If you ever noticed patches on your skin that are itchy, red, or scaly, then perhaps you are dealing with psoriasis. Despite being very prevalent, and occurring in millions of individuals, psoriasis is highly misunderstood. While psoriasis is difficult to live with due to its effects on the skin and body, social stigma and lack of knowledge can also add on to that. In this blog, we will discuss some common myths about psoriasis. Moreover, we will also discuss which facility specialises in offering the best psoriasis treatment in Gurgaon.
Myth 1: Psoriasis is Contagious
The Fact: Psoriasis is not contagious. This is perhaps the most common myth. Psoriasis is actually an autoimmune disease. It occurs when the body’s immune system accelerates the growth of the skin cells. You can’t get it by hugging, shaking hands, or swimming in the same pool as someone who has it.
Myth 2: It’s Just “Dry Skin”
The Fact: Psoriasis is much deeper than the surface. While it looks like a skin rash, psoriasis is a chronic systemic disease. In a healthy body, skin cells take about a month to cycle. With psoriasis, this happens in just a few days. The body can’t shed the cells fast enough, so they pile up into “plaques.”
Myth 3: Psoriasis is Caused by Poor Hygiene
The Fact: Hygiene has nothing to do with it. Psoriasis is linked to genetics and environmental triggers. Scrubbing the skin harder or washing more frequently won’t make it go away; in fact, over-washing with harsh soaps can often make a flare-up worse by drying out the skin further.
Myth 4: It Only Affects Your Skin
The Fact: It can impact joints and mental health. About 30% of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint pain and swelling. Furthermore, because the condition is visible, many people deal with anxiety and depression due to public scrutiny.
Common Triggers to Watch For:
While everyone is different, these common factors often “wake up” psoriasis symptoms:
- Stress: High cortisol levels can trigger a flare.
- Weather: Cold, dry air is a common culprit.
- Medications: Certain blood pressure or lithium medications may play a role.
The Bottom Line
Living with psoriasis isn’t just about finding the right cream; it’s about understanding your body and finding a supportive community. If you are experiencing psoriasis, get in touch with Dr. Neha Sharma, a renowned skin doctor in Gurgaon to minimize its appearance. The expert doctor will recommend oral medications, or phototherapy depending on the complexity of the condition.
For more details, visit the Estique Clinic now.
