Psoriasis Myths and Misconceptions There are many contradicting Myths about psoriasis, its causes and its treatments. These misconceptions contribute to the social stigma faced by people with psoriasis, adding to the burden of managing the disease.
| Myth | Psoriasis is contagious. | |
| Fact | Abnormal growth of skin cells in psoriasis results in thick, red, scaly, inflamed patches of skin, which are highly visible but not contagious. | |
| Myth | Psoriasis is just a skin disease. | |
| Fact | Researchers have concluded that psoriasis is actually a disease of the immune system that causes the abnormal growth of skin cells. While a normal skin cell matures in 28 to 30 days and is shed from the skin's surface unnoticed, a psoriatic skin cell takes only 3 to 4 days to mature and move to the surface, resulting in cells piling up and forming the elevated red lesions. | |
| Myth | Psoriasis is easily diagnosed. | |
| Fact | Diagnosing psoriasis may at times be difficult, as its initial symptoms can be mistaken for other dermatologic diseases such as eczema. | |
| Myth | Psoriasis can be cured. | |
| Fact | Psoriasis is a chronic, life-long disease. There is no known cure, but psoriasis can be managed with treatments. | |
| Myth | There is a link between psoriasis and liver and kidney problems. | |
| Fact | There is no known link between psoriasis and liver and kidney problems. Some psoriasis treatments may have adverse effects on the liver and kidneys. | |
| Myth | Psoriasis is caused by poor hygiene. | |
| Fact | Psoriasis is a disease of the immune system and has nothing to do with poor hygiene. Triggers that can influence the course of psoriasis include infections, stress or worry, hormonal changes, injury to the skin, alcohol, obesity, poor diet, and certain medications. | |
| Myth | Psoriasis cannot be inherited. | |
| Fact | In approximately one out of three patients, there is a family history of psoriasis. However, the disease also develops in people with no family history. | |
| Myth | The "heartbreak of psoriasis" is just a saying. | |
| Fact | The psychological and emotional impact of psoriasis can be debilitating, especially when the disease is present on the hands, feet or face, where it can obstruct physical and social abilities. People with psoriasis report feeling embarrassed, angry, frustrated, depressed and even suicidal and often compare the dysfunction and disabilities to those experienced with other chronic diseases such as diabetes or cancer. |