white scales. Darker skin tones show more purplish or dark brown patches, with grey or ash-coloured scales.3
3. Where does psoriasis typically appear?
Psoriasis can be anywhere on the body, it’s common for it to appear on knees, elbows, lower back, hands, feet and scalp. Some people will also have dents and discolouration of the nails.4
4. Is psoriasis contagious?
No, you cannot spread psoriasis or catch it from anyone.
5. Why do I have psoriasis?
There isn’t a single cause, though these are examples of triggers which can flare up or worsen psoriasis:
- Emotional stress
- Hormone changes (such as in during pregnancy or menstruation)
- Damage to the skin (such as sunburn, cuts, or scratches)
- Some medications (ask your GP or Pharmacist if your medicines could be connected)
- Viral or bacterial infections
- Excessive alcohol and smoking
- Cold, dry weather (this dries the skin and increases chances of flare ups)
If you have psoriasis, consider tracking your symptoms to uncover potential connections. This information will help your GP and Pharmacist work with you on a treatment plan.
6. How can you treat psoriasis?
Psoriasis does not have a cure. However, there are many ways to help control symptoms.
These days treatment goes beyond creams and ointments. Many innovative options available, depending on how severe your psoriasis is.5,6 Ask your GP or Pharmacist about these treatments.
- Moisturisers to protect the skin barrier and may help prevent plaques from forming
- Topical steroids may help reduce inflammation
- Medicated creams or ointments containing ingredients like dithranol, salicylic acid, coal tar or vitamin D preparations
- Oral medications may be prescribed by a GP
- Healthy lifestyle can play a huge role in managing psoriasis. Eliminating common triggers such as saturated fats, refined sugars, carbohydrates and cutting down on alcohol and smoking may help reduce flare ups
- Ultraviolet light therapy can reduce pain, itchiness and inflammation and slow down the creation of skin cells
- Managing stress by choosing activities that help relax you, such as yoga, meditation or exercise
- Injected medications may be prescribed to reduce the autoimmune response in severe psoriasis
Whatever treatment your healthcare team recommends, you can help by taking it as prescribed, reducing your stress levels and living as healthy as lifestyle as you can.
7. What’s the difference between psoriasis and eczema?
There is some overlap between the appearance of psoriasis and eczema so always check with your GP or dermatologist to be sure. Some general differences include:7,8
- Eczema is more likely to appear in baby or childhood, whereas psoriasis more often tends to appear in adulthood
- Eczema is more associated with patches that seep clear fluid and form crusts, whereas psoriasis’ patches are usually raised and silvery or scaly
- Sunlight doesn’t tend to help eczema whereas UV light is associated with slowing psoriasis symptoms
- Patches of eczema will usually be less defined than psoriasis
- Eczema is typically far itchier than psoriasis, which is more often described as burning or stinging
- Eczema is more likely to develop in the folds of the elbows and knees, whereas psoriasis appears on the outsides
8. Does psoriasis have any long-term risks?
Because psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, severe psoriasis can increase risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some other conditions.9
Take steps to live a healthy lifestyle to help control other risk factors associated with these conditions. Do this by exercising regularly, eating well, controlling blood pressure, not smoking and keeping a healthy weight.
9. I don’t feel like I’m coping, who can help me with my psoriasis?
Talk to your GP, Pharmacist and dermatologist at any time, especially if you are distressed or depressed about your skin. If your psoriasis is affecting your self-esteem, don’t wait. You are not expected to manage it alone.
Your GP can help assess you for a Mental Health Treatment Plan. This will give subsidised access to professionals such as social workers, psychologists and occupational therapists.
10. My friend has psoriasis, how can I help them?
Start by including them in your go-to activities. People with psoriasis will sometimes retreat, so reach out gently and often. It may be a good idea to remind them they can talk to their GP about accessing a Mental Health Treatment Plan, as they may not realise this. Here you can find more ideas on helping a loved one with psoriasis.