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This October 29 is World Psoriasis Day, a skin disease which still suffers from many preconceived ideas in France. In the United States, on the other hand, several affected stars speak about it freely. So here’s what you need to know about this condition.
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease which is mainly expressed on the skin, by red patches covered with scales, according to Inserm. Sometimes difficult to live with, it is nevertheless quite common and deserves to be highlighted, to better understand and accept it. On the occasion of World Psoriasis Day, this October 29, the France Psoriasis association is launching a large casting, to make visible (and proud) those who suffer from it, in the footsteps of many American stars (Kim Kardashian or even Beyoncé) who talk about it without taboo.
“Unfortunately, in France, unlike in the United States, personalities suffering from psoriasis do not wish to speak about it loud and clear to finally make the voice of patients heard. Having this voice carried by a person or a family duo (parents/children) comfortable with social networks seems essential to us today to finally silence preconceived ideas around the disease” declares Bénédicte Charles, President of France Psoriasis in a press release.
Here are the most common misconceptions.
Psoriasis is a contagious disease
This is false. Psoriasis is absolutely not contagious. A person with the disease cannot transmit it, either through touch, through clothing, or through physical contact. Its origin is multifactorial: genetic, immunological… But not viral.
Psoriasis is a psychological illness
Again, this is false. Psoriasis is a disease that is described as epigenetic, involving several genes and environmental factors. Of course, like all autoimmune diseases, it can be influenced by external factors: such as cold, certain medications (like beta-blockers), stress (positive or negative), overwork, excess weight… But these are not causes.
Stress may be responsible for the appearance of flare-ups
This is both true and false. As with many illnesses, stress can promote psoriasis. But stress alone cannot explain the very appearance of psoriasis plaques.
“The origin of psoriasis is genetic, associating a disruption of skin renewal and immunity” recalls the association.
Is remission possible?
It’s true. Thanks to research, the impact of psoriasis can now be reduced or even disappear. This is called “whitening of the plaques”, and not a cure, but it has the effect of reducing or eliminating itching and flaking.
“Two phases must be taken into consideration in the treatment of the disease: the “attack” phase which aims to reduce and eliminate existing plaques and the “maintenance” phase which aims to prevent the appearance of new plaques.”
Psoriasis can be hereditary
TRUE. For 40% of patients, one or more members of their family are already affected by the disease. If one of the two parents is affected, the risk of the child suffering from the disease varies from 5 to 10%.
Psoriasis only affects the outer parts of the skin
This is false. Current studies seem to demonstrate that psoriasis, in its extensive form, is associated with cardiovascular risk factors, such as obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes, etc. “Global” management of patients is therefore necessary.
Sport is contraindicated in cases of psoriasis
On the contrary, sport is beneficial because it makes you feel better about your body. A significant benefit when you have a disease such as psoriasis which damages your body image. There is therefore no contraindication, other than comfort: it is better to avoid sports that cause friction on the impacted areas (eg: bicycle saddle).