Psoriasis: myth busting and fact finding

Written in association with: Dr Cristina Rodriguez-Garcia
Published:
Edited by: Lauren Dempsey

Common skin conditions, such as psoriasis, are shrouded in doubt. What causes them? Are they contagious? Can they be cured? We ask highly-experienced consultant dermatologist Dr Cristina Rodriguez-Garcia, who practises in London, Great Missenden, and Beaconsfield to set the record straight; which are myths and which are facts?

 

Poor hygiene can cause psoriasis; myth or fact? 

Myth. Psoriasis is not caused by poor hygiene. It is an inflammatory condition of the skin that is related to the immune system.

 

Psoriasis is contagious; myth or fact?

Myth. Psoriasis is not a contagious skin condition. It is not caused by a fungal or bacterial infection and if people get it, it is because of their immune system. You cannot catch it or pass it to another person.

 

Psoriasis can be cured; myth or fact? 

Myth. Psoriasis cannot be cured. There are many treatments, which can be topical, oral, or injections, that help control the condition. They won’t, however, fully cure the condition. Although the condition can be in remission for a period of time, patients who have psoriasis will always have the tendency to develop it.

 

Children can't get psoriasis; myth or fact?

Myth. Psoriasis can affect people of any age, including young children and babies. It can also affect elderly patients, who may have never had psoriasis before.

 

Psoriasis affects more than just the skin; myth or fact?

Fact. Psoriasis can also cause psoriatic arthritis, which is the inflammation of the joints, or of the fingers and toes. It can be a debilitating condition, affecting the shape of the joint permanently if not treated early. Additionally, patients who have psoriasis may have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

 

If you are suffering from psoriasis and would like to book a consultation with Dr Cristina Rodriguez-Garcia, you can do so by visiting her Top Doctors profile.

 

By Dr Cristina Rodriguez-Garcia
Dermatology

Dr Cristina Rodriguez-Garcia is a leading consultant dermatologist who graduated from medical school in Spain, where she undertook her specialist training in dermatology and completed her PhD in neonatal dermatology with Summa Cum Laude - the highest distinction. She has been working in the UK since 2012 and is on the GMC Specialist Register.

She has a special interest in dermoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy for skin cancer diagnosis. Alongside these, she also has advanced skills and expertise in paediatric dermatology, vulval dermatology, acnepsoriasis, and more. Dr Rodriguez-Garcia holds a substantive NHS Consultant Dermatologist post at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, where she is also the Clinical Governance lead for medical dermatology. 

Not only does she strive to provide the utmost quality of care to all her adult and paediatric patients, but she has also authored publications in high-impact peer-reviewed dermatology journals, such as the British Journal of Dermatology and the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. She has presented her research in international congresses and is a peer-reviewer for medical journals.

Furthermore, she is a member of the International Dermoscopy Society, the British Association of Dermatologists, the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, and the Royal Society of Medicine.

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