Debunking misconceptions about psoriasis

It has always been a knee-jerk reaction of some to stare, snicker, or worse, move away from people who have psoriasis. While the skin condition isn't contagious as others thought it would be, people still hang on to a few misconceptions

A long-lasting, inflammatory skin condition, psoriasis creates unneeded skin cells as a result of an overactive immune system. The condition, however, is often misunderstood as it generates scaly patches on the skin that can bleed, itch, and emit pus-filled blisters when aggravated. 

The more severe the condition, the more it is noticeable. Thus the reason why people stigmatized psoriasis over the years, fanning out nonsensical misconceptions rather than spreading accurate information. 

This National Psoriasis Awareness Month, Cottonique listed down 5 common misbeliefs to debunk false notions about the skin condition, stop the stigma surrounding it, and support those who experience its manifestations.  

MYTH # 1: PSORIASIS IS CONTAGIOUS 

We hate to rain on your parade but psoriasis is never contagious. Although the lesions look bad in a glance, one cannot simply “catch” psoriasis from another person or transmit it on to someone else through close contact. 

As an autoimmune condition, genetic factors play a role in triggering psoriasis. This means you must have specific genes to acquire the skin condition, so spare those who have it from cold stares during pool parties.

MYTH # 2: PSORIASIS IS CAUSED BY BAD HYGIENE

Even though the origins of psoriasis is not fully understood yet, uncleanliness plays no part in its cause. 

Bad hygiene doesn't result in psoriasis as the skin condition is deeply rooted in the genes. Although external triggers, such as stress, injury, hormones, and other particular agents, may worsen the skin condition, they still do not cause it.

MYTH # 3: PSORIASIS ONLY AFFECTS PATIENTS PHYSICALLY 

Aside from the physical discomfort, psoriasis goes beyond skin-deep as it contributes psychological effects to those who have it. According to patients, the appearance of their skin and the way others react to it add a further burden to their emotional wellbeing. 

Those affected report feelings of helplessness, anger, and depression. At worse, they experience thoughts of suicide as the condition alters their self-esteem, relationships, and overall quality of life. That's why both its physical symptoms and psychological aspects must be assessed regularly to prescribe the most appropriate treatment. 

MYTH # 4: PSORIASIS ONLY DEVELOPS IN ADULTS 

Although psoriasis is more common in adults, children are not invincible to the skin condition. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF), around 20,000 children aged 10 below are diagnosed with psoriasis annually. 

The risk that a child will develop psoriasis is greater when parents have it. Fortunately, most pediatric cases of psoriasis are mild and get better with treatment. 

MYTH # 5: PSORIASIS IS JUST A RASH

Just because the condition is most obvious on the skin, it doesn't necessarily mean psoriasis is just a skin thing. Every day, those who have psoriasis endure an immune system that has turned against their bodies–a far cry from what rashes do. 

Increasing pieces of evidence suggest that the skin condition also has systematic effects on a person's body as patients develop serious health concerns such as heart disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, some cancers, and even arthritis. 

Moreover, there are five different types of psoriasis, with each having its unique effects, namely Plaque, Guttate, Pustular, Inverse, and Erythrodermic. For rashes, you know one when you see one. Psoriasis, however, isn't easy to recognize as each type looks different. 

A SILVER LINING

According to NPR, around 8 million Americans battle psoriasis. Meanwhile, around 2% of the British population are affected in the United Kingdom. 

Although the skin condition is a life-long worry with no known cure, a silver lining still presents itself to those living under the dark clouds brought by psoriasis. After years of raising awareness, new options and scientifically-improved treatments have been advanced to give psoriasis-affected individuals the peaceful lives they deserve.

Despite the frustrations, a wide variety of ways exist to help manage the symptoms and signs of psoriasis. There is hope, and you can try to start wearing them. 

To help alleviate the woes of delicate-skinned individuals, Cottonique made garments that restore confidence, comfort, and easement to people with psoriasis. Head over to our website to find clothing choices made from 100 percent organic cotton and 100 percent hypoallergenic fabric. You may not be able to control psoriasis itself, but you can control how you live with it. 

As we give facts about psoriasis and debunk various misconceptions, we should also take advantage of the yearly observance to put an end to confusion and misunderstandings. We might not heal people with psoriasis yet, but we can certainly cure misinformation.