Why Does Psoriasis Spread?

Every year, millions of people are diagnosed with psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune skin disorder. The condition is usually marked by the appearance of red, inflamed, and scaly patches on the skin, which results from an overactive immune system.

While the condition is not contagious, many individuals experience worsening psoriasis symptoms or notice the patches spreading to new areas over time. In such cases, the one question that most people have is regarding the mechanism of spread. How does psoriasis spread, and can you do anything to stop it?

We will take a closer look into all the details about psoriasis, why does psoriasis spread and ways to manage the symptoms too.

What are the Types of Psoriasis and Their Spread?

To better understand how psoriasis spreads, we must familiarise ourselves with the different types of psoriasis and their mechanisms of spread.

As previously mentioned, psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, leading to plaques and scaly patches on the skin due to overproduction of these cells.

Usually, genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors contribute to the development of psoriasis. With that out of the way, we must understand the different types of psoriasis and how they spread:

Plaque Psoriasis: The most common form, characterised by raised, inflamed, and scaly patches. It can spread to larger areas if left untreated.
Guttate Psoriasis: Often triggered by infections like strep throat, it manifests as small, red spots and can spread rapidly across the body.
Inverse Psoriasis: Found in skin folds, it can worsen with friction and sweating.
Pustular Psoriasis: Causes pus-filled blisters and can spread quickly during flare-ups.
Erythrodermic Psoriasis: A severe form that leads to widespread redness, scaling, and inflammation, covering large parts of the body.

Being aware of these allows you to be mindful of the early signs, allowing you to consult a specialist and get early diagnosis and treatment to control the further spread of the disease. (Also Read: How to cure psoriasis permanently?)

Factors That Contribute to the Spread of Psoriasis

Several different factors cumulatively contribute to the spread of psoriasis. In fact, in most cases, people don’t even realise that they could be unknowingly worsening their symptoms and triggering future flare-ups. (Also Read: How do i know if i have scalp psoriasis?)

Following are some of the common factors that contribute to the spread of psoriasis:

1. Immune System Dysregulation

The core issue with psoriasis development and spread is immune system dysregulation. This usually happens due to an overactive immune system that fails to recognise and distinguish between healthy and diseased skin cells. When healthy skin cells are attacked, this continuously triggers skin cell production, leading to flare-ups and the spread of lesions.

2. Genetic Predisposition

If someone in your immediate family has a history of psoriasis, you are also at a heightened risk of developing the symptoms. For example, if you have a parent or an older sibling who has a history of psoriasis and suffers from the symptoms, the chances of you having psoriasis and experiencing widespread symptoms are fairly common, too. (Also Read: Is Psoriasis Dangerous?)

3. Triggers That Worsen Symptoms

Beyond the traditional onset of the psoriasis symptoms due to your immune system response, numerous triggers worsen the symptoms further. This is one of the main factors contributing to the further spread of the psoriasis scales and patches on the skin.

Following are a few triggers to watch out for:

Stress: Emotional or physical stress can cause flare-ups due to hormonal changes and immune response alterations.
Infections: Bacterial or viral infections like strep throat or the flu can trigger or worsen guttate psoriasis.
Injury to the Skin: Known as the Koebner phenomenon, cuts, burns, or even tattoos can cause new psoriasis lesions at the site of skin trauma.
Weather Changes: Cold and dry weather often worsens symptoms, while hot and humid climates can offer relief.
Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and an unhealthy diet can contribute to inflammation, increasing the risk of spreading.

If you are experiencing consistent and rapid worsening of the psoriatic symptoms, followed by further spread, chances are that you are worsening some of the triggers, further making the situation worse.

4. Untreated or Poorly Managed Psoriasis

One of the biggest issues with psoriasis is its progressive disease. So, if you have been dealing with the symptoms for quite some time and have not taken relevant precautions to treat the condition, it will keep worsening.

Without addressing the root causes of psoriasis and triggers, superficial treatments for the symptoms might suppress the signs of psoriasis for some time, but they will again get worse over time. This is one of the common reasons behind the rampant spread of psoriasis plaques and patches on the skin.

Now that you understand why psoriasis spreads, it is vital that you are aware of the mechanism of the spread. This allows you to understand the changes and switches you can make to ensure a healthier well-being.

The progression of the disease usually depends on both internal and external factors. Following is a breakdown of the steps involved in the spread of psoriasis:

Systemic Inflammation

Psoriasis is not just a skin condition but a systemic inflammatory disease. When inflammation persists, it can lead to new patches forming in previously unaffected areas.

Immune System Triggers

Infections or other immune system challenges can simultaneously activate skin cell overproduction in multiple areas.

External Irritants

Harsh skincare products and exposure to allergens or environmental pollutants can irritate the skin, triggering new lesions.

Lifestyle-Related Factors

Unhealthy habits, such as poor nutrition or lack of exercise, can exacerbate inflammation, making it easier for psoriasis to spread.

These are some of the common routes and triggers that contribute to the future spread of psoriasis symptoms on the body.

Is There Any Way to Prevent Psoriasis Spread?

Given how progressive psoriasis is and how rapidly it can spread throughout the body, one common question patients have is regarding preventive measures.

To be fair, there’s not much you need to do to change your psoriasis symptoms positively. A few simple switches and healthier choices can make all the difference.

Some of them include:

1. Adopt a Psoriasis-Friendly Diet

Your diet can make or break the spread and severity of your psoriasis symptoms. In fact, if you rely on an unhealthy diet full of processed foods, you are likely increasing the inflammation in your body, further worsening your psoriasis.

To keep psoriasis in check, eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, and add fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet. Avoid processed foods, sugary snacks, red meat, etc.

2. Manage Your Stress

One of the most common triggers behind the spread of psoriasis is stress. It is an unsung yet heavily influencing trigger that further contributes to spreading the scaly patches and plaques on the skin.

So, to keep the symptoms in check, you must practice certain stress management techniques like yoga, meditation and therapy.

3. Avoid Skin Trauma

Sudden injuries like cuts, scrapes, and wounds can lead to further overproduction of skin cells due to the hyperactivity of the immune system. This, in turn, can lead to further spread of psoriasis symptoms. This is why it is important to avoid any kind of skin trauma that you might be dealing with.

4. Stay Consistent with Treatment

If you have been formally diagnosed with psoriasis and are undergoing treatment, ensure that you follow the treatment guidelines as suggested and prescribed by the doctors. Regularly using topical treatments, phototherapy, or systemic medications can help control symptoms and ensure the plaques don’t spread further. (Also Read: What is the fastest way to cure psoriasis on the scalp?)

Kayakalp Global’s Approach to Psoriasis Management

Dealing with psoriasis symptoms can be daunting and uncomfortable, too, which is where our specialists at Kayakalp Global come to your rescue. Your battle with psoriasis doesn’t have to be complicated.

With a comprehensive first consultation to a personalised treatment plan that addresses every underlying trigger of the patient, our specialists are focused on eradicating the disease from the route. With an integrated approach blending Ayurveda and modern medicine, we bring treatment options that yield high success rates.

Our treatment for psoriasis involves applying oils and creams, followed by sun exposure, which effectively manages the immune response over time and prevents future flare-ups for the patient.

If you are looking for comprehensive and holistic treatment for your psoriasis, we urge you to schedule a consultation with our specialists as soon as possible.

Time to Make a Positive Change with Kayakalp Global!

Dealing with psoriasis is bound to take a toll on your physical and mental health, but don’t let the disease take control over your life. You can manage its symptoms effectively and prevent its spread with the right care and guidance. At Kayakalp Global, we are dedicated to helping you achieve healthier, clearer skin through the best psoriasis treatment in India.

Call us at 91-9599794433
Email us at [email protected]
Visit https://www.kayakalpglobal.com/

Take control of your psoriasis with Kayakalp Global today!

Explore More About Psoriasis:

Picture getting up one morning to discover that the psoriasis-related irritation, redness, and scaling that have been bothering you for a long time have greatly decreased. For many, thanks to advancements in modern medicine, this is now a reality rather than simply a fantasy. Rest assured, you're not the only one who is trying to manage their psoriasis and is thinking, "What is the best injection for psoriasis?" Injectable therapies have revolutionized the treatment of psoriasis in recent years, particularly for mild serious cases. These therapies provide long-lasting comfort by addressing the root causes as well as the symptoms. Kayakalp Global is a reputable brand for the Best Psoriasis Treatment since we specialize in holistic care that blends contemporary medical techniques with conventional methods. Let's discuss Injectable treatments, how they work, and why can they be the answer to your psoriasis management. When It's Time for Injections More than merely a skin ailment, psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system accelerates the skin cells' life cycle. Rapid cell accumulation results from this, creating thick, scaly regions that may itch, burn, or hurt. Although many people respond well to topical therapies and phototherapy, injections are frequently advised when: It's mild to severe psoriasis. It affects large parts of the body. Light therapy and creams don't work effectively for the symptoms. There is psoriatic arthritis, which results in swelling and discomfort in the joints. Because injectable therapies target the underlying cause of psoriasis by regulating the immune response …

Why Does Psoriasis Spread?

What are the Types of Psoriasis and Their Spread?