Can Pustular Psoriasis Be Contagious?
Whether you have pustular psoriasis or know someone else who does, you may wonder, can I give it to someone else? Can I catch it from an individual experiencing a flare-up?
This guide will answer these questions and more.
What is Pustular Psoriasis?
Pustular psoriasis is a severe and rare form of psoriasis. When you experience a flare-up, your skin will become inflamed and you may notice small white or yellow blisters filled with pus. If you have light skin, affected areas will become red, and if your skin is darker, these patches will become even darker.
Like other forms of psoriasis, pustular psoriasis is an inflammatory condition that leads to the rapid growth of skin cells. However, if you have this form of psoriasis, you’re more prone to develop conditions. Unfortunately, around 10% of people with pustular psoriasis will have a history of plaque psoriasis, which is the most common form of this chronic skin condition.
You may also have a higher chance of developing metabolic syndrome, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. There is also a link to other inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Is Pustular Psoriasis Contagious?
Based on the symptoms of pustular psoriasis, you may worry that it is possible to transmit this skin condition. Like other forms, you will experience physical symptoms on your skin. However, you may also develop flu-like symptoms, including a fever and chills.
So, is pustular psoriasis contagious?
The short answer to this question is — no, psoriasis is never contagious.
Unlike scabies or MRSA, a psoriasis flare-up is not caused by a contagious bacteria. Being an autoimmune disorder, genetics play a role. This creates a higher disposition and based on environmental triggers, you can activate symptoms. These triggers include everything from smoking to sun exposure, stress to skin trauma.
Pustular Psoriasis Treatment
Since only around 3% of people living with psoriasis develop pustular psoriasis, you may feel as though there are few treatment options — which is not the case.
Treatment for this form of psoriasis includes phototherapy, topical remedies, oral treatments, and biologics. Since there are different types of pustular psoriasis, including general and localized pustular psoriasis, the best treatment option for you will need to be discussed with your healthcare practitioner.
Recommended reading: Psoriasis Treatment and Information
Since pustular psoriasis is a chronic condition, you’ll need to address your skin health frequently. Treatment will be ongoing, requiring both practice and patience. In addition to the treatment options discussed with your healthcare provider, it’s important to keep your skin healthy and moisturized.
You can also take several preventative measures. Although you will want to become aware of your personal triggers, you should also take the following steps:
- Take good care of your skin. It’s important to get into a healthy skin regimen, using gentle products to treat and moisturize problematic areas, such as Keralyt5 Cream. Do not scratch and pick!
- Consider your climate. If you live in an area that is prone to dry, cold weather, you may be more susceptible to flare-ups. This is why you need to make moisturizing a priority.
- Address stress and anxiety. Research shows that stress is one of the most common triggers of psoriasis flare-ups. Scientists believe this is due to the fact that mental stress causes your body to release chemicals that boost inflammatory responses.
If you have pustular psoriasis or any other form of psoriasis, there are many treatment options available. SumLab has a fantastic selection of creams, gels, and shampoos to help reduce the severity of your symptoms.
Sources:
https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/generalised-pustular-psoriasis/
https://www.psoriasis.org/pustular/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/a-deeper-look-at-psoriasis
