10 Psoriasis Myths Debunked

There are plenty of misconceptions about psoriasis. These are myths fueled by misinformation and stigma, making it difficult for many individuals to talk openly about this common skin condition.

It is not a rare disorder. In fact, it is one of the most common autoimmune skin disorders in the world. In the UK alone, about 1.1 million people have been diagnosed with psoriasis. The actual count could potentially be higher considering those who may not be aware that they have it because of misinformation.

Many people remain in the dark and are not fully aware of what psoriasis really is, causing harmful judgements and unnecessary discomfort to individuals who are afflicted with it. What makes it worse is that this lack of awareness is a hindrance for many individuals to receive correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

So, let us explore and debunk some of the most common misconceptions.

Myth #1: Psoriasis is contagious

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition. You cannot get psoriasis by touching or being near a person who has it. What psoriasis does to the body is that it causes cells to build up on the surface resulting in rough, cracked, or flaky skin. Unaware individuals mistakenly assume it is contagious because the plaques often appear like a skin ailment.

You cannot get psoriasis by merely brushing against a person or swimming in the same pool as them. That said, it is mindful to inform relatives, friends, and colleagues that those who often experience severe psoriasis flare-ups can remain near, or even hug and touch loved ones without fear or embarrassment.

Myth #2: Stress causes psoriasis

Stress can exacerbate psoriasis flare-ups and at the same time, flare-ups can cause stress. It is a vicious cycle. As such, it is best to figure out what’s causing your stress and deal with it.

When you are stressed, the stress response involves several hormones which can affect your immune system and worsen any existing medical condition. It is not the underlying cause of psoriasis though.

Myth #3: It is caused by bad hygiene

Some people are mistakenly convinced that poor hygiene is behind psoriasis. But remember, it is an autoimmune disorder so it is hardly related to how often an individual takes a bath. Genes and hormone abnormalities can contribute to aggravating the symptoms of psoriasis.

Myth #4: Psoriasis is caused by environmental factors

It is crucial to remember that psoriasis is not caused by stress, the sun, food, or anything else that many people claim! Many studies have been made to find the cause of psoriasis but the truth is, no one has found out yet what exactly causes it.

What we do know is that many factors contribute to its development, and no two cases of psoriasis are precisely alike in terms of appearance or behavior.

Myth #5: It is just dry skin

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that causes skin cells to grow too fast, which ends up moving toward the surface. It then accumulates as dead cells, resulting in the most visible and known symptom: dry and scaly skin. This is why keeping the skin supple and moisturised is a must to reduce flaking.

Skin dryness can also be attributed to environmental factors such as cold weather. Some medications used in the treatment of flare-ups also treat other symptoms like scaling or itching.

Psoriasis symptoms can manifest in different ways and body parts and not just on the skin

Myth #6: It is just a skin condition

Psoriasis does not just affect the skin. It can appear on any part of the body, although it is most common on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. Symptoms differ for each person. It can also manifest in the bones, joints, and mouth. Many types of psoriasis are associated with increased risk of heart disease and glaucoma.

Myth #7: It does not affect children

Because psoriasis is not limited by age, it can affect anybody, regardless of age or skin type. In fact, the development of psoriasis in childhood is quite prevalent. As much as 40% of adult patients with psoriasis have stated that their symptoms began in childhood, according to research. It is reported that in boys, the peak age of onset was between the ages of 6 and 10 years, whereas for girls, it was between the ages of 10 and 14.

Psoriasis can affect people of all ages, children included

Myth #8: Sunlight cures psoriasis

Bright sunlight may help relieve some of the symptoms like itching and dryness, but don’t expect it to make it go away. At most, it can help reduce irritation and prevent your skin from flaking off excessively in the winter months when you spend more time indoors.

Myth #9: Topical steroids is a good long-term treatment

Topical steroids can be helpful in the treatment of psoriasis, but they should not be used long term because of the harmful side effects. Excessive use of topical steroids treatments can result in skin damage, such as thinning, skin color changes, easy bruising, stretch marks, and spider veins. 

When steroids are applied to large areas of skin and for long periods, they may enter the body through the skin and affect internal organs. In addition, it may cause cataracts and glaucoma if high-strength steroids are applied near the eyes. 

Abruptly stopping a topical steroid medication can also cause psoriasis to flare up. In fact, The National Eczema Association warns against Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), a crippling side effect of prolonged use of topical steroids that can be worse than psoriasis flare ups, not just physically but also emotionally.

Myth #10: There is a cure for psoriasis

There is no known total cure for psoriasis, however there are various options available that help relieve its symptoms. These symptoms can be alleviated using different types of treatments, medications, and lifestyle habits, however it remains as a lifelong chronic condition.

Some individuals experience severe skin conditions for a time and can also go for long periods without flare-ups. This does not mean that their psoriasis is completely gone; it may just be due to biological or environmental changes.

Everyone’s condition is different so medical treatments are not standardized. It is highly recommended that you visit and consult with your trusted physician on deciding the treatment plan that will work best for you.

The 3HX™ Solution for Managing Psoriasis Flare-Ups and Symptoms

Psoriasis is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Due to rampant misinformation, many individuals are misdiagnosed or are not provided with access to the appropriate treatment.

At Medovie, we understand that psoriasis is a serious, chronic skin condition that can leave you feeling isolated and alone. But with the right plan in place, it is possible to manage your symptoms so they do not rule or take over your day to day activities. It is possible to pursue an excellent quality of life even with psoriasis.

Medovie products are all-natural, steroid-free, and are clinically-proven safe and effective in providing long-term holistic comfort

Medovie is not just any other skincare brand – it is a restless company dedicated to its mission of helping people who have chronic skin conditions. Our scalp and body solutions are all-natural, steroid-free, and are clinically-proven safe and effective in providing long-term holistic comfort. With Medovie, healthy skin inside and out is possible.

Gain control over your skin health now. To learn more about our 3HX™ formula, contact us today to schedule a consultation and we will be glad to answer all of your questions.