C
%Start Causes and Treatment of Psoriasis Everyday Health MenuNewslettersSearch Psoriasis
visibility
346 views
thumb_up
28 likes
A
(For those without psoriasis, this process usually takes about a month.)
These extra skin cells form thick, itchy, dry, discolored patches, called plaques, on the skin's surface.
Is Psoriasis Contagious
While more research is needed to fully understand psoriasis, we do know that the condition is not contagious. In other words, you can't spread the disease through touch, saliva, or during any kind of sexual contact.
thumb_up
48 likes
E
Editor' s Picks
The Consumer s Guide to Biologics for Psoriasis
Get the facts about the most targeted psoriasis treatment option.…Learn MoreIs Psoriasis Genetic
In addition to your immune system, genetic factors have a lot to do with whether you'll develop psoriasis. (2) People who get psoriasis usually have one or more family members with the condition.
thumb_up
7 likes
L
But having family members with the disease does not mean you'll definitely get it. Meanwhile, it's possible to develop psoriasis even if you don't have a family history of the condition, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. (3)
The best explanation: The individuals who do get the disease have a certain combination or "mix" of genes and are exposed to environmental triggers — some of which are still unknown — that lead to the development of psoriasis.
thumb_up
7 likes
J
What Are the Risk Factors for Psoriasis
While anyone can develop psoriasis, the following factors can increase your risk: Family History Having one parent with psoriasis increases your risk, and having two parents with the condition puts you at greater risk. Infections People with HIV are more likely to develop psoriasis. Additionally, strep throat has been linked with the development of a certain type of psoriasis, called guttate psoriasis.
thumb_up
48 likes
L
This causes small, round, scaly rashes to develop, usually on the trunk and arms. Kids and young adults with this type of recurring infection may be at increased risk.
thumb_up
8 likes
M
(4)
Stress Since stress can impact your immune system by causing inflammation, high stress levels may increase your risk of psoriasis. (5)
Obesity Being overweight or obese increases your risk, and psoriasis often develops in the creases and folds of skin.
thumb_up
44 likes
M
Smoking Smoking tobacco increases your risk and the severity of psoriasis, and may initiate the development of the disease. (6)
How Is Psoriasis Treated
Most psoriasis therapies aim to stop skin cells from growing so quickly, reduce inflammation, and smooth out the skin. Proper psoriasis treatments can help clear the condition and improve your quality of life.
thumb_up
23 likes
V
What works for one person might not work for another, so keep trying therapies until you find one that’s effective for you. Doctors typically start with the mildest approach and move on from there.
Topical Treatments Over-the-Counter and Prescription
Topical treatments are applied directly to the skin and are usually the first option for treating mild to moderate psoriasis.
thumb_up
9 likes
Z
(7)
These therapies can be divided into two categories: over-the-counter (OTC) topicals and prescription topicals.
OTC Topicals
Salicylic Acid This medicine is a keratolytic (peeling agent) that causes shedding of the outer layer of your skin.
thumb_up
46 likes
W
Besides psoriasis, it is used to treat acne, dandruff, and seborrhea, and to remove corns, calluses, and warts. There are many forms and brands of topical salicylic acid on the market. Salicylic acid topical is available as an ointment, liquid, gel, soap or shampoo, cloth pads, sprays, and skin patches.
thumb_up
40 likes
J
(8)
Common side effects may include minor skin irritation, rash, and changes in the color of treated skin. The medicine can cause a rare allergic reaction, so you may choose to apply a small "test dose" initially to see how your skin responds.
thumb_up
14 likes
W
You should stop using salicylic acid topical and tell your doctor if you experience serious side effects, such as severe headache, stomach pain, or shortness of breath. Coal Tar These topicals contain actual tar that comes from coal. Like salicylic acid, coal tar medication belongs to a class of drugs called keratolytics or keratoplastics.
thumb_up
8 likes
D
They are prescribed to relieve itchiness, dryness, and scaling caused by various skin conditions besides psoriasis, such as eczema and dermatitis. These drugs work by helping your skin shed dead cells from its top layer. (8)
Coal tar topicals come in various formulations and are considered one of the oldest psoriasis treatments.
thumb_up
11 likes
R
They are available as an ointment, liquid, cream, lotion, gel, soap, and shampoo. Your dose will depend on your condition and the type of coal tar you’re using.
thumb_up
26 likes
A
Coal tar topicals will make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so use caution outdoors on days following your treatment. Tell your doctor if any of the following side effects become severe or persist: itching, burning, redness, or staining of your skin or hair Serious side effects may include signs of infection in or around the treated area, and signs of anaphylaxis, which may include rash, hives, difficulty breathing, chest tightness, or swelling of your face, mouth, lips, or tongue. Others Topicals Additional OTC topical products that contain aloe vera, jojoba, urea, or zinc pyrithione can help moisturize and soothe the skin. Capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili peppers that makes them hot, is used in medicated creams and lotions to relieve muscle or joint pain, but its topical application may also be useful in the treatment of psoriasis.
thumb_up
18 likes
A
Prescription Topicals
Nonsteroidal Topical medicines that do not contain steroids are often prescribed to control excessive skin cell production. Synthetic vitamin D3 is commonly used to slow down the growth of skin cells. It’s found in the medicines Vectical (calcitriol) and Dovonex (calcipotriene).
thumb_up
3 likes
N
Synthetic vitamin A is also given to help symptoms. The medicine Tazorac (tazarotene) contains a compound that’s similar to vitamin A.
thumb_up
1 likes
M
Another nonsteroidal topical is Zithranol (anthralin), which is a synthetic form of a substance found in the bark of the South American araroba tree. Corticosteroids These anti-inflammatory medicines, generally referred to as steroids, are the most frequently used treatments for psoriasis. Topical steroids are made from the natural corticosteroid hormones produced by the adrenal glands.
thumb_up
3 likes
C
They come in various brands and strengths, depending on the specific condition. (9)
Long-term use of powerful steroids can cause thinning of the skin and treatment resistance, so your doctor will have to weigh the benefits and risks of prescribing this therapy. There is a low risk of the topical steroid causing systemic effects unless applied to the entire body at high strength.
thumb_up
27 likes
R
Psoriasis Drugs Biologic Medication
Biologic drugs are protein-based medicines that are derived from living cells cultured in a laboratory. (8) These medicines are administered through an injection or IV and target parts of the immune system. Biologics work by blocking the action of a specific type of immune cell and proteins in the immune system that play a major role in the development of psoriasis.
thumb_up
13 likes
N
The following medicines are examples of biologics:Cosentyx (secukinumab)Enbrel (etanercept)Humira (adalimumab)Remicade (infliximab)Siliq (brodalumab)Stelara (ustekinumab)Taltz (ixekizumab)Tremfya (guselkumab)
Psoriasis Drugs Systemic Medication
Systemic treatments for psoriasis are drugs that work throughout the body. They’re usually used in people with moderate to severe psoriasis who don’t benefit from topical medicines or UV light therapy. Systemic medicines can be taken by mouth or given by injection.
thumb_up
34 likes
M
Traditional systemic drugs include:Neoral (cyclosporine)Trexall (methotrexate)Otezla (apremilast)Soriatane (acitretin)
Sometimes drugs can be given off label, which means your doctor will prescribe them even if they aren’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for your specific condition. Examples of off-label systemic medicines for psoriasis include:Hydrea (hydroxyurea)6-thioguanineAccutane (isotretinoin)CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil)Azulfidine (sulfasalazine)
How Does Light Therapy Work for Psoriasis
Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, is a treatment that focuses specific types of light onto the skin.
thumb_up
35 likes
C
(10)
Your doctor may suggest one or more of the following phototherapy or combination therapy approaches:
Ultraviolet B (UVB) This is an effective choice and can be delivered as either broadband UVB (BB-UVB) or narrowband UVB (NB-UVB). UVB phototherapy is a good course of treatment for people with moderate to severe cases of psoriasis, patients with plaque psoriasis, those with thin plaques, and people who are generally responsive to natural sunlight. PUVA (Psoralen and Ultraviolet A) For advanced cases of psoriasis, a physician might suggest combining exposure to ultraviolet A light with prescribing psoralen, a light-sensitizing medication that is most commonly administered orally. Taken shortly before light treatment, psoralen seems to boost the therapeutic effect of light on the immune system.
thumb_up
26 likes
H
People with moderate to severe cases of plaque psoriasis, guttate psoriasis, and psoriasis of the palms and soles are good candidates for PUVA. The therapy is done in a doctor's office, psoriasis clinic, or at home with a phototherapy unit. The FDA regulates medical devices used in the application of phototherapy. Laser treatments, using a device known as an excimer laser, can administer highly targeted beams of ultraviolet light to treat select areas of affected skin.
thumb_up
13 likes
C
Before starting phototherapy, tell your doctor about any new drugs you are taking. Light therapy may not be recommended for people with certain medical conditions, such as lupus and porphyria, that require avoiding exposure to sunlight.
thumb_up
14 likes
I
Patients undergoing phototherapy should pay special attention to their skin. Minor side effects can include redness and itching, and a patient's psoriasis may worsen temporarily. Skin should also be monitored for suspicious lesions and any other early signs of cancer.
thumb_up
47 likes
H
What Complementary and Alternative Treatments Help Psoriasis
Complementary and alternative therapies are sometimes used to improve symptoms of psoriasis. Although most of these approaches are safe, you should talk to your doctor before trying any new treatment or technique. Examples of complementary and alternative methods commonly used to treat psoriasis include: Diet and Nutrition Some people report improved symptoms by altering their diets or taking certain supplements.
thumb_up
44 likes
S
You can also try avoiding specific dietary triggers that may increase inflammation and worsen your symptoms.11
Sunlight Exposure to small amounts of sunlight can reduce some symptoms of psoriasis. But too much sun can worsen outbreaks and increase your risk of skin cancer. Talk to your doctor about how much sunlight exposure is safe for your situation.
thumb_up
18 likes
D
Daily Baths Soaking in mineral water baths may help hydrate and soften the skin. You can add colloidal oatmeal, Epsom salts, or Dead Sea salts to bathwater to help calm inflamed skin.
thumb_up
32 likes
J
But stay away from hot water and harsh soaps, which can worsen your symptoms. Moisturizer Some people report fewer symptoms when they apply moisturizer to affected areas. Ointments can help lock in moisture better than creams.
thumb_up
19 likes
E
Yoga and Meditation These practices can clear your mind and reduce stress, which may ease symptoms of psoriasis. (5)
Exercise Physical activity increases the production of chemicals known as endorphins, which improve mood and energy.
thumb_up
3 likes
J
Exercise can also help you sleep better and reduce anxiety. Acupuncture This ancient Chinese practice is sometimes used to relieve psoriasis symptoms.
thumb_up
34 likes
C
Scientific research about its effectiveness has been inconclusive, but patients report that it can offer relief. Support Groups Talking with others who have the same condition and symptoms can be therapeutic. You can connect with other people who suffer from psoriasis at TalkPsoriasis.org.
thumb_up
34 likes
G
(12)
Additional reporting by George Vernadakis
Resources We Love
American Osteopathic College of DermatologyPsoriasis AssociationPharmacy Times: Living With Psoriasis Just a Girl With Spots: Living With PsoriasisTalk PsoriasisAmerican Family Physician: PsoriasisPsoHoward.comInternational Federation of Psoriasis AssociationsPsoriasis Cure NowNEWSLETTERSSign up for our Psoriasis Newsletter
SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking
ReferencesPsoriasis. National Psoriasis Foundation.Stawczyk-Macieja M, Rebala K, Wysocka J, et al. Evaluation of Psoriasis Genetic Risk Based on Five Susceptibility Markers in a Population From Northern Poland. PLoS One.
thumb_up
44 likes
H
September 22, 2016.Psoriasis: Causes and Triggers. National Psoriasis Foundation.Sigurdardottir S, Thorleifsdottir R, Valdimarsson H, and Johnston A. The Association of Sore Throat and Psoriasis. Clinical and Experimental Immunology.
thumb_up
41 likes
A
October 2013.Basavaraj KH, Navya MA, Rashmi R. Stress and Quality of Life in Psoriasis: An Update. International Journal of Dermatology.
thumb_up
19 likes
E
July 2011.Li W, Han J, Choi HK, Qureshi AA. Smoking and Risk of Incident Psoriasis Among Women and Men in the United States: A Combined Analysis. American Journal of Epidemiology. March 1, 2012.Afifi T, de Gannes G, Huang C, Zhou Y.
thumb_up
30 likes
E
Topical Therapies for Psoriasis. Canadian Family Physician. April 10, 2005.Uva, L, Miguel D, Pinheiro C, et al. Mechanisms of Action of Topical Corticosteroids in Psoriasis. International Journal of Endocrinology.
thumb_up
1 likes
I
November 5, 2012.Wong BS, Hsu, Liao W. Phototherapy in Psoriasis: A Review of Mechanisms of Action. Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. 2013.Bhatia B, Millsop, J, Debbanneh M, et al. Diet and Psoriasis: Celiac Disease and Role of a Gluten-Free Diet. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
thumb_up
47 likes
A
August 2014.Idriss SZ, Kvedar JC, Watson AJ. The Role of Online Support Communities: Benefits of Expanded Social Networks to Patients With Psoriasis. Archives of Dermatology. January 2009.
thumb_up
37 likes
I
SourcesPsoriasis Treatment & Care. The National Psoriasis Foundation.Psoriasis. Mayo Clinic.Psoriasis Resource Center. American Academy of Dermatology.Psoriasis. National Institutes of Health.Show Less
The Latest in Psoriasis
What s a Typical Day Like With Psoriasis
By Howard ChangSeptember 30, 2022Best and Worst Drinks for Psoriasis
Can drinking more water help ease psoriasis symptoms? How good or bad is alcohol, tea, or soda?
thumb_up
6 likes
A
Here’s how to make the healthiest choices for your skin...By Becky UphamSeptember 30, 2022
FDA Approves Sotyktu Deucravacitinib for Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis
This daily pill could be an option for patients who want to avoid injectable medications.By Becky UphamSeptember 12, 2022My 5 Biggest Psoriasis Mistakes
By Howard ChangSeptember 2, 2022My 4-Part Action Plan for Building Confidence
By Howard ChangAugust 15, 2022FDA Approves New Treatment for People With Plaque Psoriasis
Zoryve is the first steroid-free topical cream to specifically demonstrate efficacy for psoriasis found in skin folds.By Becky UphamAugust 1, 20226 Ways Psoriasis Is Different for Women
From emotional health to the impact of sex hormones, women with psoriasis have special concerns.By Pamela AppeaJuly 26, 2022How to Safely Remove Psoriasis Scales
Removing psoriasis scales can have benefits, but don’t pick or peel them, which can trigger flares. There are several safe and effective ways to free ...By Elizabeth YunJuly 26, 2022What to Know About CBD for Treating Plaque Psoriasis
This component of cannabis doesn’t bring on a “high” — but it may help fight inflammation and ease anxiety and stress that trigger flares.By Johanna NeesonJuly 26, 2022Psoriasis Has Changed How I Eat
By Howard ChangJuly 7, 2022 MORE IN6 Ways Psoriasis Is Different for Women
Is Psoriasis Contagious
What Is Psoriasis Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment and Prevention
thumb_up
40 likes
Similar Discussions
-
Amid all the noise Chris Sutton makes bold claims about Liverpool s Trent Alexander Arnold
-
Cancer survivor Chris Evert awarded with Excellence in Cancer Awareness Award
-
Hall of Famer unsure if he will attend WWE shows again after Vince McMahon s retirement
-
Rurouni Kenshin Lidenfilms reveals new trailer and 2023 release window at Aniplex fest
-
Hulk Hogan 5 Surprisingly Disappointing matches
-
Charles Leclerc s post receives hilarious comments from Lewis Hamilton and fans
-
Triple H talks about what he learned from Vince McMahon
-
Heath comments on his friendship with Mickie James
-
Xavi sets new rule at Barcelona that could come as bad news for 3 players Reports
-
Splatoon 3 collectible guide All badges in the game and how to obtain them
-
Umesh Yadav likely to replace COVID positive Mohammed Shami in T20I squad for Australia series Reports
-
It s a flaw with this format it s difficult to get motivated Andy Murray unhappy with Davis Cup format following Great Britain s defeat to Netherlands
-
What a joke Fans disappointed at Ted Lasso winning Best Comedy over Abbott Elementary at the 2022 Emmy Awards
-
India s T20 World Cup squad Can be our trump card on those bouncy pitches Harbhajan Singh backs rookie
-
Two G O A T s you say? No way Recalling Eden Hazard s emphatic claim on he Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo debate
-
Splatoon 3 guide 5 best weapons to dominate Splatsville
-
Fans believe The Rock will face Roman Reigns at WrestleMania
-
Why Manchester United could be an exciting team to play in FIFA 23
-
7 early predictions for WWE Women s Royal Rumble 2023
-
US Open 2022 Casper Ruud vs Karen Khachanov preview head to head prediction odds and pick
-
I m not here for your headlines Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp destroys journalist for embarrassing question ahead of Napoli clash
-
Today s Heardle answer Tuesday September 6 2022
-
3 Fan Theories for Braun Strowman s return
-
ECW veteran Joel Gertner praises The Rock
-
F1 News We are right where the music plays Mercedes in right balance at 2022 F1 Dutch GP claims Toto Wolff
-
Twitter explodes as Ronda Rousey puts Adam Pearce in an armbar after being called a b ch
-
A conversation that is bigger than me Feist exits Arcade Fire tour amid Win Butler misconduct allegations
-
Enjoy your day lambu Twitterati wish Ishant Sharma on his 34th birthday
-
Warzone meta alert SVT 40 might bring back dreaded DMR meta in Season 5
-
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka Prediction Who will win today s Asia Cup 2022 match?