Psoriasis: 7 Myths All You Need to Know About

Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes patches of red, scaly skin(plaques). It is a chronic condition, which means that it can last for a long time, and it often comes and goes in cycles. Psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system that triggers inflammation in the skin, leading to the buildup of thick, dry patches that can be itchy and painful. Although there is no cure for psoriasis, there are treatments available to manage the symptoms and improve quality of life for those affected by it.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a common skin condition that affects many people worldwide. It can cause red, scaly patches of skin called plaques to appear on different parts of the body, including the scalp. Plaque psoriasis, which is the most common type of psoriasis. When psoriasis affects the scalp, it can cause itching, flaking, and scaling of the skin on the scalp.
While there is no cure for psoriasis, there are treatments available that can help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for people living with this condition. These treatments can include medications, topical creams, and light therapy.
Psoriasis has long been misunderstood, and many myths still surround it even today. Here are 7 of the most common myths and why they aren’t true at all.
Myth 1: Psoriasis Is Just a Skin Condition
Psoriasis is a chronic condition that can cause extreme discomfort and embarrassment. It can affect the joints, nails, ears, and even the eyes. The most frustrating thing about psoriasis is that it’s not contagious so you can’t catch it from someone else. And while there are treatments for psoriasis, there’s no cure. But with time, patience, and medical help your skin will return to normal.
Myth 2: Psoriasis Is Caused by Poor Hygiene
If you are living with psoriasis, you have probably been told at some point that your condition is the result of poor hygiene. In reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Contrary to popular belief, psoriasis is not caused by dirt or grime but rather a malfunction in our immune system. In fact, there is no known reason for why some people get psoriasis and others don’t. So if someone tells you that your skin condition is because of how clean you keep yourself – just nod politely and then walk away.
Myth 3: There’s No Way to Treat Psoriasis
For most people, there are a number of treatments available. It’s important to work with your doctor and dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in treating skin diseases) to find the right approach for you.
The following treatments may help:
Medications: These are prescribed by a dermatologist and can be taken orally, applied as an ointment, or injected. They control the symptoms but don’t cure psoriasis. It may take up to six months for medications to start working and it’s best if you use them consistently over that time period. This is one of the best ways for managing psoriasis because medications work well at controlling the symptoms without causing any side effects.
Myth 4: People with Psoriasis Shouldn’t Exercise
People with psoriasis avoid exercise as they are concerned about severity. Obesity and cardiovascular disease are widespread issues with psoriatic people, which puts them at risk of stroke.
But National Psoriasis Foundation recommends psoriatic arthritis patients do 30 min mild to moderate exercise at least five times a week. Exercise helps in maintaining a healthy weight and improving the severity of infection. Avoid workout that causes excessive sweating, as it can trigger the symptoms and aggravate.
However, People with Psoriatic arthritis should avoid intense workouts as they can aggravate flairs and joint pains. Instead, opt for low-impact physical activities like swimming or cycling.
Speak to your certified medical practitioner or dermatologist to explore suitable exercises to improve skin health conditions.
Myth 5: All Natural Treatments Work
There are several herbal remedies that people claim work as well or better than conventional medicines like methotrexate but they’re unproven in clinical trials and might have side effects. If you have treatment options prescribed by certified medical practitioner or dermatologist such as topical steroids or photo therapy, then go with those instead of risking more serious consequences of an alternative therapy.
Myth 6: Alcohol Doesn’t Doesn’t Leads to More Flares
Excessive alcohol use does increase your risk for psoriasis flares because it lowers levels of good bacteria in your gut which then increases inflammation on the skin which can worsen your symptoms, but this doesn’t mean you should quit drinking completely.
Myth 7: Psoriasis Isn’t Serious
Psoriasis isn’t considered a life-threatening and curable disease but is treatable. With proper treatment and management, it can be well controlled and allow Psoriatic patients to live an uninhibited lifestyle.