Breaking Down the Most Common Myths Around Psoriasis

August is Psoriasis Action Month – the ideal time to bust some myths about psoriasis, an immune-related condition that affects the skin and often carries a stigma that impacts a person’s physical and emotional well-being.

Balcones Dermatology & Aesthetics offers personalized care, including diagnostic evaluations and treatment for people with psoriasis.

Board-certified dermatologist David A. Bushore, MD, uses the latest advancements in treatment, including light therapy to ease psoriasis symptoms. Dr. Bushore also helps you identify triggers of psoriasis flare-ups, so you can make changes to support your skin’s long-term health.

Understanding what psoriasis is (and isn’t) is important to managing the condition effectively. Below, we outline some of the most common myths and facts about psoriasis.

4 things to know about psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that results from immune system dysfunction. The condition occurs when skin cells multiply rapidly, causing scaly patches to appear on the skin. The patches become very dry and may crack, bleed, burn, or itch.

Here are four myths and facts about psoriasis you should know:

MYTH #1: Psoriasis symptoms stem from dry skin

FACT: While psoriasis does cause very dry skin, the condition stems from the overproduction of cells triggered by an abnormal immune system response.

Typically, the skin turns over cells every 28 days, but the process is much faster (4-5 days) in those with psoriasis. Cells don’t have time to mature and instead build up into thick scales nearly anywhere on the body, especially the scalp and behind the knees.

MYTH #2: Psoriasis can spread to others

FACT: Psoriasis isn’t contagious, and you can’t catch it from others or spread it to anyone else. People develop psoriasis because of dysfunction in the immune system that triggers an overgrowth of skin cells.

You might be at increased risk of having psoriasis if you have a genetic history of the condition in your family. Environmental factors like stress, skin injuries, and the use of certain medications can also contribute to psoriasis flare-ups.

MYTH #3: Psoriasis symptoms only occur on the skin

FACT: Psoriasis symptoms do affect the skin but different types of psoriasis can trigger problems in other areas of the body. For instance, people with psoriasis can develop psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory condition that causes chronic joint pain.

Due to the distressing nature of psoriasis scales and other symptoms, people with the condition may be prone to side effects like depression and low self-esteem that lower their quality of life.

MYTH #4: Psoriasis can be cured

FACT: Currently, there is no cure for psoriasis. However, with an appropriate treatment plan, you can learn to manage your symptoms and prevent frequent flare-ups.

Medicated creams and other topicals are effective at reducing inflammation and nourishing overly dry skin. Oral medications may also be necessary for severe psoriasis symptoms.

Balcones Dermatology & Aesthetics also offers phototherapy (light therapy) to slow down the growth of new skin cells to minimize scaly patches.

Board-certified dermatologist David A. Bushore, MD, provides comprehensive support and offers the resources you need to manage the physical, emotional, and mental side effects of psoriasis.

Call Balcones Dermatology & Aesthetics in Austin, Texas today to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for psoriasis or book an appointment online.