This October 29th is World Psoriasis Day, a skin disease that still suffers from many preconceived ideas in France. In the United States, however, several stars affected by it speak freely about it. Here is what you need to know about this condition.
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease that mainly manifests itself in the skin, as red patches covered in 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 major casting, to make visible (and proud) those who suffer from it, following in the footsteps of many American stars (Kim Kardashian or Beyoncé) who talk about it without taboo.
“Unfortunately, in France, unlike in the United States, people with psoriasis do not want to talk 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 the preconceived ideas surrounding the disease,” declares Bénédicte Charles, President of France Psoriasis in a press release.
So 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, neither by touch, nor by clothing, nor by physical contact. Its origin is multifactorial: genetic, immunological… But not viral.
Psoriasis is a psychological disease
Again, this is false. Psoriasis is a disease that is called epigenetic, that is, involving several genes and environmental factors. Of course, like all autoimmune diseases, it can be influenced by external factors: such as cold, certain medications (such as beta -blockers), stress (positive or negative), overwork, excess weight… But these are not causes.
Stress can be responsible for the onset of flare-ups
This is both true and false. As with many diseases, stress can promote psoriasis. But stress alone cannot explain the very appearance of psoriasis plaques.
“The origin of psoriasis is genetic, associating a deregulation 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 eliminated. This is called “whitening the plaques,” not curing them, but it has the effect of reducing or eliminating the itching and scaling.
“There are two phases to consider 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 family members are already affected by the disease. If one of the two parents is affected, the risk for the child to suffer 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” patient care is therefore necessary.
Sport is contraindicated in case of psoriasis
On the contrary, sport is beneficial because it allows you to feel better in your body. A significant benefit when you have a disease such as psoriasis which damages your body image. There is therefore no contraindication, except for comfort: it is better to avoid sports that cause friction on the impacted areas (e.g. bicycle saddle).