Skin expert and founder of MooGoo, Craig Jones, breaks down the common myths associated with the common, but closeted, skin disease.
5 myths about Psoriasis
Myth 1: Psoriasis is contagious
Psoriasis is not contagious – it’s an immune system problem. When we get an injury, the skin sends a signal to make more skin cells. For psoriasis sufferers, this signal gets sent from healthy skin and more skin cells are made, causing flaking and itching in areas. It is not contagious, but it is very distressing for people because of its appearance. It can also lead to other problems such as a form of arthritis.
Psoriasis, dermatologic diseases. Source: E+
Myth 2: Beer causes psoriasis flare-ups
A large study found that women who drank five or more beers a week doubled their chances of developing psoriasis, but it’s still not clear if this is a risk factor. Alcohol can cause flare ups in some people, but others say it has no effect at all. A large review of studies into this found that people who drink alcohol have a greater incidence of psoriasis, but whether this was caused by alcohol is unclear.
Victoria's government has announced public drunkenness will be decriminalised in the state. (AAP) Source: AAP
Myth 3: Drinking celery juice will cure your psoriasis
Drinking celery juice is a holistic option for treating (not curing) psoriasis based on a website that claims that “All skin conditions that aren’t injuries actually stem from the liver” (www.medicalmedium.com). People should be free to explore all options, but there are also claims about everything on the internet, so always investigate what works best for you.
drinking celery juice is a holistic option for treating (not curing) psoriasis. Source: WikiCommons
Myth 4: Bleach baths will destroy your skin
Bleach baths are more typically used for eczema than psoriasis. Eczema is different to psoriasis as it’s typically a reaction to something. People add a very small amount of bleach to the water and this helps kill the bacteria that can cause infections in eczema patches. The trouble is that bleach is alkaline and eczema is milder when the skin is acidic.
People add a very small amount of bleach to the water and this helps kill the bacteria that can cause infections in eczema patches. Source: Laia Abril
Myth 5: Psoriasis can’t be treated
This is not true, but everybody is different and finding what works for you can take some time. In addition to light therapy, just sunshine can help some people. Reducing stress. Some people break out after particular foods. Some drugs that are similar to anti-cancer drugs can help, but they have side effects.
A good calming moisturiser helps. However, a topical cream cannot cure the condition. Also, rotating creams from month to month can help as it seems to build up a sort of resistance to one cream if used over a long period of time. A doctor will often prescribe a steroid cream, however the side effects of this need to be fully understood before using.
A good calming moisturiser helps but a topical cream cannot cure psoriasis. Source: Photo Skim Cream on Face by http://www.cushyspa.com/ is licensed under CC BY 2.0)
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Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. For specific medical or health advice, people are urged to consult with your GP, or other qualified health care professional
