Psoriasis affects roughly 1 in 50 of us in the UK – that’s approximately 1.3 million people, or 2% of the population! [Source: PAPAA] But even though it’s so common, there’s lots of misinformation surrounding this skin condition, which can be very confusing for anyone trying to live with it. And that’s why we’re here to bust some of the most common myths. Keep reading for tips on psoriasis treatments, triggers, creams for psoriasis and more.
Myth 1: It’s just a bit of dry skin.
WRONG! Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition.
While psoriasis does cause dryness, it’s much more than your skin needing a bit of a drink. Our skin constantly sheds its top layer of cells and replaces them with new ones (clever, isn’t it!). For ‘normal’ skin, this cycle takes about 3-4 weeks. For people with psoriasis, it only takes 3-7 days – so the skin cells build up to create the psoriasis patches. Getting psoriasis patient information is difficult because even doctors don’t fully understand every aspect of it. What we do know is that it’s chronic - which means it’s a long-lasting skin condition with times where it’s more severe, and times where people don’t see any symptoms. It also affects adults more than children, so most people see it develop between the ages of 20 and 30 or 50 and 60. [Source: NHS].
Myth 2: It looks like eczema
WRONG! There are some similarities, but psoriasis has its own unique features.
Eczema and psoriasis are two common dry skin conditions that both cause inflammation, irritation and discolouration – so some people can get them confused! But with the right psoriasis information, you can spot the difference by taking a closer look. Psoriasis shows up in patches that are thicker and more raised – which will be dark-brown or purplish grey in colour on dark skin, and red or pink on white skin. [Source: Web MD] You’ll usually find psoriasis patches in different places too. Eczema tucks itself away in folds and creases (behind the knees, between the elbows, on the neck), whereas psoriasis appears more on the outer surface of the skin – places like your scalp, outer knees and elbows or around the belly button. [Source: Healthline.] About half of people with psoriasis also see it specifically around their fingernails – even if it’s not anywhere else. [Source: Patient Info.]
Myth 3: It’s contagious.
WRONG! You absolutely cannot catch psoriasis.
It’s a really common misconception that psoriasis can be passed from person to person, but this is completely false! [Source: NHS]. There’s still research to be done to understand exactly where it comes from, but there is a genetic element – so it does tend to run in families. But just because your mum, dad or grandma has it, it doesn’t mean you will too. The way it’s inherited is very complex, but hopefully one day the scientists will figure it out [Source: Psoriasis Association.] If you are someone with that special psoriasis gene, you’re likely to find some triggers cause flareups. Here are a few of the most common:
🤒 Infection: there’s a definite link between psoriasis and streptococcal infection – more commonly known as a sore throat.
🤕 Skin injuries: a lot of people find that psoriasis patches pop up around even minor injuries: if you’ve had an injection, piercing or if your shoes or clothes have rubbed your skin.
😩 Stress: we all deal with stress all the time – especially when there’s a major life event going on. Many people with psoriasis find that this causes a flare-up or makes it appear for the first time.
🤯Hormones: It’s really common to hear about psoriasis showing up at the times hormones are changing: in puberty, pregnancy or during the menopause.
[Source: Psoriasis Association.]
Myth 4: It can be cured.
WRONG! There’s no cure, but there are treatments for psoriasis that can help manage the skin condition
It’s the only psoriasis myth we’re not happy to bust, because unfortunately, there’s no cure at the moment. BUT, there are lots of simple, effective treatments for psoriasis that make it easier to live with during a flare-up. There are moisturisers and emollients to make the skin more comfortable, steroid-based treatments, vitamin D treatments, and many other options. All these treatments vary in strength, so some stronger ones like steroid ointments and vitamin D will need to be prescribed by a doctor. [Source: Psoriasis Association.]
What works and what doesn’t is individual to everyone – no two people’s psoriasis is the same. So if you’re struggling, speak to a healthcare professional. Your treatment is out there, but it’s also important to remember that it could change over time.
A simple, over-the-counter emollient, Epaderm is a great place to start as an ointment for psoriasis. Epaderm Ointment is made from just 3 ingredients with no fragrance, so it’s gentle enough for psoriasis flare-ups. And as a thick, intensive emollient, it’s ideal for using overnight to moisturise and soften that build-up of skin cells.
Myth 5: Only psoriasis lotions and creams will help
WRONG! There are lifestyles choices you can make to help manage psoriasis
Creams, moisturisers and ointment for psoriasis are all great skin support, but there are other things which might help help too.
🛀 Have a bath: as long as the water isn’t too hot, baths can be a great way to ease the symptoms of psoriasis. As a 3-in-1 emollient, Epaderm ointment can be added to your bathwater to help moisturise your skin. Just melt a dollop in a jug of hot water then pour it straight into the tub!
🏋️Do a workout: studies show that physical activity can help reduce flare-ups – and it’s great for your mind, body and soul.
🍷 Avoid too much alcohol: anyone who’s looked in the mirror with a hangover will know that alcohol and your skin aren’t the best of friends. But as well as general irritation, heavy drinking can stop more intense psoriasis treatments from working how they should – and there can also be side effects with some psoriasis medications.
🐟 Eat right: lots of refined sugar, dairy, fatty red meats and processed foods makes inflammation worse, so it’s best to enjoy these things in moderation. Help yourself to lots of fish though – the omega 3 actually helps ease inflammation.
🧘️ Stay mindful: We’ve already seen that stress is a trigger – and with our busy lives, there’s no way to completely avoid it. But with helpful meditation and relaxation techniques, you can calm your mind and your skin.
[Source: Web MD]
While these activities might not work as alternative treatments for psoriasis, they all do their bit to help manage flare-ups and can make you feel better, inside and out.
That’s some of the most common psoriasis myths, busted! We hope we’ve cleared up a few things that might have confused you in the past, but if you’d like a bit more information, take a look at our dedicated psoriasis page. And if you’re unsure of the right treatment, ointment or whether or not you have psoriasis, speak to your doctor for some specialist advice.
