Common Psoriasis Myths

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, raised patches of skin covered by silvery scales. The condition is non-contagious and affects about 125 million people worldwide. Psoriasis is a stable autoimmune disease that is characterized by flare-ups and remissions. The flares can last for weeks or months and tend to be triggered by stress, illness, or certain medications. Numerous psoriasis myths surround this condition, and we will review some of the most common ones below:

Myth: Psoriasis is contagious

Most people think that psoriasis is a highly contagious skin disorder. Psoriasis cannot be transferred from one person to another through touch or any other means. Although there are various types of psoriasis, they all have the same symptoms and treatment options. However, there are instances where psoriatic lesions may develop secondary bacterial infections, which need to be treated with antibiotics. Additionally, psoriasis may cause psychological distress, which leads to an increased risk of depression and suicidal thoughts.

Myth: Psoriasis can be cured with soap

Since there is no cure yet for psoriasis, it is understandable why many people believe that this skin disorder can be resolved through soaps or regular shampoos. Unfortunately, using bath soap or shampoo on your skin won’t affect psoriasis in any way. People with psoriasis should not use regular soaps because they may aggravate their skin condition. Many dermatologists recommend using non-soap cleansers designed specifically for individuals affected by sensitive skin conditions such as eczema or seborrheic dermatitis.

Myth: Psoriasis can be triggered by stress

Stress is considered to be one of the primary triggers for psoriasis flare-ups. Although it may seem logical that stressful life events cause increased levels of anxiety and trigger flare-ups, studies have not found a clear association between stress and an increased risk of developing psoriasis. Many doctors now believe that other factors trigger psoriasis outbreaks, such as infections or medications.

Myth: Adult-onset psoriasis can’t affect children

The most common form of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis which affects over 85% of adults who suffer from the condition. Although this type does not usually lead to hair loss for most people, if you were affected by childhood plaque psoriasis, then there is a chance that you may develop the adult form later in life.

Myth: Psoriasis can be treated with sunscreen

Although psoriatic plaques usually do not react to the sun, certain areas such as lesions and open sores should be protected from direct exposure. This means that people with psoriasis should wear protective clothing and use sunscreen when necessary. Still, they shouldn’t rely on sunscreen to control or alleviate their symptoms since this will not help any psoriatic lesions.

Myth: Diet has an impact on psoriasis flares

Many individuals believe that avoiding certain foods such as dairy products, chocolate, or gluten can prevent psoriasis flare-ups. No studies suggest a clear link between dietary factors and psoriasis flares. Although it may be true that some foods affect the body’s pH levels, this has no impact on psoriatic inflammation.

Myth: Exposure to cold is not suitable for your skin

It is common knowledge that exposing your skin to harsh weather conditions such as shallow temperatures is harmful. Individuals with psoriasis often wonder whether they should avoid exposure to cold since they believe this will relieve their symptoms, but it won’t make any difference. People with psoriasis should wear protective clothing if needed, but avoiding extreme temperature changes will help control the severity of their symptoms without reducing flare-ups in any way.

Myth: Psoriasis is caused by poor hygiene or bad personal hygiene habits

Psoriasis is considered an autoimmune disorder which means it’s the body’s immune system that causes the inflammation and irritation of affected areas of skin. Although stress may trigger flare-ups in some instances, this isn’t related to a lack of proper personal hygiene. The focus tends to cause more frequent flare-ups but won’t make things worse than they already are if you follow basic cleaning practices.

Myth: Eating tomatoes makes your skin worse

Studies have found that eating tomatoes may reduce the risk of developing psoriasis. However, this will not improve existing symptoms in any way and is only effective when preventing new outbreaks.

Myth: Psoriasis cannot affect the nails or scalp

Even though it’s common for people to think that psoriasis only affects the skin, this is not true. Over 30% of individuals with plaque psoriasis have been diagnosed with nail psoriasis or scalp psoriasis.

Myth: Psoriasis cannot be treated with medication

Unfortunately, many people believe that there’s no cure for psoriasis except avoiding sun exposure and living a healthy lifestyle. This myth has contributed to the lack of awareness about treatment options for those affected by this disorder. Most people don’t know that new medications have been developed to prevent flare-ups from occurring. The proper course of action may vary case-by-case, but it’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions regarding topical treatments or taking medications orally.

Myth: Psoriasis can occur on any part of the body 

Although psoriatic plaques are usually found on the elbows, knees, back, or scalp, this disorder can occur anywhere if genetic factors make you more susceptible to it. If you’re at high risk of developing psoriasis lesions in sensitive areas such as your genitals or armpits, wear gloves and use medicated creams before engaging in sexual activities or undertaking any strenuous physical exercise that might irritate these particular lesions.

Myth: Vitamin D supplements will clear my psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, and there is no evidence that vitamin D supplementation can help in any way. Vitamin D toxicity is a genuine concern in psoriasis, and too much of this supplement may be harmful in some cases.

Myth: All people with psoriasis get the same type of skin lesions

It may surprise you that there are different types of psoriasis lesions (with Latin-sounding names like erythrodermic, guttate, inverse, etc.), but don’t worry – this typically means nothing to your health care provider. These conditions are defined by their location on the body (the trunk or limbs) and appearance (red or white).

Myth: Excessive sun exposure can clear psoriasis

Avoiding sunlight will not help improve the appearance of existing lesions, but it is a good idea since too much sun exposure can worsen your symptoms. People with mild cases of plaque psoriasis may tolerate sunlight if they limit their time in the sun and always wear sunscreen. On the other hand, people with severe psoriasis should avoid direct sunlight even on overcast days since harsh weather conditions may cause an outbreak to become worse.

Myth: Dry, Itchy Skin? You have psoriasis

It is unnecessary to have dry skin to be diagnosed with psoriasis, and the appearance of scales does not indicate this disorder. Approximately half of the people affected by plaque psoriasis don’t experience any itching at all.

Myth: Individuals with psoriasis are more likely to develop cancer 

Psoriasis is a long-term autoimmune condition, and there is no connection between this disorder and the development of other types of cancer. This myth has been debunked for decades, but some people still believe that it’s possible to “transfer” psoriasis from one part of your body to another or that an existing lesion can turn into cancer if left untreated.

Myth: Only older adults can get psoriasis

This common myth is simply untrue – anyone can be diagnosed with psoriasis at any age. The average age of diagnosis is around 30 years old, but there have been reports of individuals as young as nine being affected by this disorder.

Myth: Every person who has psoriasis will have psoriatic arthritis later on

Although psoriatic arthritis is a long-term complication associated with psoriatic arthritis, it doesn’t happen in all cases. About 25 percent of people diagnosed with psoriasis condition never develop psoriatic arthritis. Those who do typically start experiencing symptoms in their early 40s, and the age of onset for this condition tends to increase over time in most cases.

Myth: Psoriasis can be cured by taking home remedies only

Psoriasis needs medical attention and cannot be fixed using home remedies. There isn’t a “magic” cure for this condition that you can find in your kitchen pantry, but there are many effective treatments that your dermatologist will prescribe.

Myth: I’ve already tried all the available medications, so it doesn’t make sense to revisit my doctor.

Since psoriasis symptoms may worsen over time, you should always visit your doctor or dermatologist if you need help coping with this condition. There are many effective psoriasis treatments available, and health care providers will work closely with their patients to find the right solution, taking specific medical conditions and current medications into consideration. Some people may think they know everything there is to know about psoriasis, but these common psoriasis myths reveal how little information people often have on this chronic condition. If you’re affected by plaque psoriasis, don’t let these myths get in the way of finding a long-term treatment plan that can improve your quality of life.

Myth: Homeopathy can not treat psoriasis effectively

Homeopathic remedies are very effective in treating psoriasis. Treatment of psoriasis by homeopathy is based on the principle that like cures like. Homeopathic remedies are prepared by diluting plant, animal, or chemical substances in alcohol or distilled water. Some of the best homeopathic remedies for psoriasis are carbolic Acidum, graphites, sulphur, and psorinum. But for all these remedies to be most effective, they should be taken under expert supervision only.

As we have seen that there are many myths associated with psoriasis. It is very difficult for someone to understand the reality of psoriasis. We have already discussed that psoriasis has nothing to do with aging. You can get psoriasis at any age, regardless of your family history or genetic background. Also, homeopathy cannot treat psoriasis effectively. Every year new treatments are introduced in the market, which proves their effectiveness within a few weeks. Since psoriasis tends to worsen over time, you should always visit a homeopathy doctor or dermatologist if you suspect that you are developing this skin condition.

Homeopathy doctors are experts in this field. If you want to get rid of psoriasis, then you should visit a homeopathy doctor or dermatologist.

Here are few benefits of using homeopathic medicine for psoriasis:

1) Homeopathic treatment of psoriasis is safe.

Homeopathy has no side effects and hence, is entirely safe to use. Although, most people prefer taking homeopathic treatment in conjunction with conventional medicines like antibiotics or creams. This can help in reducing the intensity of psoriasis outbreaks. This is especially important for people who have a history of psoriasis in their family.

2) Homeopathy can help psoriatic patients to maintain good health.

Homeopathic medicines not only cure the existing disease but also boost your immunity level and prevent future outbreaks. This is especially useful for people with a history of psoriasis in their families. By regularly taking homeopathic remedies, psoriatic patients can stay healthy and lead the life of their dreams.

3) Homeopathy has anti-inflammatory properties.

Psoriasis is also known as “the king of all dermatoses” because it results in inflammation and itching, which is very painful. Anti-inflammatory drugs are used to cure this kind of inflammation, which is caused by psoriasis. However, these drugs can lead to harmful side effects like skin rashes and liver damage. This is why doctors prescribe homeopathic remedies for reducing this kind of inflammation because they are entirely safe and have no side effects.

4) Homeopathy treats the root cause of psoriasis.

Homeopathic remedies target the root cause of psoriasis and work well in preventing future outbreaks. The ingredients used in homeopathy are derived from natural sources, do not have any harmful effects, and cure the problem without leaving any scars like other conventional medications. These remedies help psoriatic patients lead an everyday life with no significant restrictions or long treatment.

5) Homeopathy remedies are available for all types of psoriasis.

Homeopathic doctors recommend certain homeopathic medicines based on their symptoms, and hence, it is straightforward to choose the proper remedy for treating psoriasis. For more information, you can book an appointment through OHO Homeopathy.