Psoriasis FAQ’s
Is psoriasis contagious?
No. Many people believe that psoriasis is infectious or contagious but this is not true – psoriasis cannot be passed on to, or caught from, other people.
Is psoriasis hereditary?
Psoriasis is an inherited condition but the way in which this happens is complicated and is not yet fully understood. A child who has one parent with psoriasis has roughly a 1 in 4 chance of developing the condition.12
How can I help a friend or family member who has psoriasis?
A useful first step is to find out more about psoriasis so that you understand what your friend or relative is going through. One of the most important things you can do is to let them know that you are ready to listen and support them when they need it. People with psoriasis often feel self-conscious and embarrassed about their appearance and they may become angry, depressed or withdrawn. See the Links section for details of patient groups who can provide further support and information.
Are there any measures that can help to relieve the symptoms of psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an unpredictable condition and it is often difficult to pinpoint what triggers the condition or makes it worse. As a general rule, it is best not to smoke and to avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol as this is can worsen symptoms in some people.12
Some medicines can worsen psoriasis.13 If you think this might be the case, talk to your doctor before making any changes to your treatment.
Stress is also thought to be a trigger for psoriasis.12 Obviously, it is impossible to avoid stress completely but following general guidelines for a healthy lifestyle (a varied diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep) is a good starting point. It is also helpful to wear light clothing in fabrics that are less likely to irritate the skin or make it itchy.14
My current treatment is not effective – should I talk to my doctor?
Yes. A wide range of treatments are available for psoriasis and if the one you are currently using is not controlling your symptoms, or if it is not working as well as it used to, it is worth seeking medical advice. If you persevere, there is a very good chance that you will find something that will keep your psoriasis under control.12 See the Treatment options section for further information.
Does psoriasis have an impact on mental well-being?
Yes, psoriasis can have a negative impact on the emotional as well as the physical well-being of sufferers.15 The pain and embarrassment associated with skin lesions can disrupt social and work-related activities16 and the physical and mental effects of psoriasis have been compared to those of other diseases such as cancer, arthritis, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and depression.8 See the Emotional impact section of the website for further details.
