Is Psoriasis Contagious?
Although symptoms of psoriasis can look unpleasant it is just the sufferer who has to live with them, not you. Those pink/red patches of scaly skin that may be dry and cracked or have blisters filled with pus will remain with the sufferer alone.
Psoriasis is linked to a problem in the immune system. Basically, the ‘T’ cells instead of helping protect the body, attack the skin cells. This then triggers other responses from the immune system that results in an overproduction of skin cells.
There is a genetic link and typical manifests between the ages of ten and forty-five. It is not a disease that is really observable all the time but can flare up at any time, often as a response to a particular ‘trigger’ for the individual.
Triggers for psoriasis frequently include immune system weakening diseases, stress, infections, specific medications, cold weather, smoking and other skin irritation problems.
The condition can be treated and new psoriasis treatments are coming onto the market all the time. The simplest way to begin is with a thorough moisturizing routine. Body lotions will prevent the skin from drying out and cracking, and help remove some of the rough patches. Scaling can also be lessened by adding a little Epsom salts or unscented oil into your bath.
The doctor will advise you of suitable prescription creams, gels and in some cases antibiotics, but there are also over-the-counter products that may help. As everyone is different, this will be a little bit of trial and error.
One of the new treatments for psoriasis is the use of artificial light treatments is ‘PUVA’ treatment. This involves ingesting Psoralen (a light-sensitizing medicine) and then having controlled exposure to artificial lights.
In summary, psoriasis symptoms are not there all the time, can improve with treatment but will never go away completely. Treatments can be very effective but may need changing regularly as the skin becomes used to them. So, is psoriasis contagious? No. However, it can be painful and certainly very unpleasant when a sufferer has flares up so don’t make them feel any worse!
