Is Psoriasis Contagious: Explore Whether You Can Catch Psoriasis

The question is psoriasis contagious is common not only from people with their first break out, but also others who come in contact with people with the skin condition. It is definitely not possible to pass on or catch this skin disorder through physical contact. What causes psoriasis is still a mystery, but what doctors are sure of is that it does not pass from one individual to another.

The condition has a genetic link, as well as some lifestyle and environmental contributory factors. These factors in themselves should explain that most likely it is not an infectious condition. However, the sometimes unattractive look of the skin leaves others in doubt as to whether it is safe to be in close contact with someone with this skin disease. 

Is Psoriasis Contagious?

The Stigma of Psoriasis

A number of people with this condition find themselves being asked is psoriasis contagious? They also have to tell people they come in contact with that the condition is not catching. It is not unusual for someone to be cautious when they see the red, scaly skin of affected areas.

A number of stories exist about the distress sufferers feel when out in public. Some people suffering from the conditions report having to leave swimming pools, getting kicked out of restaurants, or being refused service at hairdressers. Sometimes, even explaining to others that the condition does not pass from person to person does not prevent discrimination.

Many people with the condition have learned over time how to deal with the ‘is psoriasis contagious’ question. They can answer the question while taking the opportunity to educate others about the condition. Of course, this does not take away the embarrassment of seeing how some people react to the skin’s unpleasant appearance.

Outside of the body

Part of the problem is the misconception that the signs of the condition could be due to a more serious illness. Many people wrongly confuse the symptoms with those of other diseases such as HIV/AIDS. Unlike some other conditions, the signs of psoriasis are on the outside of the body which makes it highly visible.

To avoid embarrassing situations, some sufferers go to the extreme of wearing clothing that will hide affected areas of skin. This involves wearing shirts and blouses with long sleeves and long pants or skirts. Some people with the disease go to great lengths to hide this fact even from family members for fear of rejection.

While this provides some measure of protection from the constant stares and the spoken or unspoken question, is psoriasis contagious, the hurt of those suffering still exists. Reports online indicate that many people with psoriasis have periods of depression resulting from having to deal with the condition as well as people’s negative reactions. It can also lead to isolation as others shun them, or because they avoid being around other people.

Public education programs on television and advertisements for treatment options have shed some light on the condition, but misinformation and confusion still exist. Some ways that those with this condition or others who want to help can improve public awareness include:

• Try to get as much information as possible about the condition. The more you understand it, the causes and that it is not catching, the easier it is to inform others.

• Providing information about the condition to the public, stressing the fact that it is not something you can catch or pass onto others.

• Learn to accept and better manage any negative feelings about having this condition by joining support groups.

Despite the fact that over 7 million people in the USA have this skin condition, there still seems to be very little understanding about what it is. This is part of the reason why so many people still ask, ‘is psoriasis contagious’?

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Is Psoriasis Contagious? More information at What Causes Psoriasis

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