FAQs
If you’re pressed for time, take a look at this section for the most common questions about psoriasis (Pso). If you’d like to delve deeper into any of the topics, just click on the links to jump to other parts of this website.
What is Pso?
What is Pso?
Psoriasis [pronounced sorr-eye-iss-iss], also called Pso, is a chronic, or ongoing, disease that can appear anywhere on the body. Want to know more?
Is Pso contagious?
Is Pso contagious?
Pso isn’t contagious,but some people may worry that it is, so it might be worth speaking to them to let them know there’s nothing to worry about. It might feel daunting to have a tough conversation but could make things easier for you in the long run – take a look at some tips.
What does Pso feel like?
What does Pso feel like?
As well as causing pain, discomfort, itching and sometimes sleepless nights, Pso could make you feel unhappy and affect your self-esteem and quality of life.Read about how it affects people.
Will my Pso get better?
Will my Pso get better?
Pso is a chronic, long-term condition, but that doesn’t mean you will always have symptoms. Everyone’s experience is different, and you may find that your symptoms are better at some times than others, or even seem to disappear for a while. But even if you don’t have symptoms at the moment, you should still take your treatment as it’s been prescribed. Want to know what things might make a difference?
What treatments can I take?
What treatments can I take?
You and your healthcare professional will decide what treatment is right for you, but the main ones used to treat Pso are: topical therapy, which is used externally on skin lesions; phototherapy, a treatment that uses ultraviolet rays; systemic therapy, which is pills or injections that act throughout the body; and biological therapy, which is injections under the skin, or infusions made from protein. Could one be right for you?
Is it normal to feel depressed or anxious?
Is it normal to feel depressed or anxious?
Pso doesn’t just affect the body – it’s common to feel frustrated or overwhelmed, and your wellbeing and quality of life may be affected. Make sure you let your healthcare professional know how you’re really feeling – physically and emotionally. Watch out for the signs you should speak to your doctor.
Pso is affecting my sex life – what can I do?
Pso is affecting my sex life – what can I do?
Pso may affect your self-esteem, and this could affect your romantic life. Also, if your Pso lesions are in private areas, it may be painful or challenging to become intimate. If you have concerns that your Pso symptoms aren’t improving, or if you’re feeling too unhappy to get close to someone, please speak to your doctor. We’ve put together some useful tips for having the conversation.
How can I make the most of the time I have with my doctor?
How can I make the most of the time I have with my doctor?
You might only have 10 minutes with your doctor, so it’s important to use it wisely. It might help to make a list of priorities you’d like to talk about, so if you run out of time, you know you’ll have covered your most important topics. Find out about this and other tips now.
How can I tell if I’m getting better?
How can I tell if I’m getting better?
It can be tricky to see how much things change over time if you haven’t kept a record. Try tracking your progress every week and share the results with your doctor at your next appointment. You’ll find a handy tracking sheet here.
What should I do if I don’t think I’m getting better?
What should I do if I don’t think I’m getting better?
Be honest with your healthcare professional about how you’re feeling. It might be daunting to speak up, and you may be worried about being left with no other treatment options, but there are many different treatments for Pso, and new ones being developed all the time.10 If he or she doesn’t know how you really are, you might not get the treatment that’s right for you. To show your doctor how you’re doing day-to-day, try completing a progress tracker regularly. Try tracking today.
How do I find other people like me?
How do I find other people like me?
There are many people who suffer from Pso and will understand just what you’re going through. Your healthcare professional may be able to direct you to local or online groups where you can meet others with Pso, or you there are some larger organisations you can try here.
CP-308719. May 2024
References
[1]
Tohid H, et al. Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2016;29:220–30.
[2]
National Psoriasis Foundation. Tips for better sleep with psoriatic disease. Available at: www.psoriasis.org/advance/tips-for-better-sleep-with-psoriatic-disease Accessed June 2020.
[3]
Rapp SR, et al. J Am Acad Dermatol 1999;41:401–7.
[4]
Pompili M, et al. J Int Med Res 2016;44(1 suppl):61–6.
[5]
World Health Organization. Global report on psoriasis. 2016. Available at: apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/204417/1/9789241565189_eng.pdf. Accessed June 2020.
[6]
PAPAA. Emollients and psoriasis. Available at: www.papaa.org/learn-about-psoriasis-and-psoriatic-arthritis/further-information/emollients-and-psoriasis/ Accessed: June 2020.
[7]
AAD. How long will I have to treat my psoriasis? Available at: www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/treatment/medications/how-long Accessed: June 2020.
[8]
Rendon A and Schäkel K. Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Mar; 20(6): 1475.
[9]
Bagel J, Schwartzman S. Am J Clin Dermatol 2018;19:839-852.
[10]
National Psoriasis Foundation. About psoriatic arthritis. Available at: www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriatic-arthritis Accessed: June 2020.
[11]
PAPAA. Psoriasis: a simple explanation. Available at: www.papaa.org/learn-about-psoriasis-and-psoriatic-arthritis/common-questions/psoriasis-a-simple-explanation/ Accessed: June 2020.
[12]
National Psoriasis Foundation. About psoriasis. Available at: www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis. Accessed June 2020.
[13]
Globe D, et al. Health and Quality of Life Outcomes 2009,7:62.
[14]
NHS. Psoriasis overview. Available at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/psoriasis/ Accessed: June 2020.
[15]
DermNet. Guidelines for the teratment of psoriasis. Available at: dermnetnz.org/topics/guidelines-for-the-treatment-of-psoriasis/ Accessed: July 2020.
[16]
NHS. Living with psoriasis. Available at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/psoriasis/living-with/ Accessed: June 2020.
