PSORIASIS FACT VS FICTION
Myths busted! The truth behind the condition that affects more than 1.6 million Aussies
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflamed, red, scaly patches anywhere on the skin – but most commonly on the knees, elbows and scalp.
The condition is more than skin deep though. Up to 30 per cent of sufferers can also experience pain, swelling and tenderness of joints known as psoriatic arthritis.
Despite large numbers with the condition, there are myths that need to be cleared up.
IT’S CONTAGIOUS FICTION
“That’s a big misconception,” says Dr Steven Feldman, dermatology professor at the Wake Forest School of Medicine.
It’s important to understand psoriasis is not contagious at all. It’s a condition caused by the immune system, so cannot be contracted by others.
Despite this, some people with psoriasis may have experienced things like being banned from public swimming pools.
In fact, 73 per cent of Aussies with psoriasis admit to trying to hide the condition because they’re embarrassed.
IT CAN BE INHERITED FACT
Family history can influence if someone develops psoriasis – but it’s not as overarching as you might expect.
Scientist believe at least 10 per cent of people inherit one or more of the genes that cause a predisposition to psoriasis from one parent with the condition, but only 2-3 per cent will have psoriasis occur. However, if both parents have psoriasis, the chance of development jumps to 50 per cent.
THERE’S ONLY ONE TYPE FICTION
There are actually six types of psoriasis, according to the Australian College of Dermatologists.
The most common, plaque psoriasis, occurs in 90 per cent of people with psoriasis. It’s characterised by thick, sharp, red scaly lesions on the skin. Less common forms include:
◆ Inverse psoriasis: Little to no scales.
◆ Palmoplantar psoriasis: It causes small blisters or pimple type lesions with pus.
◆ Guttate psoriasis: Small, teardropshaped lesions that occur in young adults two to three weeks after a viral infection or tonsillitis. Tend to improve over a period of around three months.
◆ Pustular psoriasis: An extremely rare form that appears suddenly and worsens rapidly. The sufferer will be quite sick and often needs hospitalisation and medication.
◆ Erythrodermic psoriasis: Another rare form where red, inflamed areas can cover most of the skin, often triggered by irritants applied to psoriasis, sudden withdrawal of medication or severe stress.
BOOZE CAN WORSEN PSORIASIS FACT
Excessive alcohol consumption can have an inflammatory effect on the body.
Dr Jerry Bagel, a Us-based dermatologist, says booze opens up blood vessels in the skin and allows T cells – the immune system cells linked to causing psoriasis – to reach the skin more easily.