Is Psoriasis Contagious?

Psoriasis is not contagious- you cannot infect someone by exposing them to an affected area, and you cannot catch it from someone else with psoriasis.

Psoriasis Flare-Ups are itchy and can look and feel quite unpleasant, but they are not contagious, so you don’t need to worry about infecting a loved one. Unfortunately, you may pass along the genes for Psoriasis to your children as there is a genetic component. However, you do not need to have a family member to have psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. It can just “pop up”.

What causes a Psoriasis Flare-Up?

The cause of flare-ups is not entirely understood; however, many people experience more frequent or worse flares if they are stressed, physically, or emotionally.

Exposure to severe cold and dry weather has also been linked to flare-ups.

Some studies have also correlated alcohol consumption with an increase in the severity and frequency of Flare-ups.

Are there different types of Skin Psoriasis?

Psoriasis has five main types, and each type can cause different symptoms. To make matters worse, it is also possible to have multiple types of Psoriasis simultaneously and manifest different symptoms. Your doctor may ask you questions about your joints and other bodily systems as psoriasis can indirectly affect your health deeper than just your skin.

The 5 Types of Cutaneous Psoriasis: 

• Plaque 
• Guttate
• Pustular
• Inverse
• Erythrodermic

What is Plaque Psoriasis?

Plaque psoriasis, also known as Psoriasis Vulgaris, accounts for roughly ninety percent of cases. The primary symptoms include red, raised bumps clustered together into patches. It is typical for the surface of the affected areas to have white scales. The most commonly affected body parts are the back, shins, arms (particularly the forearms), and the lower stomach around the belly button.

What is Guttate Psoriasis

Guttate Psoriasis affects many fewer people, with about ten percent of reported cases falling into this category. Guttate Psoriasis often caused drop-shaped lesions and small red spots on the skin that can be intensely itchy and uncomfortable. 

What is Pustular Psoriasis?

Unlike its cousins Guttate and Plaque Psoriasis, Pustular Psoriasis cause small puss-filled blisters. These blisters look highly infectious to the untrained eye, but as with the other types of Psoriasis, they have a genetic cause and can not be transferred through touch.

What Is Inverse Psoriasis?

Typically Inverse Psoriasis affects the damp and hidden parts of the body like the under-arm or the back of the Knee, causing shiny red lesions that can cause significant discomfort and embarrassment.

What Is Erythrodermic Psoriasis?

Erythrodermic Psoriasis is comparatively rare, as only about three percent of Psoriasis patients being affected. When it does occur, the resultant rash can become very widespread. Patients with another type of Psoriasis are at risk of developing Erythrodermic Psoriasis. Extreme flare-ups like this should be treated as a medical emergency as the bright red rash can cover large parts of the body, causing severe pain and discomfort. 

Can Botox Treat Psoriasis?

Some studies appear to show that Botox may help in the treatment of psoriasis plaques. This is an emerging field of study, so further research is necessary.

What are the best treatment options, and how do I determine what type of Psoriasis I have?

In order to determine if you have Psoriasis and, if so, which type it is, Dr.Libby Rhee will need to take a look at all of the affected areas. This examination would take place in our brand new spa-like offices in the Upper East Side. A full physical examination is necessary because many other skin conditions can lead to similar symptoms; for instance, severe eczema can present similarly. In most cases, it is necessary to take a small sample of the affected skins to our lab and look at it under a powerful microscope; this is a painless procedure conducted at our location.

Once Dr.Libby Rhee has evaluated your unique psoriatic disease burden and discussed your symptoms with you, she will develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Treatment options vary with the severity of the presentation. Treatments options include topical creams, light therapy, oral medications, injectable medications, and may be augmented by dietary and/or lifestyle recommendations and vitamin and other natural adjunctive therapies. In many cases, it is possible to reduce irritation and discomfort quickly. Whatever your skin and body need, rest assured that Dr. Rhee and her team will be there for you as your partners in care.

Dr. Libby Rhee is one of the top-rated dermatologists on the Upper East Side, with over a thousand five-star reviews. Liora Dermatology & Aesthetics is accepting new patients at our state-of-the-art, patient-centered office in the Upper East Side. 

To book an appointment with Dr. Rhee or anyone on her care team:

Call to make an appointment 212 433-GLOW

Or visit us at: www.lioradermatology.com and click “BOOK NOW .”