Does Psoriasis Spread?
Discover whether psoriasis spreads, its causes, and how to manage this chronic skin condition. Learn about psoriasis symptoms, risk factors, and effective treatments to control flare-ups.
Written by Dr Shreya Sarkar
Last updated on 11th Mar, 2025
Psoriasis is not contagious, and it cannot be spread through contact with another person. Existing patches could become larger or new patches may form in adjoining skin. In psoriasis, red scaly patches on the skin look like rashes, so one may understandably wonder whether it will pass on to another person.
In this article, we will explore what psoriasis is, its causes and symptoms, whether it spreads, and how to cope with it.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes a rash with itchy, scaly patches, most commonly on the knees, elbows, trunk and scalp. It is a common, long-term chronic disease with no cure.
In Psoriasis, the immune system becomes overactive, causing the rapid production of skin cells. Although there is no exact cause for Psoriasis, scientists understand that it involves a mix of genetics and environmental factors.
Psoriasis can be painful, interfere with sleep and make it hard to concentrate. The condition tends to go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months, then subsiding for a while. Treatments are available to help you manage symptoms. And one can try lifestyle habits and coping strategies to help you live better with psoriasis.
What Are the Symptoms of Psoriasis?
The symptoms of psoriasis differ from person to person, but the common symptoms are as follows:
- Patches of thick
- Red skin with silvery-white scales that itch or have a burning sensation which can be found on knees
- Elbows, scalp
- Palms
- Trunks
- Soles and feet
- Dry or cracked skin
- Pitted nails and poor sleep quality
Consult Top Doctors For Psoriasis
Diagnosis of Psoriasis
The physical examination of psoriasis requires a dermatologist to examine the skin and the location, distribution, size, shape and appearance of lesions.
Generally, dermatologists can diagnose psoriasis by examining the skin. But a skin biopsy is required to rule out other causes of the symptoms, like eczema.
Is Psoriasis Contagious?
The most important thing to understand is that psoriasis is not contagious. It will not spread from one person to another. However, if not treated, it can spread from one area of the body to another. Existing patches could become larger, or new patches may form in adjoining skin.
Psoriasis is not contagious. It's an autoimmune disease that may be more likely if you have certain genes.
Asides being contagious, other misconceptions about psoriasis are such as - psoriasis is just dry skin, there is only one type of psoriasis, psoriasis results from poor hygiene, psoriasis affects only skin, no treatment can relieve psoriasis, it affects only adults, psoriasis is same as eczema, etc.
Understanding Different Types of Psoriasis
There are several types of psoriasis, each of which varies in its signs and symptoms:
- Plaque Psoriasis – The most common type of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis. Plaque psoriasis causes raised, inflamed, red skin which has silvery, white patches over it. These patches are itchy and give a burning sensation.
- Guttate Psoriasis - this type of disease is visible in small, round spots called papules caused by inflammation in the skin. It commonly appears on arms, legs, and torso. Guttate psoriasis usually develops in children or young adults.
- Inverse Psoriasis - as the name suggests, inverse psoriasis generally affects the skin folds of the groin, buttocks and breasts. In Inverse Psoriasis, smooth patches of inflamed skin are formed, which gets worse by sweating and friction.
- Pustular Psoriasis - an uncommon kind of psoriasis, Pustular Psoriasis generally appears in adults. In this type of psoriasis, pus-filled bumps, called pustules, are formed on the body and surrounded by red or purplish skin.
How Can Dietary Changes Efficiently Address Psoriasis?
The most effective approach to preventing psoriasis from spreading is to properly and efficiently address psoriasis flare-ups.
Modification in the Diet: Following an appropriate diet consisting of nutritional items is the best way to decrease inflammation throughout the body. This can help minimise psoriasis triggers and mitigate the severity of symptoms.
List of foods to avoid and eat for a person with this medical condition:
1. Foods to avoid
- Alcohol and tobacco consumption will worsen the flare-ups.
- Dairy products such as cow's milk, cheese, and yoghurt must be avoided.
- Foods with refined carbohydrates, such as pizza, pastries, biscuits, etc.
- Snacks or drinks with added sugar.
- Consumption of foods containing gluten will support the inflammation.
2. Foods to eat
- Whole Fruits and vegetables
- Salmon, sardines, and other fish contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Herbs and antioxidants, such as thyme, sage, cumin, and ginger.
- Sources of healthy fats for the heart, such as olive oil, seeds, and nuts.
- Sources of Vitamin D egg yolk, fatty fish Cereal, Orange juice, and oatmeal
What are the Other Ways to Reduce Psoriasis Risks?
There is no way that psoriasis can be entirely prevented.
- One can reduce risk by following your healthcare provider's treatment, living a healthy lifestyle, taking good care of the skin and avoiding triggers that can cause an outbreak of symptoms.
- Keeping your skin clean and moisturised: Take daily baths or showers, but avoid scrubbing too hard. Use a humidifier and avoid products with added fragrances.
- Avoiding triggers: Identify and avoid triggers like certain foods, weather, and medications.
- Reducing stress: Try activities like meditation, yoga, or exercising.
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle: Eat a balanced diet, maintain a moderate weight, and exercise regularly.
- Using topical treatments: These include corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, retinoids, calcineurin inhibitors, salicylic acid, coal tar, and anthralin.
- Considering light therapy: This involves exposing your skin to UVB light, which can be done at a clinic or at home.
- Taking biologics or oral immunosuppressants: These are immune system drugs that you receive through an injection or intravenously.
What Are the Factors That Can Aggravate Psoriasis And How Can You Prevent Flare-Ups?
Many people who are predisposed to psoriasis may be free of symptoms for years until the disease is triggered by some environmental factor.
1. Common Psoriasis Triggers
- Infections, such as strep throat or skin infections.
- Weather, especially cold, dry conditions.
- Injury to the skin, such as a cut or scrape, a bug bite, or a severe sunburn.
- Heavy alcohol consumption or Smoking.
- Certain medications — including lithium, high blood pressure drugs and antimalarial drugs
2. Tips to Prevent Flare-Ups
The body tends to have an inflammatory reaction to stress. This response can cause a psoriasis flare-up.
- Avoiding Triggers – People with psoriasis should avoid infections like strep throat, skin injury, like burns, UV light, quit smoking and maintain moderate weight.
- Regular Medical Check-ups – Regular medical check-ups not only help to manage psoriasis but also help to prevent complications.
- Monitoring Symptoms – Regular visits to the dermatologist, makes it easier to monitor the psoriasis symptoms and modify the required treatments.
- Screening for Complications – Regular check-ups can help to screen several comorbidities – cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, etc., and ensure timely intervention.
Psoriasis impact -Emotional and Psychological Effects
Psoriasis affects both the body and the mind, and it may increase the risk of developing mental conditions such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. One of the most important emotional impacts of psoriasis is the social stigma that follows visible skin conditions. Hence, managing the emotional impact of psoriasis becomes as important as treating the physical symptoms. Practice self-care and stress management – Meditation, yoga, and deep breathing activities reduces stress and also boosts relaxation, which helps in managing psoriasis.
Conclusion
Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition caused by an overactive immune system. Psoriasis does not spread between people. However, it is important to know that psoriasis, if not treated, can spread from one body part to another. Therefore, it is crucial to diagnose psoriasis in time and adopt proper medication to manage life with psoriasis. Other than medication, an individual diagnosed with psoriasis has to manage lifestyle and diet changes as well. Psoriasis does not spread, but other people may find it infectious, so it disturbs the self-esteem of an individual with psoriasis. Managing the emotional impact of psoriasis is also important to deal effectively with this chronic skin condition.
Consult Top Dermatologist
Consult Top Doctors For Psoriasis
Dr. K Chetana
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Dr Usha B K
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Dr. H R Yogeesh
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Akshata skin and hair care, Bengaluru
Dr. Manan Mehta
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11 Years • MBBS , MD (Dermatology Venereology , Leprosy)
Gurugram
Avya Skin clinic, Gurugram
Consult Top Dermatologist
Dr. K Chetana
Dermatologist
8 Years • MBBS, MD ( Dermatology)
Hyderabad
Apollo 24|7 Virtual Clinic - Telangana, Hyderabad
Dr. Hemalatha Naidu M
Dermatologist
5 Years • MBBS, MD (Dermatology)
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Virtual Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
(200+ Patients)
Dr Usha B K
Dermatologist
4 Years • MBBS,MD (Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy), DNB (Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy), Fellowship in Trichology
Bangalore
Apollo 24|7 Virtual Clinic - Karnataka, Bangalore
(25+ Patients)
Dr. H R Yogeesh
Dermatologist
20 Years • MBBS, MD (Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy)
Bengaluru
Akshata skin and hair care, Bengaluru
Dr. Manan Mehta
Dermatologist
11 Years • MBBS , MD (Dermatology Venereology , Leprosy)
Gurugram
Avya Skin clinic, Gurugram
